• Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Activity, Change, Progress

  • HOME
  • How to
    • Preschool
    • Kindergarten
    • Middle School
    • High School
  • Planner
  • Lapbooks
    • Trioramas
    • History Games
  • Shop
  • GET STARTED NOW!
    • Learning Styles
  • 7 Step Planner
    • DIY Best Student Planner
    • Free & Easy DIY Home Management Binder
  • Unit Studies
    • Creation to Ancients
    • Middle Ages to Reform
    • Exploring to Revolution
    • World Wars to Today
    • Science
    • Free Art Curriculum Grades 1 – 8
  • Curriculum
    • More Unit Studies
    • Geography
    • Writing PreK to 12th
    • Geronimo Stilton
  • BootCamp
    • Resources
      • Dynamic Subscriber Freebies
      • Exclusive Subscribers Library
      • Ultimate Unit Study Planner

back to school crafts

8 Back To School Crafts For Middle Schoolers | How To Make Fun Literature Themed Shoes

July 19, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

There are so many fun back to school crafts for middle schoolers to get them excited about a new year of incredible learning. Also, look at my page The Dynamics of How to Homeschool Easily and Smarter for more fun ideas and tips. And my page How to Successfully Homeschool Middle School.

An avid reader will love recreating the pages of their favorite book onto a pair of slip-on shoes for the cutest literature themed shoes.

I chose Anne of Green Gables.

8 Back To School Crafts For Middle Schoolers | How To Make Fun Literature Themed Shoes

But your child can opt for any book they choose.

For example, Little Women, The Secret Garden, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, The Hobbit, or any other novel.

You just need white canvas shoes.

 I found a pair at Hobby Lobby for just $7.

Also, you’ll need a variety of sharpie markers or fabric paints and some inspiration found in a treasured book.

We have kind of become addicted.

And will probably be creating several fun pairs of these shoes to highlight our favorite books and characters.

If that is not enough back to school fun, I have 8 more intriguing back to school crafts for middle schoolers.

From notebooks to organization ideas, grab one or more ideas create a memorable first day or week of the new school year.

8 Back To School Crafts For Middle Schoolers | How To Make Fun Literature Themed Shoes

8 Back To School Crafts For Middle Schoolers

  1. Isn’t this the COOLEST COLOR CHANGING NOTEBOOK | DIY NOTEBOOK COVER | SCHOOL SUPPLIES_CRAFTS? What a unique craft for keeping your daily journaling or copywork
  2. Check out this Clever DIY Dollar Tree Desk Organizer Back to School Craft that is inexpensive and can help tidy up your desk quickly and easily.
  3. Never lose your place with cute and easy Washi Tape Bookmarks to mark your spot.
  4. Make an DIY Easy Duct Tape Pencil Pouch Back to School Kids Craft that can also be used to store journaling supplies, makeup, or even jewelry.
  5. Create a Fidget Spinner DIY to keep hands busy while they listen to an educational podcast, read aloud, or watch a history video.
  6. Keep appointments, field trips, and more organized on this dry erase Paint Sample Calendar.
  7. Your middle schooler can say goodbye to boring #2 pencils when they DIY School Supplies into their favorite colors.
  8. This no sew Kindle Cover video creates a great place to store your small tablet for books and web surfing using the box that it came in.
  9. Cute Clay Pencil Earrings for Back to School Crafts For Kids

Now let’s move onto creating these fun themed shoes that will make a splash at the grocery store, co-op, or on your next visit to the library.

How To Make Fun Literature Themed Shoes

You will need:

  • Slip on white canvas sneakers
  • Sharpie Markers
  • Pigma Micron 1.0 or larger
  • Pencil
  • Optional- Water Proofing Spray
8 Back To School Crafts For Middle Schoolers | How To Make Fun Literature Themed Shoes

To begin, I recommend sketching out your designs with a pencil on copy paper until you get them just the way you like.

Choose characters, scenes and items that stand out to you and will easily identify your theme.

8 Back To School Crafts For Middle Schoolers | How To Make Fun Literature Themed Shoes

Now take your pencil and lightly draw the designs onto your shoes all the way around.

Do this carefully as the pencil erases somewhat but not completely.

Make sure to cover all pencil with outline or marker fill in.

8 Back To School Crafts For Middle Schoolers | How To Make Fun Literature Themed Shoes

Once you have your designs all sketched out on the shoe and you like it, trace the outline of each with the Micron pen.

This does not bleed like a Sharpie does.

