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crafts

Cutest Ever Egg Carton Sea Turtle Craft and Learning Activities for Kids

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

I have a fun egg carton sea turtle craft. Add my fun From Egg to Sea Turtle Nature Unit Study & Lapbook to make it for multiple ages.

I love taking trash and turning it into a treasure.

And this was a really fun way to do it.

Create the cutest little sea turtles to put together a lesson that would be perfect for preschool or kindergarten.

Pair it with a book and a couple of fun activities and you have a wonderful lesson without a textbook or worksheet in sight.

Cutest Ever Egg Carton Sea Turtle Craft and Learning Activities for Kids

Grab a copy of Ocean Anatomy to dive into learning a little about sea turtles with your little one while you work together on this sweet egg carton sea turtle craft.

This book in a series by Julia Rothman covers a lot of ocean topics including sea turtles, seaweed, the food chain, ocean currents, and many of the other animals that make their home there.

5 Fun Facts about Sea Turtles

  1. There are 7 different species of marine turtles – Flatback, Green, Hawksbill, Loggerhead, Leatherback, Olive ridley, and Kemp’s ridley.
  2. The record for the largest marine turtle recorded goes to a leatherback that was found ashore measuring 8.2 feet long and 8.2 feet from flipper to flipper and weighing almost 2000 pounds.
  3. Unlike other kinds of turtles, sea turtles cannot retract their flippers and head into their shells.
  4. Nest temperatures determine the sex of sea turtle hatchlings. Warmer temperatures will produce more females while cooler will produce more males.
  5. Sea Turtles can live to be about 100 years old.

Cutest Ever Egg Carton Sea Turtle Craft and Learning Activities for Kids

Next, add some books and resources.

Sea Turtle Books For Fun Egg Carton Sea Turtles

Like I mentioned Ocean Anatomy is a must-have book for studying the wonderous ocean, look at the beautiful illustrations.

While it is not super in-depth it covers so much of the ocean in general and gives a great page on sea turtle Identification, some facts, and labeling of the parts of a sea turtle.

10 Sea Turtle Resources

Add some books about sea turtles and hands-on resources to your lesson or unit study to bring it to life.

Sea Turtles

Sea turtles are fascinating. Hatched from eggs smaller than a baseball, some can grow to weigh over a thousand pounds. Once adults, they can live to be around 100 years old. And when it's time to nest, they migrate more than 1,000 miles. With colorful, clear illustrations and straightforward text, Gail Gibbons introduces the eight kinds of sea turtles living in the ocean today. Learn the similarities and differences with labeled diagrams and experience the hatching of the tiny turtle babies with detailed illustrations. This updated edition now includes the most up-to-date information about these beloved reptiles, as reviewed by an expert vetter in the field of herpetology.

I'll Follow the Moon

Celebrating the love between mother and child comes an achingly beautiful story that has captured hearts around the world. Written by a new mom, by accident, when she sang a little song to her fussing newborn, I'll Follow the Moon proudly donates proceeds to charity: every book saves a turtle.

Ocean Anatomy: The Curious Parts & Pieces of the World under the Sea

Follow Rothman’s inquisitive mind and perceptive eye along shorelines, across the open ocean, and below the waves for an artistic exploration of the watery universe. Through her drawings, discover how the world’s oceans formed, why the sea is salty, and the forces behind oceanic phenomena such as rogue waves. Colorful anatomical profiles of sea creatures from crustacean to cetacean, surveys of seafaring vessels and lighthouses, and the impact of plastic and warming water temperatures are just part of this compendium of curiosities that will entertain and educate readers of all ages. 

National Geographic Readers: Sea Turtles

Who could resist celebrating sea turtles? They may seem like lazy ocean reptiles drifting with the oceans’ currents, but they are actually long-distance swimmers that spend their entire lives searching for food and a mate. What’s more, they come with their own built-in GPS, returning to the exact beach where they were born to lay their own eggs. Kids will learn all about these tranquil and mysterious animals through brilliant photography and illustrations, plus the trusted and distinctive content you love from NG Kids!

Tammy Turtle: A Tale of Saving Sea Turtles

A book that tells how turtles survive with the help of protection programs.

Our Sea Turtles: A Practical Guide for the Atlantic and Gulf, from Canada to Mexico

The book's pithy, well-organized sections are lavishly illustrated. It is a guide for anyone who is the least bit curious about these fascinating marine animals. Bite-sized installments harmonize with multiple images on each page to make this book a unique and entertaining resource. The story it tells covers understanding, experiencing, and saving our sea turtles, with descriptions of how these endangered animals contribute to our happiness and why they deserve a helping hand.

Sea Turtle Scientist (Scientists in the Field)

The mother turtle has a vital job to do: dig a nest in which she will lay eggs that will hatch into part of the next generation of leatherbacks. With only one in a thousand of the eggs for this critically endangered species resulting in an adult sea turtle, the odds are stacked against her and her offspring. 

4 PCS Sea Turtle Life Cycle

Children can see how animals change and grow. Realistic detail showing a different stage in the development of animals.

Uniquely molded textures and richly painted details bring them to life and help inspire creativity for kids.

It is a great way to expand the growth with children through physical science.

Follow the Moon Home

A triumphant story of environmental activism, community, and friendship: Acclaimed activist Philippe Cousteau and renowned author Deborah Hopkinson team up to offer a story of the powerful difference young people can make in the world. Meet Viv, who has a new home and a new school by the sea and follow her as she finds her way in a new place and helps bring together a whole community to save the sea turtles of the South Carolina coast.

The Life Cycle of a Sea Turtle

Describes the life cycle of sea turtles discussing reproduction, birth, and adult life.

