crafts

How to Make Fun Watermelon Seed Slime For Summer Learning

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

Summer is rapidly coming to an end but there is plenty of time to enjoy this watermelon seed slime. You may also love my page Free Summer Unit Study for more ideas.

Watermelon is easily one of the most popular summer snacks and themes so there was no way I was skipping over the fun of this one.

How to Make Fun Watermelon Seed Slime For Summer Learning

Slime is a surefire hit with kids every time and this is a unique, borax-free slime recipe that they will love to stretch, squeeze, and watch it ooze.

August 3rd is National Watermelon Day,

if you enjoy celebrating the simple things as well as the big ones like I do then this is a great activity to do with your child before cooler weather takes over.

5 Watermelon Facts

Watermelons are made up of 92% water and 8% sugar.
You can eat the whole thing, not just the delicious red flesh but the rinds and seeds too!
Watermelons can grow to epic sizes, the record is held by Christopher Kent from Sevierville, Tennessee, in 2013. This winner weighed in at 350.5 pounds.
The famous writer Mark Twain loved watermelon; he called it the food of angels.
The record for watermelon seed spitting was set in 1995 and was 75 feet 2 inches.

Encourage your child to research some fun facts about watermelon on their own, like how many varieties there are. (More than 1200)

What colors do watermelons come in? (red, light pink, yellow, orange, and white)

How long does it take to grow one (65-100 days)

Watermelon is a delicious treat that can be enjoyed on its own, with salt, and feta cheese, made into popsicles, infused into water, or in many other ways.

Be sure to grab a watermelon to enjoy with your child for National Watermelon Day while you explore a few of these ideas below.

10 Watermelon Seed Ideas to Enjoy

Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest– Kids love gross stuff like being given free rein and even encouraged to spit. They won’t even realize that they are learning about graphing and measurements at the same time.
Sensory Watermelon Dough is a fabulous sensory activity that makes a great base for a sensory bin or a canvas for practicing letters and numbers.
Watermelon Squish Bag is another great sensory activity that little hands love.
The Watermelon Seed Popsicle Stick Watermelon Slices
Watermelon Kiwi Pops I couldn’t gather up watermelon ideas without at least one tasty snack, these look so yummy.
Q Tip Watermelon Seeds for a good fine motor activity for little hands working on those pre-writing skills.
PomPom Painted Watermelon Craft is a simple low prep activity that only requires paper, paint, and pompoms.
No Cook Watermelon Sensory Rice– Make this watermelon-themed sensory rice for a sensory bin or bottle. Hide letters and numbers in it for your child to find or count out the “seeds”.
Watermelon Seed Math is a great way to practice simple math skills like counting or more challenging addition and subtraction problems.
Watermelon Seed Slime- See below for instructions.

Finally, look how to make fun watermelon seed slime.

How to Make Watermelon Seed Slime

You could use watermelon seeds or black beans as the seeds in this slime but I wanted to avoid any real food additions to keep it from spoiling quicker from the moisture.

You will need:

2-4 oz. bottles of school glue
1 teaspoon of baking soda
2-3 Tbsp. Contact eye solution
Red gel or liquid food coloring
Black craft foam
Watermelon scent-optional

First, pour your glue into a large bowl or measuring cup.

I buy mine by the gallon so I can easily measure out 8 oz. into a glass measuring cup but if you use 4 oz bottles you can just empty both into any bowl you like.

Mix in gel or liquid food coloring to get the shade you like.

Stir in scent if you are using any, a good essential oil is a fun way to add another sensory aspect to this activity.

Add the baking soda and be sure to mix it until smooth and completely combined.

Now, stir in your contact solution and mix until it begins to pull away from your container and is no longer sticky.

Watermelon Seed Slime

Cut little watermelon seed shapes from craft foam.

Stir them into the mixture.

At this point, you can remove it and need it with your hands for a few minutes.

If you want to make a cute little jar for storing, take any jar you have with an airtight lid like a little pickle jar, mason jar, etc.… and paint the entire thing dark green on the outside.

Allow it to dry.

Paint lighter green squiggles over the dark green and allow it to dry.

You now have a cute little watermelon rind container to hold the watermelon in, a great idea for gifting too.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Your slime should keep a couple of weeks or more depending on how much it is used and how well it is stored.

8 Facts About Moths and a Fun Nature Elephant Hawk Moth Craft

July 30, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I’m sharing 8 facts about moths and a fun contact paper nature elephant hawk moth craft. Also, you may love Fun and Easy Hands-on Life Cycle Butterfly Activity for Kids.

Typically, we think of moths as dull nighttime flyers and butterflies as beautiful bright creatures, but many moths are colorful and beautiful like the Hawk Moth.

The Garden Tiger Moth, the False Tiger Moth, the Oleander Hawk Moth, the Luna Moth, and the Comet Moth, to name a few, rival the most colorful butterflies in their beauty.