8 Back To School Crafts For Middle Schoolers | How To Make Fun Literature Themed Shoes

Carefully color in each of your designs.

Stay slightly inside the black outlines as it will spread slightly.

You can always go back and add more color where needed.

8 Back To School Crafts For Middle Schoolers | How To Make Fun Literature Themed Shoes

Of course, Green Gables and Anne had to feature front and center.

To tidy up your drawings you can go back over the lines where the sharpie has bled onto them.

Place shoes in a pillowcase and tie a knot in it.

Throw in the dryer with towels or something else and run on high heat for 20 minutes to set color.

You can also run a hot iron or a blow dryer over each part to help set the ink.

If desired to protect your design more you can spray with a water based waterproof spray.

Sharpie is not waterproof and will likely smear if you get these shoes wet.

Here is a peek at the other 3 sides to the shoes.

Let’s see if you are a big fan of Green Gables and how much you recognize from the story.

The book itself, and of course cherry cordial

8 Back To School Crafts For Middle Schoolers | How To Make Fun Literature Themed Shoes

The broken satchel Anne came with and a cup for tea time.

8 Back To School Crafts For Middle Schoolers | How To Make Fun Literature Themed Shoes

A bundle of her beloved schoolbooks and a bouquet of the flowers she cherished so much.

8 Back To School Crafts For Middle Schoolers | How To Make Fun Literature Themed Shoes

More Back to School Craft Ideas

  • Fun Upcycled T Shirt Library Tote Back to School Kids Craft
  • Clever DIY Dollar Tree Desk Organizer Back to School Craft
  • DIY Easy Duct Tape Pencil Pouch Back to School Kids Craft
  • How to Make a Boys Duct Tape Wallet Back to School Craft
  • Cute Clay Pencil Earrings for Back to School Crafts For Kids
  • 15 Easy Back to School Crafts And Make A Yarn Wrapped Pencil
  • Back To Homeschool Student Notebook Covers
  • How to Create Easy Back to School Basket Ideas for Middle School (Anatomy)
  • Apple Themed Back to School Crafts & Fun Calming Apple Jar Craft
  • 8 Back To School Crafts For Middle Schoolers | How To Make Fun Literature Themed Shoes

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: back to school crafts, fall crafts, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, literature

How to Make a Boys Duct Tape Wallet Back to School Craft

July 17, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

If you need a back to school craft or two then you want to keep on reading. Also, look at my page The Dynamics of How to Homeschool Easily and Smarter for more fun ideas and tips.

I am showing you how to put together a super cool duct tape wallet.

But I have loads of resources for teaching about money for all ages.

How to Make a Boys Duct Tape Wallet Back to School Craft

If you are looking for a fun and frugal back to school craft that your kids will love to make and then carry them with them everywhere.

Just because our kids are not going back to a public-school building does not mean they have to miss out on back-to-school crafts.

We just call it ‘back to homeschool’.

Books & Resources for Learning About Money

Even if you opt to do year-round homeschool with smaller breaks you usually have breaks.

There is a small time of year when you kick off a new curriculum, new experiences, start co-op, etc.

This time we are going to be making duct tape wallets.

Dad has been using duct tape for years and years to repair everything from leaky faucets to broken handles.

But it has become a versatile product for crafters as well.

First teach your kids how to identify bills and coins and give change back.

Then, they’re going to need somewhere to store it all right? Enter this duct tape wallet.

But first here are some amazing resources and ideas for teaching your kids the importance of the dollar.

Too, I’ve included counting, budgeting and learning how to make more of it resources.

8 Rad Money Resources to Teach Money For All Ages

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

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

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

The Toothpaste Millionaire

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

Learning Resources Money Bags Coin Value Game

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

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

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

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

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

Managing Your Money (Usborne Life Skills)

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

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

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

Economics for Beginners

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

Also, look at these other back to school crafts for homeschooled kids.

More Not Back to School Crafts for Homeschooled Kids

  • How to Make Easy Bath Bombs Back to School Craft
  • How to Make a Boys Duct Tape Wallet Back to School Craft
  • Free and Fun Homeschool Planner Stickers Back To School Craft
  • Fun Upcycled T Shirt Library Tote Back to School Kids Craft
  • 8 Back To School Crafts For Middle Schoolers | How To Make Fun Literature Themed Shoes
  • Clever DIY Dollar Tree Desk Organizer Back to School Craft
  • DIY Easy Duct Tape Pencil Pouch Back to School Kids Craft
  • How to Create Easy Back to School Basket Ideas for Middle School (Anatomy)
  • Back To Homeschool Student Notebook Covers
  • Cute Clay Pencil Earrings for Back to School Crafts For Kids
  • How to Make An Adorable Trinket Dish Handcraft For Kindergarten
  • Apple Themed Back to School Crafts & Fun Calming Apple Jar Craft
  • 15 Easy Back to School Crafts And Make A Yarn Wrapped Pencil
How to Make a Boys Duct Tape Wallet Back to School Craft

Finally, look at how to make this boys duct tape wallet.

