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crafts

Paper Crafts For Kindergarten | How To Make A Zebra Papercraft

July 26, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Paper crafts for kindergarten are a great and inexpensive way to have fun while learning. Also, look at my page Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum for more ideas.

Too, I’m sharing a fun zebra papercraft with a free template that you download at the bottom. Also, look at my Free Africa Unit Study for more hands-on ideas.

Paper crafts encourage kids to think outside the box.

Paper Crafts For Kindergarten | How To Make A Zebra Papercraft

And one of my favorite things about paper crafts for kindergarten is that fine motor skills are strengthened in a fun way.

So any paper or paper scrap can be turned into beautiful artwork that stirs the imagination. In addition, kids learn to follow steps and paper crafts build confidence.

Besides, paper crafts can create lasting keepsakes.

KIDS BOOKS ABOUT ZEBRAS

Next, look at these books about zebras which may become your children’s favorites too.

5 Zebra Books

Zebras can be fun to learn about. Add one of these books to your reading day.

Shanti the Zebra

When a herd of zebras flees from a hungry lioness, Shanti can't keep up with the others and is soon left behind. Desperately looking for her friends, she asks the other animals for help. But a mysterious old snake makes a strange prediction.

Zella, Zack, and Zodiac

Zella the zebra helps Zack the ostrich when he is young and helpless. When he grows up Zack returns the favor by saving Zella's young offspring from a lion.

A Zebra's Day (National Geographic Kids Readers, Pre-Reader)

Zebras are one of Africa's most interesting animals, and in this pre-reader, young readers will learn all about here they live, what they eat, and how they survive in the herd. Perfect for beginning and young readers, National Geographic Pre-readers include simple, expert-vetted text and large, engaging photos on every page. A vocabulary tree at the beginning of the book introduces kids to key words in concept groups, helping them make connections between words. Plus, a wrap-up activity gives kids a chance to use what they've learned, while expanding their knowledge of the world.

Zee

Zee brews a pot of coffee to wake his parents so he can climb into bed with them, but after spilling two full mugs he has too little coffee left to do the job unless he can think of a new plan.

The Zebra's Stripes: And Other African Animal Tales

The craft I’m showing you today is an adorable zebra but first look at these other paper crafts.

PAPER CRAFTS FOR KINDERGARTEN

  • Fun and Easy Tissue Paper Crafts for Kindergarten
  • Kindergarten Paper Crafts and a Fun Tissue Paper Painting
  • How to Make a Paper Cone Fairy | Fairy DIY Crafts | Free Template
  • Easy Human Body Crafts For Elementary Featuring A Tongue Project
  • How To Make A Kids Origami Easy And Fun Whale
  • Facts About Japan | How To Make Kids Easy Origami Fish
  • How to Make A Fun Origami Frog Amazon Rainforest Craft
Paper Crafts For Kindergarten | How To Make A Zebra Papercraft

Next, look at how to make this adorable papercraft zebra.

PAPERCRAFT ZEBRA FOR KIDS

List of Supplies

  • Colored craft papers
  • Scissors
  • Pencil
  • Craft glue
  • Sharpies
  • Zebra template (download below by adding your email and you get it instantly)

Instructions:

Step 1:

Select black, grey, white and pink colored craft papers for the zebra craft. Print and prepare the template patterns.

The template includes patterns for the head, lower body, inner ear parts, and mouth part, tail, tail tip, mane strips and mane base.

Use a pencil to trace the template patterns on the selected colored craft papers and use scissors to cut the traced patterns neatly.

Paper Crafts For Kindergarten | How To Make A Zebra Papercraft

Step 2:

Glue the tail tip to an open end of the tail cutout. Glue the inner ear parts to the ear parts and the mouth part to the front part of the head cutout.

Paper Crafts For Kindergarten | How To Make A Zebra Papercraft

Step 3:

Glue the tail pattern to the backside of the lower body cutout.

Paper Crafts For Kindergarten | How To Make A Zebra Papercraft

Step 4:

Take the mane base cutout and glue the mane strips to the base along the top side.

Paper Crafts For Kindergarten | How To Make A Zebra Papercraft

Step 5:

Glue the open end of a strip to its inner end, on the base. Do not make any fold in the middle of the strip, simple draw the strip to its other end and glue them.

Paper Crafts For Kindergarten | How To Make A Zebra Papercraft

Step 6:

Join all the strips similarly.

Paper Crafts For Kindergarten | How To Make A Zebra Papercraft

Step 7:

Glue the mane base to the backside of the head pattern, keeping the mane part placed along the top side of the head.

Paper Crafts For Kindergarten | How To Make A Zebra Papercraft

Step 8:

Glue the head pattern to the top, front side of the lower body base (opposite side of the tail).

Paper Crafts For Kindergarten | How To Make A Zebra Papercraft

Step 9:

Use a pencil to draw the face and strip outlines on the papercraft zebra.

Paper Crafts For Kindergarten | How To Make A Zebra Papercraft

Step 10:

Use a black sharpie to fill the traced outlines neatly and allow the ink to dry completely.