Next, add some fun hands-on sea turtle activities.

Sea Turtle Hands-On Activity Ideas

  • Grab a life cycle set to help your child get a grasp on the various stages of life sea turtles go through. They can be added to a science table or sensory bin or used with a life cycle worksheet.
  • Paint a picture of sea turtles with watercolors, acrylics. Use chalk pastels or some medium you have never tried before using a book or photo from Google for inspiration.
  • Use a mixed collection of land and water turtles to compare their differences and encourage your child to sort and make a pile of each. What is the difference between their feet (or flippers?) What about the difference between sea turtles and aquatic turtles that live in freshwater?
  • Include the whole family with my free From Egg to Sea Turtle Nature Unit Study and Lapbook.
  • Visit a local aquarium if you live near one and spend some time at the sea turtle tank observing their behavior, learning what type they are, and learning about these beautiful creatures.
  • Use play dough to help your child recreate the Sea Turtles Life Cycle Craft.
  • You could also add plastic sea turtles into this Fun Making Ocean Layers Soap activity to cover even more ocean topics.
  • Finally, replace the shark in this Fun Aquarium Jar Craft with a plastic sea turtle to match with the theme.

Cutest Ever Egg Carton Sea Turtle Craft and Learning Activities for Kids

Next, make this fun hands on sea turtle craft.

How to Make an Egg Carton Sea Turtle

You will need:

  • Cardboard egg carton
  • Green pom poms
  • Google eyes
  • Green construction paper or craft foam
  • School glue
  • Green paint
  • Paintbrush
Cutest Ever Egg Carton Sea Turtle Craft and Learning Activities for Kids

Directions:

Cut out individual cups from a cardboard egg carton and cut one for each turtle you want to make.

Cutest Ever Egg Carton Sea Turtle Craft and Learning Activities for Kids

Paint the entire cup green and set aside to dry.

Cutest Ever Egg Carton Sea Turtle Craft and Learning Activities for Kids

Glue googly eyes to a green pom pom and then attach it to the body with glue as well.

Cutest Ever Egg Carton Sea Turtle Craft and Learning Activities for Kids

Cut 4 flippers from green construction paper or craft foam.

It is basically just a long crescent shape.

I recommend you draw 1 and let your child cut all 4 out at once by folding the paper into quarters before trimming.

Cutest Ever Egg Carton Sea Turtle Craft and Learning Activities for Kids

Attach flippers to the underside of the egg cup with glue and allow to dry.

Cutest Ever Egg Carton Sea Turtle Craft and Learning Activities for Kids

Add a little sand and you have all the makings for a lesson on how baby sea turtles find their way from the nest to the sea.

Cutest Ever Egg Carton Sea Turtle Craft and Learning Activities for Kids

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: crafts, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschoolscience, life science, nature study, turtles

Little House on The Prairie Unit Study and Fun Punched Tin Lantern

March 23, 2023 | 3 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

You’ll love this Little House on the Prairie Unit Study and fun punched tin lantern. Also, grab more ideas on my best homeschool unit studies page.

If you are anything like me, you grew up watching or reading about Laura Ingalls and her family’s adventures traveling westward from their first home in the little house in the big woods of Wisconsin. 

I spent many hours imagining I was Laura with my trusty guard dog Jack, running along the banks of Plum creek, going into town, and feuding with Nellie Olsen.

Little House on The Prairie Unit Study and Fun Punched Tin Lantern

If you too are eager to begin a Little House on the Prairie Unit Study with your kids, I have tons of great ideas to get you started.

Whether you settle in the prairie for a week or submerge yourself in all things Ingalls for a month or more you will find plenty here to keep you busy.

5 Little House on the Prairie Facts You May Not Have Known

  1. Laura Ingalls Wilder’s first book wasn’t published until 1932, 65 years after she was born.
  2. Laura was only 4’ 11” tall when she was fully grown, not particularly short for women of that time period, but it explains why Pa called her his” little half pint of cider half drunk up”.
  3. Laura’s first attempt at book writing about her life experiences was called Pioneer Girl, and it was initially rejected by publishers. Her daughter Rose suggested her mother rewrite it for the children. Clearly, it worked.
  4. Her longtime Missouri home, Rocky Ridge Farm, was turned into a museum.
  5. Laura’s father Charles was part of the Delano family. You might recognize the name – Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Laura was the fifth cousin once removed to FDR and a third cousin once removed to Ulysses S. Grant.

Pioneer Crafts and Activities

  • How To Make A Rag Doll With Strips Of Fabric
  • 11 Pioneer Crafts for Kids Who Love Little House On The Prairie Crafts & Rug Craft
  • Step Back in Time with These 12 Little House on the Prairie Gift Ideas
  • Unleash Your Creativity with Buffalo Painting: Easy Prairie Crafts

Then, add these books for beautiful literature.

Little House on the Prairie Unit Study Resources

Add some of these fun resources to ignite a love for learning about the Little House on the Prairie.

The Little House (9 Volumes Set)

The nine books in the timeless Little House series tell the story of Laura’s real childhood as an American pioneer, and are cherished by readers of all generations. They offer a unique glimpse into life on the American frontier, and tell the heartwarming, unforgettable story of a loving family.

Pioneer Girl: The Story of Laura Ingalls Wilder

Readers around the world know and love Laura, the little girl born in the Big Woods of Wisconsin and raised in covered wagons and on wide open prairies. Now Little House fans can learn more about the remarkable story of the pioneer girl who would one day immortalize her adventures in the beloved Little House books in this, the first picture book biography book of Laura Ingalls Wilder.