Not Back to School Craft Boys Duct Tape Wallet

You will need:

  • 2 colors/patterns of duct tape
  • Scissors
  • ruler
How to Make a Boys Duct Tape Wallet Back to School Craft

First, cut four 9’ lengths of duct tape and overlap them ¼” to ½” sticky side up.

How to Make a Boys Duct Tape Wallet Back to School Craft

Repeat with another 4 and press them sticky side to sticky side.

You can make both sides the same or use different patterns for each side.

How to Make a Boys Duct Tape Wallet Back to School Craft

Trim up each side with scissors to even everything up, cutting your wallet down to about 8”x6”.

Next cut two strips just a little longer than 8” and press the sticky sides together.

How to Make a Boys Duct Tape Wallet Back to School Craft

Lay along the bottom of the inside of the wallet and trim it to the same size as the base piece.

How to Make a Boys Duct Tape Wallet Back to School Craft

Then you can either cut a strip of your other color of tape in half or use 2” tape like this that I found at Hobby Lobby.

Then, place half of it on one side then fold the other half over to the other side of each end to hold your money pocket in place.

Fold the wallet base in half and crease it sharply to find the middle.

Now you want to cut two 4” strips and stick them together sticky side to sticky side.

Cover the top and bottom edges by folding thin strips of tape equally over each side.

Place it on one side of your wallet or the other and taping into place on the interior side.

Trim the edge that it is even.

This will create a little “credit card pocket”.

You can create a second one by making the next one ¼” shorter so the cards overlap but are visible.

How to Make a Boys Duct Tape Wallet Back to School Craft

Finally, run your alternating color around the entire wallet.

Fold it in half over the edges to give it strength, a clean edge and close up the openings of your pockets. 

You can also cut out some additional shapes or strips like we did here to add a little design flair to your wallet.

At first your wallet will tend to pop open but if you put it folded in half under a stack of heavy books for a day or two it will stay closed much easier.

How to Make a Boys Duct Tape Wallet Back to School Craft

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: back to school crafts, crafts, handicraft

How to Make An Adorable Trinket Dish Handcraft For Kindergarten

July 25, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, we’re making an adorable trinket dish handcraft for kindergarten. Also, grab my other tips, ideas, and crafts for kindergarten on my page Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum.

There is nothing sweeter than a handmade craft using little ones’ literal hands.

This trinket dish handcraft for kindergarten is a wonderful way to keep those hands little forever.

I love all sorts of handprint crafts for toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarteners.

How to Make An Adorable Trinket Dish Handcraft For Kindergarten

But there is something special about this one that can be used every day and will be a reminder for years to come of how sweet those hands were.

At this age, you are really beginning to see those lightbulbs go off in their head.

Kindergarten is such a sweet time and grade.

You are really beginning to see those lightbulbs go off in their head.

They are not babies but not yet adolescents.

15 Ways to Make a Handcraft for Kindergarten

School is fresh and new for them, and most projects are met with fun fresh eyes.

Besides the tutorial for the trinket dish, I gathered up 14 more fun ways to make a hand craft for kindergarten.

You will find paper crafts, more clay, hand towels, and lots of other neat ideas.

14 Ideas for Handcrafts for Kindergarten

Add a few of these handcrafts to begin your learning day or use some of them for back to school memories.

Photo Credit: thechirpingmoms.com

Flamingo Handprint with a Book & Snack Too!

 Collectively, flamingos are a favorite in our house, so this sweet book was an instant hit

Photo Credit: www.shared.com

Tiny Little Hands You Can Take Everywhere with You That Will Melt Your Heart!

Do your little ones come home from school with those adorable paper handprint crafts they make from time to time? Mine sure do! However, I must admit they sometimes end up in the back of a drawer or torn, which is why I must tell you about these fantastic shrinky dink handprint keychains!

Photo Credit: fromabcstoacts.com

All About Me Hand Print Book for Preschoolers

Even if they’re technically not in the reading stage just yet, creating a book that is all about them is such a fun way to get your preschooler excited about learning!