Paper Crafts For Kindergarten | How To Make A Zebra Papercraft

HOW TO GRAB THE FREE ZEBRA PAPER CRAFT TEMPLATE

Now, how to grab the freebie. It’s a subscriber freebie.

Paper Crafts For Kindergarten | How To Make A Zebra Papercraft

That means when you sign up to follow me, you get my emails in your inbox and you get this freebie.

1) CLICK HERE ON THIS LINK TO SIGN UP ON MY EMAIL LIST & TO GET THIS FREEBIE.

2) Grab the freebie instantly.

3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me!

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

Best Reading Curriculum for Elementary And Fun Reading Pointer Craft

July 12, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Choosing the best reading curriculum for elementary can feel overwhelming. Also, look at my page How To Homeschool Elementary Students Like A Pro.

But I am here to make your choice a little easier with a breakdown of some of the most popular and effective programs.

I have compared them by learning style, pros and considerations, and grade levels so that you can make the best choice for your reader whatever level they are at. You can see them at the bottom of this post.

Best Reading Curriculum for Elementary And Fun Reading Pointer Craft

Reading is the foundation for all of your child’s future learning and reading fluency and comprehension directly affect every other subject- from math word problems to science instructions.

And for fun but also to help them stay on track we are going to make a reading pointer craft so that they can follow along with simple readers or chapter books.

Next, look at more how to homeschool elementary students tips.

HOW TO HOMESCHOOL ELEMENTARY STUDENTS TIPS

  • Exciting Summer Learning Activities for Elementary Students Who Love Hands-On
  • How to Make a Humpback Whale & More Zoology Activities for Elementary Students
  • 3 Dinosaur Stem Activities Elementary Kids Will Love
  • Fun Mosaic Art Lesson Plans Elementary | How To Make A Tray
  • Easy Praying Mantis Craft: Awesome Insect Projects for Elementary Students
  • Easy Art And Geometry Activities For Elementary Students
  • Biology Science Curriculum For Elementary Students They Love & Tiger Craft
  • Exciting Scavenger Hunt: Beach Theme Activities Elementary Kids Will Love
  • Easy Human Body Crafts For Elementary Featuring A Tongue Project
  • Best Homeschool History Curriculum Elementary: A Focus on Albert Nobel
  • Easy Diorama About The Civil War For Elementary Students
  • How To Create Elementary Geography Curriculum Using Living Books
  • Best Reading Curriculum for Elementary And Fun Reading Pointer Craft

First, look at some reasons why it’s important to choose a reading program that fits your family.

5 REASONS WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO CHOOSE THE BEST READING CURRICULUM FOR ELEMENTARY

1.Strong reading programs teach more than just decoding—they develop vocabulary, grammar, inference skills, and critical thinking. These tools help your child to analyze, question, and articulate their ideas more effectively.

2. A well-designed reading curriculum can spark a lifelong love of books. When children enjoy what they read and feel successful doing it, they’re more motivated to learn independently.

3.The right curriculum accommodates how your child learns best—whether they need multisensory support, phonics-heavy instruction, or literature-rich engagement. This personal fit makes learning smoother and more enjoyable.

4. Reading difficulties, if left unaddressed, can snowball into academic frustration and low self-esteem. A good curriculum gives you tools to spot issues early and reinforce weak areas.

5, Reading is a great way to expose children to new ideas, cultures, and experiences. Even those in fantasy worlds. It gives them language to express their own thoughts. It also strengthens writing skills and oral communication.

Best Reading Curriculum for Elementary And Fun Reading Pointer Craft

Next, look at this fun reading pointer craft for young children.

HOW TO MAKE A READING POINTER

You will need:

  • Jumbo craft sticks
  • Craft paint/paint pens
  • Craft pom poms
  • Googly eyes
  • Permanent marker
  • Tacky or hot glue
  • Optional- Buttons, small toys, LEGO
Best Reading Curriculum for Elementary And Fun Reading Pointer Craft

You can let your child create their reading pointer using paint, fun little toys like LEGO, buttons, or anything else they wish. I wanted to give you a quick tutorial for this Bookwork Pointer.

Start by gluing small green pom poms onto the majority of the length of your craft stick, near the end add a larger green pom pom.

Best Reading Curriculum for Elementary And Fun Reading Pointer Craft

Take a black permanent marker or paint pen and outline the outer edges of a large pair of googly eyes to create glasses.

Best Reading Curriculum for Elementary And Fun Reading Pointer Craft

Glue the eyes to the large pompom.

Best Reading Curriculum for Elementary And Fun Reading Pointer Craft

Here are some of the other cute and simple reading pointers we made.

Best Reading Curriculum for Elementary And Fun Reading Pointer Craft

MORE READING CURRICULUM TIPS

  • How To Go From Phonics To Reading With 20 CVC Wheels
  • How to Choose a Phonics Program Like a Pro (& recommendations)
  • How To Get Your First Homeschooled Child Reading
  • 12 of the Best Books For Beginner Readers Being Homeschooled
  • How To Determine The Best Beginner Reading Books For Kindergarten & Recommendations

Finally, look at my list of best reading curriculum for elementary.