8 Facts About Moths and a Fun Nature Elephant Hawk Moth Craft

There is much more to moths than what you see flitting around your porch light in the evening.

They are just as fascinating as butterflies.

Moths are very important in food webs as a food item for songbirds, mammals, and other insects.

Too, moths are also crucial pollinators, especially those that are active after dark when other pollinators are sleeping.

In honor of the poor unappreciated moth, we are making a fun and pretty giant moth to decorate the window.

We get to combine two activities for this piece, a lovely relaxing nature walk with an indoor art project to preserve some finds and recreate a moth that stays put.

This craft is typically one that is done with preschoolers or toddlers.

But I am sure an artistic or nature-loving older child would also love this and could be challenged to make an even more intricate design than a younger sibling.

8 Fascinating Moth and Hawk Moth Facts

Next look at these facts about moths.

Moths far outnumber butterflies. For every butterfly that you see flying around, there are over nine times as many moths.
Hawk Moths are from the Sphingidae family of moths, also known as Sphynx moths.
Many of their caterpillars are known as “hornworms” and are a nuisance to tomato plants.
Hawk moths have the longest tongues of any other moth or butterfly, some of them are as long as 14”.
Moths range from small, like the tiny Stigmella Maya with its forewing measuring just .04 inches to large specimens bigger than a human hand, like the largest moth, Hercules Moth at 14”.
They have an amazing sense of smell. A male emperor moth can smell a female from about seven miles away.
Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History has over 25,000 different specimens of Hawk Moths, which are closely related to butterflies.
Not all moths fly only at night, some moths are nocturnal, but others are diurnal.

Next, look at some of the books to add to your unit study or learning day.

Books and Resources For Learning About Moths

Add a few of these books about moths to your unit study or for hands-on activities.

Moths: A Complete Guide to Biology and Behavior

Moths are a crucial insect group encompassing more than 160,000 species, and they are among the most ancient of Earth's inhabitants, with some fossils believed to be 190 million years old. This richly illustrated guide to their biology, evolution, and history demonstrates the incredible diversity of these winged insects and reveals the ruthless survival tactics used by some--including blood-sucking moths, cannibalism in the cocoon, and carnivorous caterpillars. The book also explores their extraordinary life cycle, charting development from egg to larva to cocoon to airborne adult, as well as the surprising variations of color and wing patterns that moths have evolved. Engaging narrative and specially commissioned photographs of moth specimens make Moths: A Complete Guide to Biology and Behavior a perfect gift book for scientists and science enthusiasts alike.

Peterson First Guide To Butterflies And Moths

Peterson First Guides are the first books the beginning naturalist needs. Condensed versions of the famous Peterson Field Guides, the First Guides focus on the animals, plants, and other natural things you are most likely to see. They make it fun to get into the field and easy to progress to the full-fledged Peterson Guides.

BicBugs Actias luna REAL FRAMED LUNA MOTH GREEN USA

REAL framed luna moth!

Peterson Field Guide To Moths Of Southeastern North America

Southeastern North America is home to an incredible variety of moths, from drab browns to bright yellows and pinks, the small and simple to the flashy or bizarrely shaped. Just a few are common house and garden pests; thousands more harmless species live hidden in woods and meadows. This comprehensive guide of more than 1,800 common species is the best tool for identifying and appreciating these ubiquitous insects.

The World Encyclopedia of Butterflies & Moths: A Natural History And Identification Guide To Over 565 Varieties Around The Globe

Butterflies and moths captivate nature enthusiasts with their beauty and variety, but in addition to being attractive they are also of huge biological importance. This superb book, in a sumptuous new edition, covers the lifecycle of these creatures, with information on anatomy, feeding, flight and breeding. It then profiles some of the world’s best-loved and intriguing butterflies, moths and skippers, with a geographically-split directory of detailed entries, each containing useful identification summaries and quick-reference panels on distribution, habitat, food and wingspan.

Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World

See the world in a whole new way! Acclaimed illustrator Julia Rothman combines art and science in this exciting and educational guide to the structure, function, and personality of the natural world. Explore the anatomy of a jellyfish, the inside of a volcano, monarch butterfly migration, how sunsets work, and much more. Rothman’s whimsical illustrations are paired with interactive activities that encourage curiosity and inspire you to look more closely at the world all around you.

Peterson Field Guide To Moths Of Northeastern North America

There are thousands of moth species in the northeast of North America, and while it might seem that they are all drab grays and browns, there is actually a startling variety. They come in a rainbow of colors, from brilliant oranges and pinks to soft greens and violets. There are moths with colorful leopard-like spots, and ones that look more like B-movie aliens; some that are as large as your hand, and others the size of a grain of rice. With helpful tips on how to attract and identify moths, range maps and season graphs showing when and where to find each species, and clear photographs that use the unique Peterson arrow system for easy identification, this guide provides everything an amateur or experienced moth-watcher needs. Sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation and the Roger Tory Peterson Institute.