Photo Credit: www.artycraftykids.com

Autumn Handprint Tree

Autumn is a gorgeous, colourful season that never fails to get the creative juices flowing and if you’re looking for an opportunity to explore simple colour-mixing techniques within a seasonal theme, then this Autumn Handprint Tree art project is the one for you.

Photo Credit: theimaginationtree.com

Sand Clay Recipe and Handprint Keepsakes

Make some handprint keepsakes using this simple, homemade sand clay recipe for long-lasting memories and sweet gifts. Add shells and treasures collected on beach visits too, to incorporate holiday memories which will last.

Photo Credit: www.midgetmomma.com

Leaf Handprint towel

These cute DIY Leaf Handprint Hand towels are a cute way to dress up your kitchen for the fall season. Handprint crafts are such a fun and easy way to decorate and keep the memories of when the kids are little!

Photo Credit: www.avasalphabet.com

Homemade Handprint Garden Stones

Do you have someone in your life who uses their hands to care for others in all they do? When I reflect on this question, I instantly think about my mom. She loves to nurture her friends and family, plants and animals and all living things

Photo Credit: childhoodmagic.com

Cactus Handprint Craft An Easy Handprint Art Idea

  • Handprint art is fun and accessible for all ages of children. My elementary-age daughter enjoys these projects and they are great for babies and toddlers as well.
Photo Credit: myhomebasedlife.com

Mail A Hug |

Looking for an easy and thoughtful kid friendly craft to do for someone that you miss!? This mail a hug is the perfect activity. 

Photo Credit: www.gluedtomycraftsblog.com

Handprint Graduation Keepsake

Are you looking for a creative and meaningful way to commemorate your child’s graduation? Why not make something they can cherish forever- a keepsake handprint craft that doubles as décor or even a gift!

Photo Credit: www.thebestideasforkids.com

Handprint Suncatcher

There’s nothing better than a homemade craft that doubles as a keepsake. Today we have this adorable handprint suncatcher craft to share with you.

Photo Credit: www.messylittlemonster.com

Handprint Flowers - Paper Lily Handprint Craft

There's something so special about our children's handprints when they're little! We love making handprint crafts at home; it's such a lovely way to treasure childhood memories as our little ones grow.

Photo Credit: www.gluedtomycraftsblog.com

Handprint Fish Puppets - Craft Idea For Kids

This fun kids craft is perfect for a pretend “under the sea” show. All you need are some inexpensive materials and a little imagination!

Photo Credit: www.easypeasyandfun.com

Chicken Handprint Craft for Kids

Hand print arts and crafts were always popular with younger kids, I mean who doesn’t love to use their hand as a paintbrush?

Next, look at some more kindergarten homeschool rresources.

More Kindergarten Homeschool Resources

  • Shark and Oceans for Kindergarten Fun Sight Word Activity
  • 12 Easy Pick Up And Go Homeschool Kindergarten History Curriculum
  • How To Determine The Best Beginner Reading Books For Kindergarten & Recommendations
  • 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
How to Make An Adorable Trinket Dish Handcraft For Kindergarten

Finally, look how to make this fun and adorable trinket dish for your precious little one.

How to Make a Trinket Dish Handcraft for Kindergarten

There are so many sweet ways you can use this keepsake trinket dish, from storing keys to spare change out of your pockets.

I enjoy using this type of clay with little ones because it is much less messy than other kinds and is so easy for them to work with.

You will need:

  • Crayola Model Magic
  • Craft Paint
  • Paint brushes
  • Clay roller /rolling pin
  • Clay cutter/ craft stick
  • Shallow bowl
How to Make An Adorable Trinket Dish Handcraft For Kindergarten

First, begin by having your child roll out their clay to about ⅓” to ½” thickness.

Handcraft for Kindergarten

Make the whole piece a little larger than their hand.

How to Make An Adorable Trinket Dish Handcraft For Kindergarten

Next, press their hand firmly into the clay. You will want to push on every finger and the palm to get a good impression.

How to Make An Adorable Trinket Dish Handcraft For Kindergarten

Too, cut a circle around it, you can cut freehand or use a bowl as a guide. Let them do as much as they are able.

How to Make An Adorable Trinket Dish Handcraft For Kindergarten

Next, lay it gently inside a bowl or basket to give it a slightly rounded shape,

Also, you should not need to press firmly and lose any detail, it should naturally curve into shape.