6 Best Reading Curriculum for Elementary

A strong foundation in reading during elementary school boosts academic achievement but also fosters a lifelong love of learning.

Photo Credit: www.allaboutlearningpress.com

All About Reading

Learning Style: Multisensory, Structured, Sequential Best For: Visual, kinesthetic, and auditory learners who need explicit phonics instruction. Grade Levels: Pre-K to Grade 4 Pros:

Open-and-go for parents
Strong phonics foundation
Hands-on letter tiles and activities
Scripted lessons for ease of teaching

Considerations:

Can be slow-paced for fluent readers
Requires parent involvement daily

Photo Credit: www.goodandbeautiful.com

The Good and The Beautiful – Language Arts

Learning Style: Literature-rich, integrated subjects Best For: Families wanting an open-and-go, faith-based curriculum that blends subjects. GradeLevels: Pre-K to Grade 8 Pros:

Free PDFs for many levels
Beautiful artwork and stories
Includes grammar, spelling, and writing

Considerations:

Not phonics-based after Level K

May be too advanced or fast-paced for struggling readers

Explode the Code 4 Books SET: Book 1, 2, 3 and 4 (Essential Lessons for Phonics Mastery)

Learning Style: Workbook-based, phonics Best For: Independent learners who like short, consistent exercises
Grade Levels: K–4 (Books A–8)
Pros:

Affordable

Simple, no-prep

Great for reinforcement

Considerations:

Lacks literature or story content

Repetitive and may not work well on its own for some kids

Sonlight Language Arts 4-5 with Readers

Learning Style: Literature-based, Best For: Families who love reading aloud and rich storytelling
Grade Levels: K–12
Pros:

High-quality book selections

Strong reading comprehension

Integrates writing and vocabulary

Consideration:

Expensive

Heavy parent involvement (reading aloud time)

Complete Set of Bob Books, Sets 1-5 (42 books)

LearningStyle: Simple phonics readers Best For: Early readers needing small, incremental steps GradeLevels: Pre-K to Grade 1 Pros:

Short, manageable books

Builds confidence

Affordable

Consideration:

Not a full curriculum, (great as a supplement to other curriculum)

Limited vocabulary and story depth

McGuffey's First Eclectic Reader: A Classic Introductory Reader for Children.

LearningStyle: Traditional, classical education Best For: Families wanting a no-frills, time-tested reading method
GradeLevels: K–8 (depending on reader level) Pros: Inexpensive

Strong vocabulary and moral lessons

Integrates reading and copy work

Consideration:

Uses old-fashioned language

Not phonics-based

Requires supplementation for modern literacy standards

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: books, crafts, elementary, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, reading

Easy Praying Mantis Craft: Awesome Insect Projects for Elementary Students

July 9, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have 10 awesome insect projects for elementary students. Also, look at my page How To Homeschool Elementary Students Like A Pro for more fun ideas.

Then I have a fun tutorial for making a praying mantis from a clothespin. Too, look at my post Free Kids Insect Unit Study┃How to Make Clay Insects for more insect projects.

Praying mantises are fascinating insects with unusual features. They have long bodies, triangular heads, and large eyes.

Easy Praying Mantis Craft: Awesome Insect Projects for Elementary Students

One thing that makes them very unique is that they have two special front legs that they use for catching food. And these legs have spikes that help them hold onto their prey.

We will, of course, learn about insects as a whole class within the amazing animal kingdom and more about the praying mantis.

Next, look at more how to homeschool elementary students tips.

HOW TO HOMESCHOOL ELEMENTARY STUDENTS TIPS

  • Exciting Summer Learning Activities for Elementary Students Who Love Hands-On
  • How to Make a Humpback Whale & More Zoology Activities for Elementary Students
  • 3 Dinosaur Stem Activities Elementary Kids Will Love
  • Fun Mosaic Art Lesson Plans Elementary | How To Make A Tray
  • Easy Praying Mantis Craft: Awesome Insect Projects for Elementary Students
  • Easy Art And Geometry Activities For Elementary Students
  • Biology Science Curriculum For Elementary Students They Love & Tiger Craft
  • Exciting Scavenger Hunt: Beach Theme Activities Elementary Kids Will Love
  • Easy Human Body Crafts For Elementary Featuring A Tongue Project
  • Best Homeschool History Curriculum Elementary: A Focus on Albert Nobel
  • Easy Diorama About The Civil War For Elementary Students
  • How To Create Elementary Geography Curriculum Using Living Books
  • Best Reading Curriculum for Elementary And Fun Reading Pointer Craft

Then, add some books to your study of insects.

INSECT BOOKS FOR KIDS

11 Insect & Bug Books for Kids Who Love to Be Read To and Read

Add one or two of these books to your home library about insects. I love living books but love to add reference books to our day when I find them.

When Insects are Babies

Describes briefly the short infancy of such common insects as the grasshopper, praying mantis, cicada, earwig, and twelve others.

We Like Bugs

This illustrated book for children asks the Have you ever seen a doodlebug? A dragon fly? A leafhopper? Find out all about bugs in this book.