A Little Prairie House (Little House Picture Book)

With the My First Little House picture book series, the youngest readers can share in the joy of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House books in these illustrated adaptations of the beloved series! 

Laura, Pa, Ma, Mary, and baby Carrie have traveled from the Big Woods to the prairie in their covered wagon, driving through tall grass until they found just the right spot for their new home. With the help of their kind neighbor, Mr. Edwards, Pa builds a snug little house for the family in the middle of the wide-open prairie.

Farmer Boy (Little House, 2)

The second book in the treasured Little House series, Farmer Boy is Laura Ingalls Wilder’s beloved story of how her husband, Almanzo, grew up as a farmer boy far from the little house where Laura lived. This edition features the classic black-and-white artwork from Garth Williams. 

The nine Little House books have been cherished by generations of readers as both a unique glimpse into America’s frontier history and as heartwarming, unforgettable stories. The Little House series has captivated millions of readers with its depiction of life on the American frontier.

While Laura Ingalls grows up on the prairie, Almanzo Wilder is living on a big farm in New York State. Here Almanzo and his brother and sisters help with the summer planting and fall harvest. In winter there is wood to be chopped and great slabs of ice to be cut from the river and stored. Time for fun comes when the jolly tin peddler visits, or best of all, when the fair comes to town.

Almanzo wishes for just one thing—his very own horse—and he must prove that he is ready for such a big responsibility.

The Little House Cookbook

With this cookbook, you can learn how to make classic frontier dishes like corn dodgers, mincemeat pie, cracklings, and pulled molasses candy. The book also includes excerpts from the Little House books, fascinating and thoroughly researched historical context, and details about the cooking methods that pioneers like Ma Ingalls used, as well as illustrations by beloved artist Garth Williams.

Who Was Laura Ingalls Wilder?

Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House books, based on her own childhood and later life, are still beloved classics almost a century after she began writing them. Now young readers will see just how similar Laura's true-life story was to her books. Born in 1867 in the "Big Woods" in Wisconsin, Laura experienced both the hardship and the adventure of living on the frontier. Her life and times are captured in engaging text and 80 black-and-white illustrations.

Laura Ingalls Dress Up

  • Three Piece Set: Kid girls colonial dress, attached apron and bonnet.

Little House Coloring Book: Coloring Book for Adults and Kids

A beautifully designed coloring book featuring classic artwork by Garth Williams and quotes from all nine original Little House books. Perfect for at-home creative time—return to the world of Little House with your kids...or enjoy on your own!

Join Laura Ingalls, her Ma and Pa, and her sisters, Mary, Carrie, and Grace, on their travels across the frontier as you color in your favorite pioneer characters and scenes and revisit this beloved series.

This 96-page coloring book offers hours of relaxing, stress-reducing pleasure.

Also, it’s fun learning about Laura’s life through the pages of her books, but here are some facts too.

About Laura Ingalls Wilder

Laura Elizabeth Ingalls Wilder (February 7, 1867 – February 10, 1957) was an American writer, mostly known for the Little House on the Prairie series of children’s books, published between 1932 and 1943, which were based on her childhood in a settler and pioneer family.

Moreover, she was born in Pepin, Wisconsin in the “little house in the big woods” in 1867.

She lived through huge changes in America. Her family moved several times traveling by covered wagon.

Little House on The Prairie Unit Study and Fun Punched Tin Lantern

Little House books

The eight original Little House books are:

  1. Little House in the Big Woods (1932)
  2. Farmer Boy (1933) – about Almanzo Wilder growing up in New York
  3. Little House on the Prairie (1935)
  4. On the Banks of Plum Creek (1937)
  5. By the Shores of Silver Lake (1939)
  6. The Long Winter (1940)
  7. Little Town on the Prairie (1941)
  8. These Happy Golden Years (1943)

Moreover, there are many topics and words for your child to learn about pioneer life in America.

I’ve listed some below.

Vocabulary Words

Although it’s important to understand the words used, I wanted my kids to love learning about the expansion in American history; And to see history unfold through the eyes of a child.

However, I’ve listed some below to add another language arts element.

  • wandered
  • massacre
  • scorched
  • huddled
  • brindle
  • papoose
  • trotted
  • beholden
  • staggering
  • rummaged
  • yonder
  • molasses

Next, look at these hands on fun ideas.

15 Little House on the Prairie Unit Study Hands-on Ideas

Play the Oregon Trail Online Game to give your child an idea of the route and the hardships those moving westward faced.

Make a Fun No Sew Pioneer Rag Doll just like little girls like Laura played with during those times.

It makes a lovely handicraft activity as well as a sweet keepsake of your study.

Create Fun Pioneer Peg Dolls to represent each of the characters in the book.

Try your hand at Pioneer Living and Cloth Dyeing using the same things that the pioneers would have to color fabric.

Make Maple Snow Candy and enjoy a taste of those days.

In addition, history overlaps quite a bit and though the original is tied to Daniel Boone you can recreate this Edible Log Cabin as an art project and a yummy snack.

Learn how to make soap.

Create a Native American cradleboard or papoose.

And make buttermilk biscuits.

If you really want to get a taste of pioneer history, Make Butter and Hardtack to sample.

Do a Hands-on Fun Shrunken Head Apple Craft.

Grab these fun 10 Westward Expansion History Fun Coloring Pages

  • 0. Westward Expansion History Fun 10 Coloring Pages

    0. Westward Expansion History Fun 10 Coloring Pages

    $1.75
    Add to cart

Enjoy a picnic outdoors with a lunch pail- wrap sandwiches and other items in waxed or brown paper, tie it up with a string, and carry it out in a tin bucket. Spread out a colorful piece of fabric or a quilt to enjoy your supper.