How to Make An Adorable Trinket Dish Handcraft For Kindergarten

Set aside to dry.

Have your child fashion a small heart from a leftover piece of model magic and press it a little flatter.

How to Make An Adorable Trinket Dish Handcraft For Kindergarten

Allow both pieces to dry, you will find that it is somewhat dry after 24 hours and will be completely dry after 72 hours.

Paint the heart and set it aside to dry.

How to Make An Adorable Trinket Dish Handcraft For Kindergarten

Paint the hand, I find that watering down your craft paint makes it flow much better and helps the details, like the ridges in the hand pop a little more.

How to Make An Adorable Trinket Dish Handcraft For Kindergarten

Carefully paint around the hand with contrasting watered-down paint.

How to Make An Adorable Trinket Dish Handcraft For Kindergarten

Glue the heart into the place and let it dry.

Once dry flip the dish over and write your child’s name and date on the back in permanent marker (especially if you have more than one child to keep track of!)

You can use your trinket dish to hold small toys, jewelry, paper clips, and other small items.

How to Make An Adorable Trinket Dish Handcraft For Kindergarten

Or your glasses on the side table…

How to Make An Adorable Trinket Dish Handcraft For Kindergarten

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: back to school crafts, crafts, kindergarten

Apple Themed Back to School Crafts & Fun Calming Apple Jar Craft

July 18, 2023 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I have some apple themed back to school crafts. Also, look at my page The Dynamics of How to Homeschool Easily and Smarter for more fun ideas and tips. and my Apple Lapbook and Apple Unit Study.

Hard to believe that summer is halfway over, isn’t it?

We are already working on back to school crafts over here and I have a fun calming apple jar for you.

It is a simple little craft that is perfect for children who need a fixed visual to help soothe and calm them when frustrated.

Apple Themed Back to School Crafts & Fun Calming Apple Jar Craft

Just give it a little shake and have them slowly breathe and watch the glitter as it falls and by the time it’s done falling most little frayed nerves are soothed.

You can use any jar you have on hand that has a screw-on lid- plastic or glass, jelly jar or mason jar.

We went with classic red, but you could make yours green, yellow, or go with all 3 for a complete set.

As soon as summer is over, we start jumping right into apple-themed everything, especially with the younger learners.

Books About Apples

And I also have some more apple themed back to school crafts, books, games, and other ideas to launch your new school year.

Fun Learning About Apples Books and Resources

You will of course need a few great books that not only teach but that your kids will enjoy, a fun game or two, and maybe a few other items to make a fun apple unit.

Apples (New & Updated Edition)

Discover the well-loved tradition of growing and picking apples - a fruit that has been in existence for about two million years. Explore the history of the apple but also the way that families and farmers grow and care for apple trees today, from planting to selling, to turning them into delicious treats and using them for classic games like "bobbing for apples" .

How Do Apples Grow?

This is a clear and appealing environmental science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom.

Questions addressed in this book include:

  • Did you know that when you bite into an apple, you're eating part of a flower?
  • Why do apple trees need bees to make apples?
  • How does the tree feed the growing apples and make them ready to eat?

Read and find out in the proven winner How Do Apples Grow!

My Little Golden Book About Johnny Appleseed

In this simple yet lively book, preschoolers will be introduced to John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed. Lyrical text and bright, appealing artwork capture the essence of this important American and early conservationist who traveled the country planting apple trees. Little ones will enjoy engaging anecdotes about Johnny Appleseed, beginning with the young John, who liked to walk barefoot in the cool, quiet woods.

Ten Apples Up On Top!

Don't let the apples drop! Three animal friends practice balancing apples on their heads in this hilarious introduction to counting, illustrated by Roy Mckie. The sturdy board book teaches all about numbers, with a dose of signature Seuss charm. Kids will learn to count to ten--and want to start all over again!

SmartGames Apple Twist Travel Puzzle Game with 60 Challenges

  • An "apple" game board with five twisting levels to create different puzzles!
  • Includes 60 challenges and is great for on the go fun.
  • Helps develop Spatial Insight, Problem Solving, Planning and Logic Skills
  • All SmartGames are made with the highest quality materials to ensure long product life
  • Set Includes twisting apple game board, 3 caterpillar puzzle pieces and challenge booklet

How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World (Dragonfly Books)

Bake a delicious apple pie--and take a trip with this culinary global adventure!An apple pie is easy to make...if the market is open. But if the market is closed, the world becomes your grocery store. This picture book takes readers around the globe to gather ingredients for a delicious apple pie. First hop a steamboat to Italy for the finest semolina wheat. Then hitch a ride to England and hijack a cow for the freshest possible milk. And, oh yes! Don't forget to go apple picking in Vermont! A simple recipe for apple pie is included.