Fabre's Book of Insects

Hailed by Darwin as "The Homer of Insects," famed French entomologist Jean Henri Fabre (1823–1915) devoted hours of rapt attention to insects while they hunted, built nests, and fed their families. Working in Provence, in barren, sun-scorched fields inhabited by countless wasps and bees, he observed their intricate and fascinating world, recounting their activities in simple, beautifully written essays.This volume, based on translations of Fabre's Souvenirs Entomologiques, blends folklore and mythology with factual explanation. Fabre's absorbing account of the scarab beetle's existence, for example, begins with the ancient Egyptians' symbolic view of this busy creature, eventually leading to a careful discussion of its characteristic method of rolling a carefully sculpted ball of food to its den. Elsewhere, he discusses with infectious enthusiasm the physiologic secrets behind the luminosity of fireflies, the musical talents of the locust, the comfortable home of the field cricket, and the cannibalism of the pious-looking praying mantis, among other topics.These charmingly related stories of insect life are a rare combination of scientific study and literary classic that will delight entomologists, naturalists, and nature lovers alike.

Children of Summer: Henri Fabre's Insects

Henri Fabre (1823-1915) was a famous explorer yet he seldom left his own backyard. He spent his whole life discovering the secrets of the insect world. His home and its surroundings served as his laboratory, and his lab assistants were his wife and children. The entire family shared his passion for insects, especially his youngest son, Paul. Follow Paul as he assists his famous father uncover the secrets of his "children of summer"-insects. You'll meet the undertaker beetle that buries dead animals; the acorn elephant beetle, whose snout is so long that it must hold it straight out to keep from tripping over it; caterpillars that spin tents and roadways of silk; red ants that kidnap black ant babies and raise them as slaves; dancing scorpions; dung beetles that get their nourishment from animal droppings; male peacock moths that pay homage to their princess but don't eat a single meal as adults; and many other unusual creatures. On the way, you'll get to know a fascinating scientist widely regarded as the father of modern entomology. Through texts drawn from the beautiful written records that Fabre kept of everything he did and saw, and exquisite illustrations done in close, scientific detail, this enchanting book reaches far beyond the boundaries of its subject to engage even those who didn't know they were interested in bugs.

Creep and Flutter: The Secret World of Insects and Spiders

Acclaimed naturalist and illustrator Jim Arnosky brings out the beauty—and the “wow!” and the “yuck!” factors—of hundreds of insects and spiders. Eight spectacular gatefolds show moths and mosquitoes, butterflies and beetles, spiders and silverfish life-size, up close, and personal!

Insects Do the Strangest Things (Step-Up Books)

Describes insects that have peculiar and strange characteristics, such as the camouflage of the walking stick, and the driver ants that prefer people to picnics.

Insect Life

Be immersed in the fascinating world of insects as you're taken on a journey observing and learning about the world around you.

This volume teaches about what makes an insect, the parts of a caterpillar, moths, butterflies, beetles, wasps, bees, flies, crickets, grasshoppers and more!

The Big Book of Bugs (The Big Book Series)

From moths and beetles to worms and spiders, the world is crawling with fascinating bugs. The Big Book of Bugs is the first fact-filled book for children to explore the vast array of creepy-crawlies that share our Earth.

In the first pages, children learn that bugs live nearly everywhere on the planet and gain tips on how to become a young bug spotter. As the book continues, the scenic compositions on each page are dedicated to key groups of bugs, including beetles, moths, butterflies, bees, snails, crickets, grasshoppers, worms, and spiders. Some spreads approach the world of bugs thematically, such as bugs that come out at night, baby bugs, and life cycles, how bugs hide and show off, and how some bugs love to live in your home. The conversational, funny text is also full of facts that will astonish children and adults, and accompanied by Yuval Zommer’s colorful illustrations. Illustrated in color throughout.

Caterpillars, Bugs and Butterflies: Take-Along Guide (Take Along Guides)

An introduction to the world of insects, caterpillars, and butterflies including identification information, educational activities, and fun facts.Invites young naturalists to spot wildlife. Safety tips are provided and interesting activities are suggested.

The Beetle (Dimensional Nature Portfolio Series)

Features the beetle in huge, three-dimensional form. The book consists of an enormous center pop-up and two seven-page books, one bound into each cover, which are full of additional pop-ups, anatomical cutaways and photographs taken through electron microscopes.

The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian's Art Changed Science

In this beautiful nonfiction biography, a Robert F. Sibert Medal winner, the Newbery Honor–winning author Joyce Sidman introduces readers to one of the first female entomologists and a woman who flouted convention in the pursuit of knowledge and her passion for insects.

One of the first naturalists to observe live insects directly, Maria Sibylla Merian was also one of the first to document the metamorphosis of the butterfly. 

Richly illustrated throughout with full-color original paintings by Merian herself, The Grew Who Drew Butterflies will enthrall young scientists.

Bugs, of all kinds, were considered to be “born of mud” and to be “beasts of the devil.” Why would anyone, let alone a girl, want to study and observe them? The Girl Who Drew Butterflies answers this question.

Then, look at these facts about praying mantis.