Learn the information on the Free Westward Ho History Cards

Do your lessons on small personal blackboards just like the girls did at home or in their little one-room schoolhouse.

Look at pictures of a pioneer house then and compare them to how we live today.

Little House on The Prairie Unit Study and Fun Punched Tin Lantern

In addition, look at some more unit studies and topics which go along with this theme.

More American History Unit Studies

Next, these unit study ideas either happened at the same time Laura lived or before her birth so your child understands this period in American history.

  • BEST Westward Ho Unit Study and Lapbook
  • Lewis and Clark Fun Homeschool Unit Study and Lapbook
  • Native Americans The Plains Indians Unit Study & Lapbook
  • The Trail of Tears 1820 – 1845 Unit Study & Lapbook
  • Daniel Boone – North American Explorer

Too, not only does Laura describe terrifying events about wolves, but there would have been plenty of wildlife to learn about.

More Best Homeschool Unit Studies

  • Volcano Unit Study and Fun Apple Volcano
  • Solar System Unit Study and Hands-on Planets Activity
  • Charlotte’s Web Homeschool Unit Study and Fun Hands-on Ideas
  • Homeschool Unit Study Ideas | Lewis and Clark Exploration Lapbook
  • Mushroom Unit Study and Kids Learning Activities
  • Little House on The Prairie Unit Study and Fun Punched Tin Lantern

Wildlife on the Prairie

Look at this list of wildlife to learn about.

  • Coyotes
  • Bison
  • Wolves
  • White tail Deer and grab my Deer Unit Study Ideas.
  • Black Bear and grab my ideas here Black Bear Unit Study and Fun Edible Bear Poop.
  • Beavers and grab my ideas here Build a Fun Beaver Dam.

Moreover, look at my Lewis and Clark Unit Study which has more information about the flora and fauna along the route.

Little House on The Prairie Unit Study and Fun Punched Tin Lantern

Finally, look at this next hands-on idea to add your fun Little House on the Prairie Unit Study.

How to Make a Punched Tin Lantern

Supplies needed:

  • A clean empty vegetable can
  • Hammer
  • Nails of a few different sizes
  • Small hand towel
  • Dry erase marker
  • Wire
  • Needle nose pliers
  • Battery-operated candle or small glass votive
Little House on The Prairie Unit Study and Fun Punched Tin Lantern

Directions:

First, check to be sure that there are no sharp spots on the lantern where the top was removed.

Trim them off by going over the edges with a can opener again or with a metal file.

Also, if there is any remaining adhesive, you can remove it by running a hot blow dryer over the spot and pulling it off while it is still warm.

Fill the tin can with water and freeze until completely solid.

Draw out your design on one side with a fine-tipped marker like a sharpie.

Little House on The Prairie Unit Study and Fun Punched Tin Lantern

Carefully tape a nail through the lines of your design with the hammer and continue all over the design placing holes around ¼” or less apart.

You can also use a Phillips head screwdriver or an awl if you have one for something with a handle.

Little House on The Prairie Unit Study and Fun Punched Tin Lantern

Flip and repeat your designs on the other sides the same way wherever you would like it.

Punch a hole through on either side near the top for the handle.

Little House on The Prairie Unit Study and Fun Punched Tin Lantern

Take a strand of jewelry wire and double it for added thickness.

Run it through one hole and twist the ends around the wire with needle nose pliers tucking in the sharp ends.

Next, run the wire as high as you would like the handle to be upwards and then down to the other side. Push it through and twist the wires again to close.

Little House on The Prairie Unit Study and Fun Punched Tin Lantern

Allow the ice to melt but you can speed this process up by running hot water in and over the lantern or placing it outside in the sun.

Dry the lantern and add a candle to the inside. What do you think, ready to start your own unit study?

Little House on The Prairie Unit Study and Fun Punched Tin Lantern

3 CommentsFiled Under: My Unit Studies {Free Printables & Hands-on Ideas} Tagged With: american history, crafts, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history resources, homeschoolhistory, pioneer, pioneer crafts, unit studies, unit study, westward expansion, westwardho

Hands-on Geography Wool Earth Craft to Celebrate Earth Day

March 22, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today I have some ideas to incorporate hands-on geography and a fun new handicraft to celebrate Earth Day. Also, look at this other post Hands-on Geography Mesopotamia: Fun Salt Dough Map for more ideas. Too, look at my page Homeschool Geography for hands-on and simple ideas and tips.

This hands-on geography craft gives your child practice in fine motor skills, planning, and problem solving, as well as a fun way to celebrate Earth Day.

I have come up with a wonderful new skill to share with you that incorporates handicrafts into an Earth Day celebration.

Hands-on Geography Wool Earth Craft to Celebrate Earth Day

Have you heard of needle felting?

If you have ever wanted to try it but have been intimidated by its seeming difficulty don’t be.

It is much simpler than it looks, and the end results are super cute.

Also, I have rounded up a list of 8 hands-on ways to celebrate Earth Day.

8 Hands-On Ways To Celebrate Earth Day

Conserving water and electricity, reducing our waste in the landfills, upcycling, recycling, planting food for pollinators, and doing our part in general should be a daily habit.

But it’s nice to have a specific day to reflect on some changes we can make and how we affect the earth we live on.

Look at these 8 hands-on ways to celebrate Earth Day.