Also, add some more hands on ideas about moths.

More Moth Resources

Here are a few more beautiful moth crafts, resources, and activities to help you learn more about these mysterious creatures.

Sweet little Pinecone Moths are pretty enough to leave all around your home.
Make the pretty bright Luna Moth Craft.
These Paper Moths would be a great project for middle and high schoolers.
I just love these DIY Moth Wings for dramatic play and a unique art project.
A young artist will enjoy learning How to Draw a Moth.
Have your child research the differences between butterflies and moths.
A budding lepidopterist (an entomologist who specializes in studying butterflies and moths) might enjoy a moth specimen to begin or celebrate finishing up a moth study

Finally, look how to make this fun contact paper hawk moth.

How to Make A Contact Paper Nature Elephant Hawk Moth

This is a fun simple activity that can also be used to teach your child about the anatomy of a moth, colorations, and simple vocabulary.

You will need:

Clear contact paper
Painters tape
Permanent marker
Flowers and leaves

First, find and print out a picture of the moth you would like to create. We chose the Elephant Hawk Moth knowing we had pretty pink flowers in the yard to create some of its lines.

Then head outside for a nature walk, gathering fresh or dried leaves, flower petals, and other lightweight nature items.

Next, cut a piece of clear contact paper out as large as you would like to make it and tape it down to your work surface with low tack tape like painter’s tape, backing side down (do not peel it off yet).

Use a permanent marker to draw the outlines of the moth.

Peel off the tape and move to the window you want to use, slowly peel off the contact paper backing and tape the contact paper to the window, sticky side facing outward.

Set their nature walk finds nearby and have them press them into the sticky side of the contact paper.

For younger children, you can let them get creative and cover their moth in whatever pattern and gathered materials they like.

For older children, challenge them to try to recreate the colors and patterns of their chosen moth.

Tips:

Add a moth photo or two to your window as inspiration.
Be sure that they press firmly to be sure their items are attached.
Small light pieces will adhere the best.
If you want to preserve their picture just lay another piece of contact paper over it, sticky side to sticky side, and cut out around your moth.
They don’t have to complete this activity in one sitting, you can leave it up and let them come back and forth.

How to Make a Fun Bottle Buddy of the Trailblazing Pilot Amelia Earhart Craft

July 27, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a fantastic Amelia Earhart craft to go along with any study you might be doing about the famous trailblazing pilot. Also, look at Amazing Facts about Amelia Earhart and Fun Aviator Goggle Craft.

Amelia Earhart broke records opened the world of aviation for women and inspired many to push flying to its limits.

How to Make a Fun Bottle Buddy of the Trailblazing Pilot Amelia Earhart Craft

To honor her life while we learn about her accomplishments, we are making a bottle buddy Amelia Earhart craft.

It is perfect for an at-home project or would be great as part of a co-op presentation.

“I lay no claim to advancing scientific data other than advancing flying knowledge. I can only say that I do it because I want to.”– Amelia Earhart

7 Fun Facts About Amelia Earhart

Amelia was the first president of the organization the Ninety-Nines, an organization for women aviators.
Amelia Earhart was just the 16th woman to earn an international pilot’s license.
She was the first female passenger to fly across the Atlantic.
Amelia was the first woman to fly across North America and back on a solo journey.
She was the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.
She set a world altitude record of 18,415 feet.
If she had succeeded in circumnavigating the globe, Amelia Earhart would have been the first woman to manage the feat.

“Some of us have great runways already built for us. If you have one, take off! But if you don’t have one, realize it is your responsibility to grab a shovel and build one for yourself and for those who will follow after you.”- Amelia Earhart

Also, look at some of these resources about Amelia Earhart.

6 Fun Amelia Earhart Resources

Bring your aviator unit study to life by adding some of these fun resources.

Who Was Amelia Earhart?

Amelia Earhart was a woman of many "firsts." In 1932, she became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. In 1935, she also became the first woman to fly across the Pacific. From her early years to her mysterious 1937 disappearance while attempting a flight around the world, readers will find Amelia Earhart's life a fascinating story.

Amelia Earhart (Inspired Inner Genius)

Then, you will love our child-friendly biography of Amelia Earhart! Use this exciting biography book to instill timeless values & principles in your child.

I am Amelia Earhart (Ordinary People Change the World)

Amelia Earhart refused to accept no for an answer; she dared to do what no one had ever done before, and became the first woman to fly a plane all the way across the Atlantic Ocean. This biography follows her from childhood to her first flying lessons and onward to her multi-record-breaking career as a pilot. This friendly, fun biography series inspired the PBS Kids TV show Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. One great role model at a time, these books encourage kids to dream big. Included in each book are: • A timeline of key events in the hero’s history • Photos that bring the story more fully to life • Comic-book-style illustrations that are irresistibly adorable • Childhood moments that influenced the hero • Facts that make great conversation-starters • A character trait that made the person heroic and that readers can aspire to

Amelia Earhart: Pioneer of the Sky! (Show Me History!)