COOL PRAYING MANTIS FACTS

  • They come in different colors, like green or brown, which helps them blend in with plants.
  • Praying mantises eat other insects like flies, crickets, and even butterflies.
  • They are called “praying” mantises because they often hold their front legs up as if they are praying. But really they are just waiting to catch their next meal!
  • Baby praying mantises are called nymphs.
  • Praying mantises can turn their heads almost all the way around.
  • They can be found in gardens and fields and are very good at hiding because their color helps them blend in with their surroundings.

Now that we’ve learned a bit about the praying mantis, let’s take a look at the facts and features of insects in general and what makes an insect.

Easy Praying Mantis Craft: Awesome Insect Projects for Elementary Students

THE AMAZING WORLD OF INSECTS

  • All insects have six legs.
  • Insects have special sensors that help them smell, taste, and feel their environment.
  • Insects have three main body parts-head, thorax, and abdomen.
  • Many insects have wings and can fly.
  • Some have two wings, and some have four.
  • Some insects go through a process called metamorphosis, where they change their shape as they grow. For example, a caterpillar turns into a butterfly.
  • Insects live in many different places, such as underground, in trees, or even in water.
  • Some insects, like bees, communicate with each other through dances.
  • Many insects use camouflage to blend in with their surroundings and hide from predators.

10 INCREDIBLE INSECT PROJECTS FOR ELEMENTARY STUDENTS

  1. Here 8 Insect Fun Facts About Texas For Kids | Easy Dragonfly Craft that is just adorable.
  2. Make a fun and Easy Crawling Caterpillar Craft as part of a butterfly study.
  3. Check out this Free Kids Insect Unit Study┃ How to Make Clay Insects.
  4. Kinda gross but still pretty cool, create your own Dung Beetle Insect Craft.
  5. 4 Cicada Insect Fun Facts For Kids | How to Make A Cicada Clothespin Craft
  6. Bee Pollination STEAM Activity
  7. Turn empty rolls into these cute little Cardboard Roll Yarn Wrapped Bugs Craft.
  8. What a neat idea, the LEGO Ideas The Insect Collection lets your child make a model of some common insects with their favorite building blocks.
  9. In case you ever wondered How to Make a Bug Hotel Craft, here ya go, a great way to invite bugs to the yard for observation.
  10. Put together a Fun And Easy Spider Craft: Insect Lessons For Elementary Students.

Finally, look at how to make this fun praying mantis craft.

EASY PRAYING MANTIS CRAFT

You will need:

  • Wooden clothespin
  • 2 Green pipe cleaners
  • Green craft paint
  • Green craft foam or felt
  • paintbrush
  • Hot glue or tacky glue
  • Google eyes
Easy Praying Mantis Craft: Awesome Insect Projects for Elementary Students

Paint the wooden clothespin green and set to the side.

Cut a small triangle with rounded corners from green craft foam a little larger than the clothespin width and one oblong shape a little wider than the clothespin, cut up the center about ¾” of the way.

Easy Praying Mantis Craft: Awesome Insect Projects for Elementary Students

Finally cut two small circles about ¾” across.

Easy Praying Mantis Craft: Awesome Insect Projects for Elementary Students

Cut a 1” length off each pipe cleaner and then cut what is left into 3 equal pieces.

Easy Praying Mantis Craft: Awesome Insect Projects for Elementary Students

Glue eyes to the craft foam/felt on either side and then secure it to the clamp end of the clothespin with glue.

Attach the 1” pieces to either side of the triangular head for antennae.

Easy Praying Mantis Craft: Awesome Insect Projects for Elementary Students

Bend the remaining 6 pieces into V shapes and attach to the front, middle and back of the clothespin.

Easy Praying Mantis Craft: Awesome Insect Projects for Elementary Students

Fold the oblong shaped piece of foam over the back to make the wings and secure with glue.

For the final part glue the green circles you made over the forearms of the front legs like this, you can use scissors before or after you attach them to give them a bit of a ragged edge to make their graspers.

Easy Praying Mantis Craft: Awesome Insect Projects for Elementary Students

Then you will want to bend the front arms around so that they are in the praying position of the mantis.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: crafts, elementary, elementary science, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, insects, science

Fun Facts About The Wright Brothers For Kids | Easy Bicycle Art

June 28, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

What do you get when you combine fun facts about the Wright Brothers for kids with easy bicycle art? A quick and easy history lesson with a fun creative twist! Also, look at my post Wright Brothers And Amazing Airplanes And Other Things That Fly for more ideas.

The dream of human flight has captured imaginations for centuries, from Da Vinci’s sketches to the daring balloonists in the 1700s.

But it wasn’t until these two determined brothers from Dayton, Ohio—Wilbur and Orville Wright took to the skies in 1903 that powered flight became a reality.

Fun Facts About The Wright Brothers For Kids | Easy Bicycle Art

Their groundbreaking invention changed the world forever, laying the foundation for modern aviation.

Their father brought home a toy helicopter powered by rubber bands and the curious boys were mesmerized. This simple toy ignited their early fascination with flight and paved the way for the invention of the airplane.