  1. Planting wildflowers is a wonderful way to celebrate and give something back to the earth. These Wildflower Seed Bombs are an easy way to spread wildflowers for the pollinators and upcycle paper scraps.
  1. Celebrate with dirt cups for Earth Day and have a discussion about what gardens, switching to natural insecticides and even worms can do for the environment.
  1. Make a Bird Feeder to help our feathered friends who help pollinate the earth, spread nutrients through their droppings, transport seeds, exterminate insects, and help keep ecosystems healthy.
  1. Clean up a park or field in your area. Grab a trash bag and a pair of grabbers and collect all the loose trash you can find. You can often find organized groups going out to clean up parks or beaches, especially around Earth Day but don’t let it stop you if you can’t find one nearby. This is a great family project.
  1. Start recycling, create bins for paper, plastic, and metals. Find a recycling center in your area and drop off regularly.
  1. Research how and then create your own composting bin. Doing this you create your own rich natural soil and fertilizer, reduce your household waste, reduce the need for pesticides and chemical fertilizer.
  1.  Make a craft to spread the word about Earth Day to help yourself and others remember just how important this one earth we have is.
  2. Make Earth Day Cookies & Fascinating Earth Facts

I would recommend this activity for kids ages 8 and up as well as adults.

Hands-on Geography Wool Earth Craft to Celebrate Earth Day

It is a wonderful way to keep hands busy while reading aloud, waiting for a long appointment, or anytime. I love the focus that it helps you keep and the rather quick results you get are very satisfying.

Other Hands-on Geography Activities

Next, look at some other fun hands-on geography ideas.

  • The Benefits Of Using Games That Teach Geography | Review Of Scrambled States
  • Hands-on Geography Mesopotamia: Fun Salt Dough Map
  • 18+ Fun and Interactive Ways to Learn Geography With Kids
  • STEM and Geography: How to Build an Ancient Viking Ship
  • 100 BEST Books for Kids from all 50 States (Easy Geography)
  • 5 Ways to Raise a Natural Geography Lover Easily
  • Hands-On Geography Activity: Make a Pangaea Puzzle
  • Hands-On Geography: Australia Awesome and Deadly Animal Art
  • Hands-on Geography: Longitude/Latitude Mapmaking Activity

Then, look at this The Tale of Peter Rabbit Printables for a Fun Spring Unit Study for a fun edible geography idea.

Hands-on Geography Wool Earth Craft to Celebrate Earth Day

Also, I have a few more resources to make geography come to life.

10 U.S. Geography Resources

If you're looking to teach U.S. geography in a hands-on way, you'll love adding one or two of these resources to your day or study.

The Scrambled States of America Game

Quick! Find a state that ends with the letter A. Now find one that borders Tennessee. Have fun learning about the United States in this madcap game of observation and quick reflexes. 

The 50 States: Explore the U.S.A. with 50 fact-filled maps!

Explore every state of the USA from Alabama to Wyoming with these 51 charmingly illustrated infographic maps! Includes an expansive guide to the state flags and US presidents.Discover more than 2,000 facts about the people, cities, nature and historic events that have helped make America what it is today. Ghost towns, swamp tours, the center of the universe… bacon donuts, brainy berries, salmon jerky… The French Fry King, The Mother of Oregon, The Queen of Blues… be inspired by the inventiveness, beauty and diversity of our great nation in this curious collection of fact-filled maps.

National Geographic Kids U.S. Atlas

 Kids will have fun learning about each and every U.S. state in this amazing 6th edition atlas, packed with maps, stats, facts, and pictures

The U.S. History Cookbook: Delicious Recipes and Exciting Events from the Past

Who knew history could be so delicious? In The U.S. History Cookbook, you'll discover how Americans have lived and dined over the centuries. This scrumptious survey of periods and events in U.S. history mixes together a delectable batter of food timelines, kid-friendly recipes, and fun food facts.

The United States in 100 Words

How do you sum up a whole country in just 100 words? This striking book takes on the challenge! From amendment to Vegas, each of the carefully chosen 100 words has its own 100-word-long description and beautiful illustration, providing a snapshot of what the USA means to people today: its roots, its values, its culture, and customs. Basically, everything you need to know in a nut shell.

Supertoob: USA,Figure Playsets

This Toob includes figurines of the Lincoln Memorial, Hoover Dam, Liberty Bell, Alamo, Mount Rushmore, Statue of Liberty, Gateway Arch, U.S. Capital, Empire State Building, White House, as well as a flag and an eagle.

Geographic USA Scrunch Map

Easy Storage: Unfold and spread flat when you need it or scrunch it up and store away when you're done. The USA map makes a wonderful addition to your home, office, library, kid's room, classroom or playroom.

States & Capitals Flash Cards for Kids – 50 American State Cards

LEARN STATES & CAPITALS IN A FLASH: Get to know each of the 50 states! How well do you know your home state and neighbors? Perfect for all ages

50 FLASH CARDS: Includes 50 educational flash cards for studying important school subjects such as US Geography and History!

9 LEARNING GAMES: Teach and participate in 9 specially made enrichment activities: Name Games, What's the Motto, Heads Up, Region Round-up, State Trivia and more! Fun symbols

1000-piece USA Map Jigsaw Puzzle & Poster 50 States | Illustrated American Landmarks

Test your geography knowledge with Talking Tables beautifully illustrated 1000-piece USA 50 States Map Jigsaw Puzzle & Poster. This USA Map Puzzle features landmarks from across America! Our Jigsaw Puzzles For Adults make for Fun Indoor Activities and can be framed as Wall Art

Geography from A to Z: A Picture Glossary

Have you ever wondered what a badland is? What about a gulch?
Do you know what an isthmus is? Or a seamount? What about the difference between a plateau and a plain, or a knob and a knoll? Well look no further. This broad introduction to the fascinating world around us explores our planet’s physical features from the highest mountain peak to the deepest ocean trench. The team behind Maps & Globes proves that geography can indeed be an adventure.