When Amelia Earhart became the first woman to make a solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean in 1932, she immediately became an American icon and a subject of endless fascination for generations to come. In Amelia Earhart: Pioneer of the Sky!, the story of the bold and daring aviator’s life is presented in graphic novel format, with full-color illustrations and historically accurate details. From her hardscrabble childhood to her final flight—and mysterious disappearance—Earhart’s journey will entertain, captivate, and inspire readers of all ages.

The Story of Amelia Earhart: A Biography Book for New Readers

Amelia Earhart became the first woman pilot to fly alone across the Atlantic Ocean in an airplane―and she broke many other flight records before her mysterious disappearance. Before she made history and changed the world for pilots everywhere, Amelia was an adventure-loving kid who wasn’t afraid to be different. She worked hard and learned how to fly airplanes at a time when many people didn’t think women should be pilots. Explore how Amelia Earhart went from being a young girl growing up in Kansas to an American hero and a celebrated pioneer of flight.

Safari Ltd In The Sky TOOB

In the sky themed figurines by Safari Ltd. Airplanes, blimp, helicopter, hot air balloon, space shuttle and more replicas have been handpainted and researched for accuracy. Pieces come in a clear """"toob"""" with a globe top and facts on the inside. These figures are perfect for displays, playing pretend, and more! 12 pieces per package.

Next, look at some more resources and activities to learn about Amelia Earhart.

More Amelia Earhart Resources and Activities

Add some of these fun activities to your post.

Next, look how to make this fun bottle buddy craft.

You can use any size bottle that you have on hand from a 16 oz to a 2 liter for this project. This is all about low stress.

We are not using a template; it will be quick and easy to measure right on the bottle.

I have seen these in the past made with a foam ball for the head, you could certainly do that, but this was a very frugal and no-fuss way to make it with things you probably already have on hand.

Because we may all be using different size bottles, I am not going to give exact measurements.

I measured mine simply by holding the felt up to the bottle, marking and cutting as needed.

How to Make A Bottle Buddy Amelia Earhart Craft

You will need:

20 oz, 1 or 2-liter bottle
Craft felt-brown, black, tan, white, red
Paper bag
Google eyes
Light brown/yellow yarn
Hot glue gun/glue sticks

First, remove the label from the bottle and wash it out well.

You can add back in a few inches of clean water to act as a weight because your bottle buddy will be a bit top-heavy.

Because we have layers, we are not going to wrap each color felt all the way around so want to cut a piece of tan felt (pants) that wraps around the base of your bottle and is about ¼ of the height.

Cut a rectangular piece of white (shirt) that goes from the top of the tan to an inch or two below the neck of the bottle and wraps around about 1/3rd of the bottle.

You can tape them down temporarily with low tack tape to make sure that your whole bottle will be covered.

Next, wrap a piece of dark brown (bomber jacket) around the bottle so that it just overlaps the white and the tan pants at the bottom, and has an inch or so of excess at the top.

We are not going to glue them down yet because we must put her head on first. Set these pieces aside for now.

Make a head by stuffing a brown paper bag with scrap felt or paper, squeezing and moving it around until you are happy with the shape.

Bottle Buddy Amelia Earhart Craft

Draw on a mouth, nose, and eyes or use google eyes if you like.

Use hot glue to attach a few short pieces of yarn that will be coming out of her pilot’s cap, you don’t have to do the whole head unless you want to.

Trim the excess off the bag then wrap it around the neck of the bottle and tie it on tightly with a piece of string. We are ready to start putting her together.

Hot glue the shirt and pants in place and use a marker to draw the center leg line on the pants.

Wrap the dark brown piece of felt you cut to use as a jacket and glue it in place, leaving some excess at the top, fold this down to make a collar.

Cut a long piece of skinny red felt and make little fringes on either end.

Wrap and hot glue into place around her neck.

To create her pilot’s cap, center an entire piece of 8×12 fabric onto her head letting some of the hair peek out. At this point, you can add more if you feel like it needs it. Hot glue the center down.

Cut the flaps and any excess off then continue gluing it in place all the way around.

To finish off Amelia’s’ pilot costume we need to make her flying goggles.

Start by cutting a rectangle long enough to wrap over the top of her head from one side of the cap to the other.

Use a black marker to draw the eye openings.

Cut eye holes out.

Affix to the top of her cap with hot glue.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Set aside to dry.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Or your glasses on the side table…

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.

8 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.

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

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.

Add a couple of drops of red food coloring.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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