But long before they built airplanes, the Wright brothers were tinkering with bicycles.

So we are going to take this history lesson and turn it into a fun and beautiful art project with a bit of tweaking for younger kids and adding a bit more challenge for the older ones.

KIDS BOOKS ABOUT FLIGHT

But first, look at these books about flight.

8 Resources About Flight and Flying

Use one of these books to study about airplanes or things that fly.

Who Were the Wright Brothers? (Who Was?)

As young boys, Orville and Wilbur Wright loved all things mechanical.  As young men, they gained invaluable skills essential for their success by working with printing presses, bicycles, motors, and any sort of machinery they could get their hands on.  As adults, the brothers worked together to invent, build, and fly the world’s first successful airplane. This is the fascinating story of the two inventors and aviation pioneers who never lost sight of their dream: to fly, and to soar higher!

Planes!: (And Other Things That Fly) (Things That Go)

Take to the skies with this fun, visual miscellany for younger children who love anything related to airplanes and flying!

Wind, Sand And Stars (Harvest Book)

Recipient of the Grand Prix of the Académie Française, Wind, Sand and Stars captures the grandeur, danger, and isolation of flight. Its exciting account of air adventure, combined with lyrical prose and the
spirit of a philosopher, makes it one of the most popular works ever written about flying.

The Story of the Wright Brothers: A Biography Book

The Wright brothers were the first people ever to build and fly an airplane, doing what many people at the time didn’t think was possible. Before they made history with their airplane, Wilbur and Orville were curious kids who loved learning about the world around them and how it worked. They fell in love with the idea of flying and taught themselves everything they needed to know to make their dream come true.

The Wright Brothers (Good for High School Kids)

On a winter day in 1903, in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, two brothers—bicycle mechanics from Dayton, Ohio—changed history. But it would take the world some time to believe that the age of flight had begun, with the first powered machine carrying a pilot.

Flight: The Complete History of Aviation (DK Smithsonian)

From the early pioneers to the latest spaceflight technology, this groundbreaking book charts the inspirational story behind humankind's conquest of the skies. In the 100 years since the Wright brothers' first powered flight, aviation has witnessed many memorable events. From record-breaking flights and aerial warfare, to advances in aircraft design and the race for space, Flight covers the most memorable moments in the history of aviation

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.

The Wright Brothers: Pioneers of American Aviation (Landmark Books)

Young Orville and Wilbur Wright loved building things. From the fastest sled in town to the highest-flying kite, the Wright brothers’ creations were always a step ahead of everyone else’s. They grew up learning all about mechanics from fixing bicycles and studied math and physics. On December 17, 1903, Orville took off in the world’s first flying machine! The Wright airplane is one of the most amazing–and life-changing–

Next, look at these facts about the Wright brothers.

9 FUN FACTS ABOUT THE WRIGHT BROTHERS FOR KIDS

  1. Birthplace-Millville, Indiana (Wilbur); Dayton, Ohio (Orville).
  2. Their first successful flight was on December 17, 1903, in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
  3. Duration of first flight-12 seconds.
  4. Distance of first flight- 120 feet.
  5. Self-taught engineers and inventors.
  6. Owned and operated the Wright Cycle Company.
  7. Invented a three-axis control system for flight (pitch, roll, yaw).
  8. Conducted wind tunnel experiments in 1901 to test over 200 wing designs.
  9. They are considered the “Fathers of Modern Aviation”.

And then look at these facts about the Wrights and their love of bicycles.

THE WRIGHT BROTHERS AND BICYCLES

It may seem unusual that bicycle mechanics could invent the airplane, but it makes sense when you look closer.

Balancing a bicycle and controlling its direction is surprisingly similar to managing an aircraft.

Both of them require an understanding of aerodynamics, efficient use of weight, and the mastery of mechanics.

The Wright brothers’ background in bicycles helped them think about flight in creative new ways, using tools they already had like chains, gears, and lightweight frames to build something new.

Before they turned their attention to flying machines, Wilbur and Orville were successful businessmen and in the late 1890s, bicycles were a booming industry.

Americans loved the newfound freedom bicycles gave them, and the Wright brothers saw an opportunity. In 1892, they opened the Wright Cycle Exchange, which later became the Wright Cycle Company.

They didn’t just sell and repair bicycles—they also designed and built their own.

Their hands-on experience with bicycles taught them about balance, steering, and lightweight structure, knowledge that would later become important to building aircraft.

Bicycles also gave the Wright Brothers a reliable source of income to fund their aeronautical experiments.

More importantly, working on bicycles sharpened their mechanical skills and taught them about efficient gearing and the importance of precise measurements.

Who knew that bicycles played such an important part in the invention of aircraft? But now you won’t be able to think of the two as being so far apart again!

Just like the Wright brothers tinkered, explored, and invented we are going to use this invitation to encourage your child to create a bicycle art piece.

Fun Facts About The Wright Brothers For Kids | Easy Bicycle Art

Also, look at What Makes Things Fly | Free Science Of Flight Printable, Free Paper Airplane Templates and YouTube The Wright Brothers for Kids | Bedtime History.