Then, you’ll love adding this idea for more hands-on geography.

Hands-on Geography Wool Earth Craft to Celebrate Earth Day

Finally, look at how to make this felt earth wool craft to celebrate Earth Day.

How to Make A Felt Earth Wool Craft

You will need:

  • Cotton batting or a styrofoam ball
  • Wool Felt Needle
  • Felting Pad
  • Blue and Green Wool
Hands-on Geography Wool Earth Craft to Celebrate Earth Day

Now you can either use a small styrofoam ball as the center of your earth to save time and get a perfectly round sphere circle or you can use a ball of cotton batting to get started.

Go with whatever you have on hand.

For me that was cotton filler.

The steps after preparing the cotton filler will be the same for the rest of the project.

Grab a piece of cotton and ball it.

Roll it in your hands to create as close to a sphere as you can.

Add more as needed to get a ball slightly smaller than you want your end product to be.

Hands-on Geography Wool Earth Craft to Celebrate Earth Day

Pull a piece of blue felt from the ball and wrap it around the cotton filling (or styrofoam ball).

Hands-on Geography Wool Earth Craft to Celebrate Earth Day

Continue covering with a thin layer until it is all wrapped.

So, take your felting needle and move all around the sphere poking with shallow stabs all over until there are no furry spots sticking up off of it.

Hands-on Geography Wool Earth Craft to Celebrate Earth Day

Add more blue as needed to cover any bare spots.

Moreover, to keep the shape round you can roll and tuck the felt, poking it in those areas a little extra to hold the shape in place.

Hands-on Geography Wool Earth Craft to Celebrate Earth Day

Once you are happy with your blue wool as the ocean base you can begin building your continents,

Don’t worry about getting the scale or shapes perfect.

Hands-on Geography Wool Earth Craft to Celebrate Earth Day

It will be obvious when you do what you have created.

Experiment with rolling the green into balls or twisting it to get various shapes for your continents before felting them onto the blue.

Hands-on Geography Wool Earth Craft to Celebrate Earth Day

Again, just tap the needle all over the green until it is moderately smooth.

Add to the landforms as you need. It’s easy to add more small pieces.

Hands-on Geography Wool Earth Craft to Celebrate Earth Day

If you gently tug on the fibers and they fray and become loose you will need to poke it a bit more to give it a tighter weave.

Enjoy your new felt earth globe.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Geography Tagged With: crafts, earth day, geography, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, highschoolgeography, homeschool geography, homeschoolgeography

Daniel Boone Facts For Kids About Colonial Life and Fun Kids’ Games (DIY Button Whirligig)

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

I’m sharing Daniel Boone facts for kids about colonial life as he grew up. And grab my unit study on my page Daniel Boone – North American Explorer.

Daniel Boone was born on November 2, 1794.

Although resources vary on how long the colonial period lasted, Daniel Boone was born during it and was raised during the period of the American Revolution.

However, life was very hard for colonial children.

While their parents came seeking religious freedom, more space, or a chance for prosperity, colonists did not know how to survive the harsh winters of the wilderness.

Many fell sick or died. Daniel Boone was a child of the early colonial days and proved his strength, endurance, and ingenuity as he forged a path westward.

Daniel Boone Facts For Kids About Colonial Life and Fun Kids' Games (DIY Button Whirligig)

In colonial times, children never saw the four walls of a schoolhouse.

Like today’s homeschooled children, they were taught the basics by their parents and then whatever they needed to know as an apprentice to a trade.

If you were a girl you were taught to manage a house and get married young, maybe even by 16.

Boys would learn their fathers trade or would leave home to learn a trade as an apprentice by 14 years old.

Children During Colonial Times

They had to share in their families hard chores like chopping wood, preserving food, caring for animals, scrubbing laundry, carrying water, tending to the fire, gardening, churning butter, and etc.

It was a very hard life, but children still played games.

They had their own simple toys and pastimes.

And they played with dolls, simple carved figures, went fishing, played games with one another, took care of their pets, and did riddles and tongue twisters.

Instead of turning to their local Target or Walmart, natural objects were turned into playthings.

A dried apple might become a doll’s head, seashells made lovely little dishes, the pits from fruits could be used as counters in games, and flowers were braided together for a crown.

Nothing ran on batteries, just imagination.

Daniel Boone Facts For Kids About Colonial Life and Fun Kids' Games (DIY Button Whirligig)

More Colonial Life Activities

  • Colonial Life After the Mayflower Voyage & Fun and Simple Candle New England Craft

Also, if you want to add more Daniel Boone resources to your study, look at these books.

Daniel Boone Books

10 Resources for A Daniel Boone Unit Study

Whether you want to add a hands-on unit study or are looking for a few resources, you'll love one of these.

1. Daniel Boone: The Life and Legend of an American Pioneer

Struggle against the Shawnee defenders of Kentucky. Drawing from popular narrative, public record, documentation from Boone's own hand, and recollection gathered by 19th-century antiquarians, the author employs the methods of the new social history to produce a portrait that defines Daniel Boone and the times he helped shape.

2. Who Was Daniel Boone? (Who Was?)

Called the "Great Pathfinder", Daniel Boone is most famous for opening up the West to settlers through Kentucky. A symbol of America's pioneering spirit Boone was a skilled outdoorsman and an avid reader although he never attended school. Sydelle Kramer skillfully recounts Boone's many adventures such as the day he rescued his own daughter from kidnappers.