LeapFrog Tad's Fridge Phonics Magnetic Letter Set

Choose a level and push the letter tiles into the letter slot to reinforce letter names, phonics and word skills
Magnetic back makes it great for fridge play in the kitchen
26 magnetic letter tiles stick to the fridge and help kids learn the shape of each letter
Three photo tiles can be customized with your own photos for a unique, personalized play experience.

Food Anatomy: The Curious Parts & Pieces of Our Edible World

Get your recommended daily allowance of facts and fun with Food Anatomy, the third book in Julia Rothman’s best-selling Anatomy series. She starts with an illustrated history of food and ends with a global tour of street eats. Along the way, Rothman serves up a hilarious primer on short-order egg lingo and a mouthwatering menu of how people around the planet serve fried potatoes — and what we dip them in. Award-winning food journalist Rachel Wharton lends her expertise to this light-hearted exploration of everything food that bursts with little-known facts and delightful drawings. Everyday diners and seasoned foodies alike are sure to eat it up. 

Then look at these hands-on activities.

Back to School Crafts and Apple Activities

I found a great selection of easy apple crafts to build a fun first week on, from tasty treats to paper crafts.

Apple Themed Back to School Crafts & Fun Calming Apple Jar Craft
  • Make Your Own Easy Paper Apple Craft with Free Printable Template.
  • Apples Unit How to Make a Fall Kids Garland Apple Craft
  • Homemade Kids Play Recipe: Apple Pie Play Dough.
  • Paper Plate Apple Lacing Craft.
  • Free Homeschool Volcano Unit Study and Fun Apple Volcano
  • Textured Art: Cinnamon Painted Apple Craft for Preschoolers.
  • Kids Fun Hands-on Apple Unit Make Dried Apple Slices
  • Easy Paper  Quilling  Apple Craft.
  • Chocolate-Covered Oreo Apples with Candy Worms.
  • Dried Apple Crafts: Hands-on Fun Shrunken Head Apple Craft for Kids
  • Apple Squeeze Balls Stacking Activity for Fall.
  • Scented Apple Sensory Bin Using Dyed Chickpeas.

Apple Themed Back to School Crafts & Fun Calming Apple Jar Craft

Finally, look how to make this fun apple calming jar.

How to Make An Easy Apple Calming Jar

You will need:

  • Jar with lid
  • Distilled water
  • Clear glue
  • Red glitter
  • Red food coloring
  • Green craft
  • Small wood piece or small stick
  • Hot glue/super glue
Apple Themed Back to School Crafts & Fun Calming Apple Jar Craft

First, you can make your glitter jars any size you like, 8 oz is a pretty good size and gives time for the calming part to kick in.

The key is to remember equal parts water and clear glue.

Heat water to hot but not quite boiling.

The water needs to be hot for the glue to melt into it, otherwise, they will stay separate and not give you the right effect.

Pour water into the jar, you can use plastic if you feel safer than using a glass mason jar.

Apple Themed Back to School Crafts & Fun Calming Apple Jar Craft

Add a couple of drops of red food coloring.

Apple Themed Back to School Crafts & Fun Calming Apple Jar Craft

Pour in a generous amount of red glitter, you measure this one with your heart.

Apple Themed Back to School Crafts & Fun Calming Apple Jar Craft

Replace the lid and give it a shake, happy with the color and amount of glitter?

If not, add more and then it’s time to move on to the next part.

Apple Themed Back to School Crafts & Fun Calming Apple Jar Craft

After painting (or using markers to color it brown with hot glue your stem on the top of the lid.

I used a small wooden spool I have for our stem, but you could also break off a small stick from the yard, or use just about any little wood scrap you have.

Apple Themed Back to School Crafts & Fun Calming Apple Jar Craft

Cut a leaf shape out of craft foam, bend it, and put a little crease in the middle.

Apple Themed Back to School Crafts & Fun Calming Apple Jar Craft

Glue the leaf to the stem.

Wipe off the lip of the jar and make sure there is no water or glitter on it.

Finally, you want to put some glue around the threads on the jar and put the lid into place, so your child doesn’t open it and pour glitter water everywhere. 

You could also use superglue instead.