Finally, look at this easy art about bicycles.

EASY BICYCLE ART

Use solid colored cardstock or colorful patterned pages to encourage your child to create a unique colorful piece.

You will need:

  • Watercolor Paper
  • Watercolor paint
  • Construction paper/cardstock
  • Glue sticks
  • Divided tray
Fun Facts About The Wright Brothers For Kids | Easy Bicycle Art

My divided tray originally came with little shallow dishes in each of the spots for serving but most of them were missing and it comes in very handy for a cute little art tray.

Always keep your eyes peeled at thrift stores and yard sales for pieces that can make activities more inviting.

First, cut up construction paper or cardstock into small narrow strips, like that you would need for all the frame pieces, give your child a variety of options.

To elevate this project for an older child you can have them cut their own simple geometric shapes out.

Fun Facts About The Wright Brothers For Kids | Easy Bicycle Art

Add some circles and oblong pieces for the wheels and seat as well. To cut them I traced a cup that was smaller on bottom and larger on top to get the inner and outer size.

Fun Facts About The Wright Brothers For Kids | Easy Bicycle Art

Cut them out carefully.

Fun Facts About The Wright Brothers For Kids | Easy Bicycle Art

Put in a few glue sticks on the tray to secure pieces.

Add everything including a cup of water, watercolor paints, paintbrush, and watercolor paper to the set up.

Fun Facts About The Wright Brothers For Kids | Easy Bicycle Art

Now let your child experiment with putting together a bike from the pieces, and talk about what each part of the bike is for as they assemble it.

Fun Facts About The Wright Brothers For Kids | Easy Bicycle Art

Once they are happy with their bike, add glue to the back of each piece and press it down.

Fun Facts About The Wright Brothers For Kids | Easy Bicycle Art

Continue until the bike is fully assembled.

Fun Facts About The Wright Brothers For Kids | Easy Bicycle Art

Encourage your child to paint a watercolor background around the shapes they glued down to make the bike pop and then set it aside to dry.

Fun Facts About The Wright Brothers For Kids | Easy Bicycle Art

Fill in all the white areas close to,  but not on the glued down paper really elevates this art project.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: crafts, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, homeschool, Wright Brothers

Easy Jungle Crafts | Free Henri Rousseau Inspired Craft Kids Love

June 24, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have some easy jungle crafts and a simple Henri Rousseau inspired cut and paste craft to keep things fun. Also, look at my page Rain Forest – Amazon, Rain Forest – Animals of the Amazon and Rainforest Activities for Kids or more ideas, crafts and activities.

And look at my page Free Art Unit & Curriculum Grades 1 – 8  for more ideas.

Too, not understanding the slight differences between a jungle and rain forest can cause confusion. And some people use the words interchangeably based on where they live or places they have visited.

Also, jungle is not a scientific term but more of a description of an area. A rain forest is a specific ecosystem.

Easy Jungle Crafts | Free Henri Rousseau Inspired Craft Kids Love

Besides, all jungles are rainforests, but not all rainforests are jungles.

Additionally, a rainforest is a broad term for any tropical forest with heavy rain. A jungle usually means the really thick, wild, parts of a rainforest.

For example, the Amazon Rainforest in South America is the largest tropical rainforest in the world. It is home to jaguars, anacondas, toucans, and pink river dolphins.

Then the Congo Basin in Central Africa is the second largest rainforest and it is known for gorillas, chimpanzees, forest elephants, and rare birds.

Like a rainforest, jungles are home to many plants and species of animals. The abundance of plants and animals makes for great craft ideas.

Too, when studying about the jungle, add some art inspired jungle crafts.

ARTIST BOOKS FOR KIDS

And easy art inspired by Henri Rousseau, the jungle painter can sneak in a fun artist study too.

Look at these fun resources to add art to this study.

10 Favorite Art and Artist Books for Kids

Whether you’re studying about an artist and style of art, add these fun books to your home library or add to your art unit study.

A Weekend With Renoir

I have put on my little round hat (which I wear often, in fact), combed my white beard and put on my best navy-blue suit. I am wearing my favorite necktie, too. Surely, you can see at once that I am a painter. I am so pleased that you have come to spend the weekend with me, to hear me talk about myself and my friends-- they are painters also. What I am about to tell you is my own true story-- the story of my life and my work. You will have to step back with me into the past-- before you were born, yes, but not so very long ago.Let me introduce myself to you. My name is Pierre-Auguste Renoir.

Weekend with Van Gogh

The nineteenth-century Dutch artist discusses his life and work in a letter to his nephew.

A Weekend with Leonardo Da Vinci

The fifteenth century artist talks about his life and work as if entertaining the reader for a weekend.

Farms and farmers in art,

Farms and farmers in art

Drawing from Nature

Artist and naturalist Arnosky explains his techniques, and shares his enthusiasm, for drawing natural scenes and animals.

Linnea in Monet's Garden

Linnea has been in Paris. And she has visited the painter Claude Monet's garden! She even stood on the same little Japanese bridge that Monet painted so often in his pictures. In Paris, Linnea got to see many of the real paintings.