3. The Dangerous Book for Boys

The bestselling book—more than 1.5 million copies sold—for every boy from eight to eighty, covering essential boyhood skills such as building tree houses, learning how to fish, finding true north, and even answering the age old question of what the big deal with girls is—now a Prime Original Series created by Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) and Greg Mottola (Superbad).

In this digital age, there is still a place for knots, skimming stones and stories of incredible courage. This book recaptures Sunday afternoons, stimulates curiosity, and makes for great father-son activities. The brothers Conn and Hal have put together a wonderful collection of all things that make being young or young at heart fun—building go-carts and electromagnets, identifying insects and spiders, and flying the world's best paper airplanes.

4. Willy Whitefeather's Outdoor Survival Handbook for Kids

From treating a bee sting to building an overnight shelter, kids will gain the knowledge and confidence they need to survive outdoors.All ages

5. Daniel Boone: Frontiersman (Heroes of History)

Written for readers age 10 and up -- enjoyed by adults!In search of open spaces and land to call his own, Daniel Boone fearlessly led a band of brave settlers into the bountiful Kentucky wilderness. Daniel's expert hunting ability, incredible outdoor survival skills, and courage under fire helped his companions stay alive in a dangerous and unknown land despite threatening encounters with soldiers, Indians, and even other settlers.

6. History Pockets: Explorers of North America, Grades 4-6+

The book includes the following pockets:

  • Introduction to Explorers of North America
  • Christopher Columbus
  • John Cabot
  • Hernando Cortes
  • Jacques Cartier
  • Sir Francis Drake
  • Henry Hudson
  • Daniel Boone
  • James Cook
  • Lewis and Clark
  • John Wesley Powell

7. Daniel Boone: Trailblazer

Born in Pennsylvania in 1734, Daniel Boone cut a path west, carving his name into trees. Although he endured repeated property losses, he became a household name and was greatly admired for his surveying skills and the many claims he laid, opening the west for further settlement.

8. Survive & Thrive: A Pocket Guide To Wilderness Safety Skills, Plus 16 Quick-Check Skill Cards

Gear up for outdoor adventure, learn to stay alive, and help yourself thrive – feeling confident that you can handle whatever comes your way!

Accidents happen and nature can be unpredictable, which is why this ultra-portable survival kit is a must-have for casual nature explorers and slightly more adventurous campers in need of essential outdoor guidance that they can carry along with them.

9. Bear Grylls The Complete Adventures Collection 12 Books Set

Titles In This Set:The Blizzard ChallengeThe Desert ChallengeThe Jungle ChallengeThe Sea ChallengeThe River ChallengeThe Earthquake ChallengeThe Volcano ChallengeThe Safari ChallengeThe Cave ChallengeThe Mountain ChallengeThe Arctic ChallengeThe Sailing Challenge

10. Daniel Boone: Young Hunter and Tracker (Childhood of Famous Americans)

A general account of the life of the prominent American frontiersman who is especially remembered for helping to settle Kentucky

Moreover, look at some of the games colonial children played.

5 Colonial Games to Try With Your Kids

1. Marbles

In colonial times, marbles were made from smooth stones or were rolled from natural clay.

There was a cluster of marbles at the center of the circle and children would take turns shooting larger marbles at the center out of the ring.

If they were playing for keepsies then they got to keep any marbles they knocked out and if playing for funsies everyone kept their own marbles and just played for the fun of it.

2. Blindman’s Bluff

This is a version of tag.

The person who is “it” is blindfolded and tries to reach out and find the other players. If they can touch someone, that person is then “it”.

3. Hoop Rolling

In this game children would take a large hoop and a stick and keep the hoop rolling as long as they could by pushing it along with the stick.

They might also toss the hoop back and forth to each other using their stick to catch and toss it.

4. Cat’s Cradle

A long piece of string with the ends tied together would be twisted into a certain formation with your hands

The second player would then take it by twisting it into a different formation.

And it would go back and forth into more and more complex patterns until a mistake was made or it could not be turned into anything further.

5. Button Whirligig/BuzzSaw

I am showing you how to make one below but for now here are the basic instructions.

A button, or some other item for weight was placed on a string and held between the hands.

Then you wind it up, much like you would a towel for popping and pull your hands away from each other and it would spin.

Sometimes it would making a whirl or buzzing noise depending on the item

More Daniel Boone Facts for Kids Activities

  • 10 Facts about Daniel Boone and Fun Hands-on Apothecary Salve
  • Make a Fun and Easy Salt Dough Daniel Boone Wilderness Road Map
  • What Did Daniel Boone Wear And Easy Fringe Shirt Activity for Kid
  • 30 Fun Resources for Learning About Daniel Boone
  • Daniel Boone Explorer Black Bear Unit Study and Fun Edible Bear Poop
  • Daniel Boone Activities Cooking Easy and Delicious Johnny Cakes on the Trail
  • Daniel Boone – North American Explorer
  • Amazing Daniel Boone Explorer Lapbook and Fun Hands-on Unit Study
  • Daniel Boone American Frontiersman History Lesson.
  • Daniel Boone Exploration DIY Easy Compass Activity and Survival Ideas.
Daniel Boone Facts For Kids About Colonial Life and Fun Kids' Games (DIY Button Whirligig)

Finally, look at how to make a button whirligig.

How to Make A Button Whirligig

You will need:

  • String or twine
  • Large button

Directions:

First, cut a string about 36” long.

Thread the string through your button.

If it has 4 holes you will want to thread it diagonally through two holes, If only two holes then just go through one.