Apple Themed Back to School Crafts & Fun Calming Apple Jar Craft

More Back to School Crafts

  • Fun Upcycled T Shirt Library Tote Back to School Kids Craft
  • Clever DIY Dollar Tree Desk Organizer Back to School Craft
  • DIY Easy Duct Tape Pencil Pouch Back to School Kids Craft
  • How to Make a Boys Duct Tape Wallet Back to School Craft
  • Cute Clay Pencil Earrings for Back to School Crafts For Kids
  • 15 Easy Back to School Crafts And Make A Yarn Wrapped Pencil
  • Back To Homeschool Student Notebook Covers
  • How to Create Easy Back to School Basket Ideas for Middle School (Anatomy)
  • Apple Themed Back to School Crafts & Fun Calming Apple Jar Craft
  • 8 Back To School Crafts For Middle Schoolers | How To Make Fun Literature Themed Shoes

1 CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: apples, back to school crafts, crafts, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling

15 Easy Back to School Crafts And Make A Yarn Wrapped Pencil

July 5, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have some easy back to school crafts today. Also, look at my page The Dynamics of How to Homeschool Easily and Smarter for more fun ideas and tips.

Just because your homeschoolers aren’t heading back to a red brick building with lockers, bells, backpacks doesn’t mean they still won’t enjoy creating easy back to school crafts to celebrate a new year of learning.

This fun yarn-wrapped pencil craft is a fun one for kids.

15 Easy Back to School Crafts And Make A Yarn Wrapped Pencil

Add your family name with stickers or small chipboard letters or tuck the supplies in your morning basket for the first day of school for everyone to create their own.

Back to School Crafts

We still enjoy freshly sharpened pencils, a new box of crayons, and new books as much as anyone so let’s have fun and take a little time to create some easy back-to-school crafts with the kids to mark a new year.

Besides this yarn wrapped pencil, I have rounded up 15 other easy back-to-school crafts from organizers to decorations.

15 Easy Back to School Crafts

From preschoolers to teens there is something here for everyone, even an excited mom to enjoy.

How to Make Easy Bath Bombs Back to School Craft

Today your kids can learn how to make easy bath bombs back to school craft. Set your homeschool up for success by starting off with something fun. Enjoy a little science, art, math, and more while you make these homemade bath bombs with your kids for a little back to school routine fun. They aren’t just for the kids though. Toss one in your next bath and ignore the banging at the door.
Photo Credit: www.theidearoom.net

DIY Back To School Craft

This No. 2 Pencil vase is perfect for a back-to-school gift or classroom decor. And it is a budget-friendly upcyle, too!

Free and Fun Homeschool Planner Stickers Back To School Craft

Today I have a homeschool planner stickers back to school craft. Whether you do this craft for your homeschool planner or do it as part of your homeschool year, it’s fun.

Photo Credit: artsycraftsymom.com

Pipe Cleaner Pencil Topper Bird Craft | Back to School DIY tutorial

Add spunk, color and loads of cuteness to your kids’ pencils. This pipe cleaner pencil topper bird craft is an absolutely adorable accessory.

Fun Upcycled T Shirt Library Tote Back to School Kids Craft

This upcycled t shirt library tote back to school kids craft is so fun and sassy. And learning how to homeschool means we love visiting the library.

It is almost time for public school to ring back into session and for homeschoolers to come out of hiding.

Photo Credit: onelittleproject.com

Monster Bookmarks

I’m sharing a super easy craft that will work for your summer reader as well as getting ready for back to school.

DIY Easy Duct Tape Pencil Pouch Back to School Kids Craft

This diy easy duct tape pencil pouch back to school craft is a great way to start your year. Before you jump into learning how to homeschool or a full schedule, have some fun first.

Photo Credit: www.handmadecharlotte.com

Back-to-School Pencil Shaving Garland

As we wrap up the end of summer here, and get ready to head back to school, I have mixed emotions. While I will miss the slower pace, and the kids, I definitely will NOT miss the sibling rivalry! Shopping for all the fun school supplies has me dreaming up some back-to-school party ideas.

Photo Credit: kidsactivitiesblog.com

Cute Tissue Paper Apple Craft Perfect for Back to School

This tissue paper apple craft works great for kids of all ages, even the younger kids in preschool and Kindergarten. Use the free printable apple template included below.

How to Create Easy Back to School Basket Ideas for Middle School (Anatomy)

Easy back to school basket ideas for middle school is not only a great craft idea, but it gets your students excited about the new homeschool year. And check out more tips on my page homeschool middle school.