Now she can understand what it means to be called an Impressionist, and she knows a lot about Monet's life in the pink house where he lived with his eight children.

Twenty-five years after its original publication, this celebration of the wonder of art is available once again in an enlarged keepsake edition. The joy and inspiration Linnea discovers in Monet's garden will be eagerly embraced by a new generation
of readers.

The Noisy Paint Box: The Colors and Sounds of Kandinsky's Abstract Art

Vasya Kandinsky was a proper little boy: he studied math and history, he practiced the piano, he sat up straight and was perfectly polite. And when his family sent him to art classes, they expected him to paint pretty houses and flowers—like a proper artist.   But as Vasya opened his paint box and began mixing the reds, the yellows, the blues, he heard a strange sound—the swirling colors trilled like an orchestra tuning up for a symphony! And as he grew older, he continued to hear brilliant colors singing and see vibrant sounds dancing. But was Vasya brave enough to put aside his proper still lifes and portraits and paint . . . music?   In this exuberant celebration of creativity, Barb Rosenstock and Mary GrandPré tell the fascinating story of Vasily Kandinsky, one of the very first painters of abstract art. Throughout his life, Kandinsky experienced colors as sounds, and sounds as colors—and bold, groundbreaking works burst forth from his noisy paint box.

Famous Paintings

Famous Paintings: An Introduction to Art for Young People

Come Look With Me: Animals in Art

Few subjects have more immediate appeal to children than animals, and few methods of teaching students to appreciate fine art have proven more successful than those of educator Gladys S. Blizzard. In COME LOOK WITH ME: ANIMALS IN ART, she makes the most of children's natural curiosity about animals to introduce them not only to twelve magnificent works of art, but also to a whole new way of encountering art. Using an approach which is as fun as it is effective, the author deftly guides her young audience toward their own understanding of and delight in the world of art. The works featured in ANIMALS IN ART represent a variety of styles which students will encounter again in museums and in books: the muscular realism of Rosa Bonheur's "The Horse Fair", the delicate romanticism of Martin Johnson Heade's "Cattleya Orchid" and "Three
Brazilian Hummingbirds," the bold abstraction of Henri Matisse's "The Snail." They also represent an intriguing menagerie of beasts, from the mysterious deer and horses stampeding across the wall of Lascaux cave to Paul Klee's whimsical heart-nosed cat dreaming of a bird.

Exploring Landscape Art with Children (Come Look With Me)

In COME LOOK WITH ME: EXPLORING LANDSCAPE ART WITH CHILDREN art educator Gladys S. Blizzard introduces boys and girls to 12 magnificent landscape paintings. Through these carefully selected works and a thought-provoking text, the author guides students toward an imaginative new way of looking at art.This book is suited both for family reading and for sharing with a small group. Each full-color reproduction is accompanied by a brief biological sketch of the artist and a series of open-ended questions designed to make the most of a child's natural curiosity.

Then here are a few facts about Henri Rousseau artist.

HENRI ROUSSEAU QUICK FACTS FOR KIDS

As mentioned earlier he was named the jungle painter.

Then look at these facts.

  • Henri Rousseau was a French painter born in 1844.
  • However, he didn’t become an artist till much older.
  • Henri worked as a tax collector.
  • He was a self-taught artist.
  • Although he painted a lot of jungle scenes he had never been to a jungle.
  • He would paint monkeys swinging in the trees, tigers hiding in the grass and big green leaves and colorful flowers.
  • His paintings are full of dreams and surprises.
Easy Jungle Crafts | Free Henri Rousseau Inspired Craft Kids Love

And now look at these easy jungle crafts.

EASY JUNGLE CRAFTS

  • Fascinating Reptiles That Start with the Letter D | Turtle Craft
  • Free Reptiles Lapbook for Kids Who Love Hands-on Learning
  • Free Butterfly Lapbook For Kids Who Love Hands-On Learning
  • Bioluminescence For Kids: How To Make A Fun Firefly Craft
  • The World of Plants: The Educational Value of a Plant Lapbook
  • Free Ladybug Lapbook for Kids Who Love Hands-On Learning
  • How To Make A Shoebox Water Cycle Diorama With Free Printables
  • 4 Weeks Free Plant Unit Study And Best Hands-On Ideas
  • Beautiful And Colorful Amazonian Rainforest Animals Lapbook For Kids
  • The Wonders of Nature: Free Color by Number Sloth Rainforest Habitat Page
  • 10 Amazon Rainforest Lizards Facts and How to Make A Fun Iguana
  • 8 Fun Facts About Harpy Eagles | How to Make a Paper Bag Puppet
  • Wildlife in the Amazon Rainforest – Create Fun Macaw and Toucan Crafts

Finally, look at how to grab the free Henri Rousseau inspired cut and paste craft.

HOW TO GET THE FREE HENRI ROUSSEAU INSPIRED CUT AND PASTE CRAFT

Now, how to grab the freebie. It’s a subscriber freebie.

1) CLICK HERE ON THIS LINK TO SIGN UP ON MY EMAIL LIST & TO GET THIS FREEBIE.

2) Grab the freebie instantly.

3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me!

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

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