Daniel Boone Facts For Kids About Colonial Life and Fun Kids' Games (DIY Button Whirligig)

Tie a knot in the loose ends and slide the button to the center opposite the knot.

Daniel Boone Facts For Kids About Colonial Life and Fun Kids' Games (DIY Button Whirligig)

Tie knots in either end and create a loop like this to hold onto.

Daniel Boone Facts For Kids About Colonial Life and Fun Kids' Games (DIY Button Whirligig)

Hold each end and wind it by rotating both ends to wrap it up, much like you would wind up a towel to pop it.

Pull the ends apart and watch it spin, if you get it going fast enough your whirligig may make a low buzzing sound ( hence the name buzz saw).

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: colonial times, crafts, DanielBoone, early American history, frontier, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history resources

9 Fun Facts about Jello and Playdough Activity

February 17, 2023 | 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

You’ll love these 9 fun facts about Jello and a playdough activity. Be sure to also check out my Edible Skin Project and Free Homeschool Human Body Unit Study that uses Jello as well.

Too, February 13th through 19th is National Jello Week.

So, I decided to pull out a favorite recipe of homemade playdough.

9 Fun Facts about Jello and Playdough Activity

And to give it some color and a wonderful scent I’m using Jello.

Also, I’m giving list of ways you can use it in your homeschool for learning.

You probably already know that playdough is an amazing tool for building up fine motor skills and strengthening the hand.

Shaping, rolling, pinching, forming, and flattening are great prewriting exercises and they are just loads of fun for kids.

But that is just one aspect of the benefits of playdough.

Homemade playdough is so easy to make and has a much better smell and texture than store bought.

This yummy scented version made with Jello is nontoxic and totally taste safe for little ones but I would try to keep them from eating much of it.

9 Jello Facts You May Not Have Known

  1. There are 22 official JELLO Flavors.
  2. The powdered mixture is made up of about 90% sugar.
  3. Jello was served to immigrants at Ellis Island to welcome them with a yummy treat.
  4. Some of the weird and not surprisingly unpopular flavors that they have tried are- tomato, celery, chocolate, and coffee.
  5. Utah is the state that loves Jello the most. They consume more Jello than any other state.
  6. Jello is 136 years old this year.
  7. Strawberry is the most popular flavor.
  8. There is a Jell-o museum in LeRoy, New York.
  9. You can find a box of Jell-o in 3 out of 4 pantries in America.

Here are some great ways I have compiled to extend the playdough learning beyond exercising just their imagination and fine motor skills.

9 Fun Facts about Jello and Playdough Activity

Here are some great ways I have compiled to extend the playdough learning beyond exercising just their imagination and fine motor skills.

Math Jello Playdough Activities

  • Roll out small balls and have your child count them.

Use them as counters for addition and subtraction.

Practice for skip counting. Having a sensory activity for teaching often helps the information click in your child’s brain better.

9 Fun Facts about Jello and Playdough Activity
  • You can have your child make 2d shapes to learn their names and how many sides and points they have.

But also 3d shapes like cubes, spheres, and cones as well.

9 Fun Facts about Jello and Playdough Activity
  • Use a simple scale or balance to weigh different amounts of gelatin.
  • Roll out various snake shapes and measure with a ruler.

Literacy Craft Ideas Using Jello

  • Use playdough to roll out snake shapes and have your child use it to form upper- and lower-case letters for practice. Too, have them say they sound or tell you something that starts with that letter once they make it as well to reinforce what they are learning.
  • Roll out small balls and call out simple words for your child to spell, put out the matching number of playdough balls and have your child smash one flat with each letter they call out.
  • Use letter shaped beads or stamps to press out simple CVC words into rolled out dough for practice.
9 Fun Facts about Jello and Playdough Activity

Science Ideas Using Jello Playdough

  • Let your child make the playdough with you and note how the ingredients transform and take on a different structure and states of matter when heat is applied.
  • Use playdough to create insects and labels like head, thorax, abdomen, wings, etc.
9 Fun Facts about Jello and Playdough Activity
  • Make multiple colors of playdough and break it down into smaller pieces. Let your child explore color mixing by working the various colors together.
  • Press animals into playdough to create “fossils”.

More Playdough Activities

  • Roll out playdough and press random objects from around the house into playdough. See if your child can identify them from the mold it made.
  • Create “baked goods” from playdough and encourage your child to describe their creations to help build vocabulary and of course imagination.
  • Use playdough as a base for a sensory bin or tray.
  • Roll playdough flat and use a toothpick or craft stick to draw or write on it.
  • Easy Hands-On Science: Label the Atom Playdough Activity
  • Make a Fun and Easy Salt Dough Daniel Boone Wilderness Road Map
  • Fun Selfie Salt Dough Gingerbread Kids Activity for Long Winter Nights

Finally, look how to make this playdough activity.

How to Make Jello Playdough

You will need:

  • 1 cup of all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup table salt
  • 1 packet Jello – any flavor
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 Tablespoons of lemon juice

Place all ingredients in a large saucepan.

Place the pan over medium heat and stir often until mixture begins to pull away from the side of the pan, this usually only takes a few minutes.

9 Fun Facts about Jello and Playdough Activity

Flip dough out onto a lightly floured surface and allow it to cool until it is comfortable to the touch.

9 Fun Facts about Jello and Playdough Activity

Knead for a minute or two to continue mixing.

Once fully cooled your jello playdough is ready for all those fantastic ideas.

If you love this playdough activity, add cookie cutters, a rolling pin, and other items to extend the playdough activities and stretch your child’s imagination.

9 Fun Facts about Jello and Playdough Activity

2 CommentsFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: crafts, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, Jello, kindergarten, playdough, toddler

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