Photo Credit: www.recyclart.org

Wood Pencil Holder • Recyclart

Andrea Hudson of the blog Strawberry Chic shares this simple DIY accessory that’ll add a perfect touch of rustic, organic charm to your office, kitchen nook, or craft areas. 

Photo Credit: tinasdynamichomeschoolplus.com

Cute Clay Pencil Earrings for Back to School Crafts For Kids

These cute clay pencil earrings for back to school crafts are plain fun. Besides the dynamics of how to homeschool means celebrating the start of each new year.

Photo Credit: teachingmama.org

Pencil Sensory Bottle

It’s time to share my sensory bottle of the month! This month I’m going with the theme “Back to School”. I decided to make a sensory bottle look like a pencil! It was a fun little experiment

Photo Credit: www.idigpinterest.com

DIY Tin Can Desk Supply Organizer

It’s back to school time, which means organizing and preparing for change!  I’m embracing it wholeheartedly with this cute DIY desk supply organization station.

Photo Credit: tinasdynamichomeschoolplus.com

Clever DIY Dollar Tree Desk Organizer Back to School Craft

This clever diy Dollar Tree desk organizer back to school craft is just the perfect idea to organize your homeschool places. Besides the dynamics of how to homeschool means organizing learning areas.

How to Make an Easy Back to School Yarn Wrapped Pencil

This yarn wrapped pencil is a great upcycle project too for all those Amazon boxes that have been coming bringing new supplies or curriculum.

15 Easy Back to School Crafts And Make A Yarn Wrapped Pencil

You will need:

  • Cardboard
  • scissors
  • Pink yarn
  • Yellow yarn
  • Gray yarn
  • Tan yarn
  • Markers
  • Hot glue gun
15 Easy Back to School Crafts And Make A Yarn Wrapped Pencil

First, cut out a pencil shape in any size you like ours is 12” x 4” using scissors or a straight edge boxcutter blade.

15 Easy Back to School Crafts And Make A Yarn Wrapped Pencil

For younger children, you might go ahead and color in each section to give them a little bit of a guide on how far to go with each color.

This also helps if there are pieces of cardboard showing through.

15 Easy Back to School Crafts And Make A Yarn Wrapped Pencil

Hot glue the end of your pink yarn to the cardboard and wrap the entire section.

When it is covered snip the end and glue that in place.

15 Easy Back to School Crafts And Make A Yarn Wrapped Pencil

To finish off the very end I just wrapped and glued the pink yarn all the way across.

15 Easy Back to School Crafts And Make A Yarn Wrapped Pencil

Move to the next color (gray) and secure the end down and wrap again as far as you wish to go.

15 Easy Back to School Crafts And Make A Yarn Wrapped Pencil

Repeat with yellow, covering the pencil well up near the pointed end.

15 Easy Back to School Crafts And Make A Yarn Wrapped Pencil

Color the pencil tip black with a marker.

You could also continue with a bit of black yarn but that takes a lot more glue to attach it so I find it just as effective to color it in.

Wrap the final part with a tan color to represent the exposed wood and secure the end with hot glue. I like to tuck a couple of strands of tan underneath the yellow.

You can use it as a display on your back-to-school table, a tiered tray, or anywhere else you want to add a bit of back-to-school whimsy.

15 Easy Back to School Crafts And Make A Yarn Wrapped Pencil

More Back to School Craft Ideas

  • Fun Upcycled T Shirt Library Tote Back to School Kids Craft
  • Clever DIY Dollar Tree Desk Organizer Back to School Craft
  • DIY Easy Duct Tape Pencil Pouch Back to School Kids Craft
  • How to Make a Boys Duct Tape Wallet Back to School Craft
  • Cute Clay Pencil Earrings for Back to School Crafts For Kids
  • 15 Easy Back to School Crafts And Make A Yarn Wrapped Pencil
  • Back To Homeschool Student Notebook Covers
  • How to Create Easy Back to School Basket Ideas for Middle School (Anatomy)
  • Apple Themed Back to School Crafts & Fun Calming Apple Jar Craft
  • 8 Back To School Crafts For Middle Schoolers | How To Make Fun Literature Themed Shoes

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: back to school crafts, crafts, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling

  • Page 1
  • Page 2
  • Page 3
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Footer

Privacy Policy | About Me | Reviews | Contact | Advertise

Categories

Archives

Tina Robertson is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 · 5 TNT LLC · Log in · Privacy Policy