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crafts

Best Flower Crafting Ideas And Free 3D Flower Templates

March 20, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Spring is especially a good time to spend a day doing flower crafting ideas. Also, look at my Free Wildflowers Unit Study & Lapbook for more fun ideas.

Whether you’re studying about wildflowers or getting ready to plant a garden, these flower craft ideas are sure to add a bit of fun to your science day.

You can really use most materials you have on hand at home.

Best Flower Crafting Ideas And Free 3D Flower Templates

Too, I have a free 3d printable flower craft download which requires less materials.

Besides, flower crafting is a fun way for your children to express their creativity.

From tissue paper, buttons, to cupcake liners, you can use just about any craft material you have in your home.

First, look at some of these books to read aloud or as assigned reading while doing these crafts.

BOOKS ABOUT FLOWERS FOR KIDS

10 Wildflower Books & Resources For Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

Spring is especially a good time to learn about wildflowers but you can learn about them anytime. Add a few of these hands-on resources and books and you'll have a fun multiple ages unit study for your homeschooled kids.

Image for Botanicum: Welcome to the Museum

Botanicum: Welcome to the Museum

Botanicum, is a brilliantly curated guide to plant life. With artwork from Katie Scott of Animalium fame, Botanicum gives readers the experience of a fascinating exhibition from the pages of a beautiful book. From perennials to bulbs to tropical exotica, Botanicum is a wonderful feast of botanical knowledge complete with superb cross sections of how plants work.

Image for National Geographic Pocket Guide to Wildflowers of North America

National Geographic Pocket Guide to Wildflowers of North America

With this basic beginner's field guide to North American wildflowers, all who enjoy nature and the outdoors can identify common wildflowers, from backyard weeds to dainty forest blossoms. In a logical, user-friendly, highly visual format, this new title offers key facts about 160 of the most common wildflowers and weeds, coast to coast, including Canada and Alaska.

Image for Wildcraft! an Herbal Adventure Game for Kids

Wildcraft! an Herbal Adventure Game for Kids

Unlike many kids games 4 and up that turn out to be too confusing for children, Wildcraft! An Herbal Adventure Game, is a fun, strategic challenge that’s also easy to follow– NO READING REQUIRED. Because our learning board games feature clear illustrations and matching icons, even younger kids will learn what the different plants look like and can be used for. It’s the perfect fun game for family game night with kids, and ideal for beginners – no prior plant knowledge necessary!

Image for Wildflower Seeds: Bulk Mix of 21 Varieties

Wildflower Seeds: Bulk Mix of 21 Varieties

Wide Variety Of Flower Seeds: Our wildflower seeds will provide you with a vibrant selection of flowers in your garden. You will get 21 different varieties of annual seeds including Black Eyed Susans, California Bluebells, African Daisies and more.

Image for Wildflower Bingo Game

Wildflower Bingo Game

Do you know which flower got its name from its resemblance to the sombrero? What is the species of the bluebonnet? Lot of facts about North American wildflowers in this game.

Image for Wildflowers, Blooms & Blossoms (Take Along Guides)

Wildflowers, Blooms & Blossoms (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. 

Image for Ultimate Explorer Field Guide: Wildflowers

Ultimate Explorer Field Guide: Wildflowers

What do you call a garden filled with lots of flowers? A polli-nation! Nat Geo Kids is back with the newest fact- and photo-filled Ultimate Explorer Field Guide, and this one packs some real flower power! This guide to wildflowers will make kids stop and look for all kinds of blossoms blooming right under their noses. From buttercups to bladderworts, primroses to pitcher plants, kids will learn how, where, and when to spot these wildflowers in their backyard, down the street, or all over town! Jam-packed with tons of info, interactive prompts, tips for budding botanists, super stats, and jokes--it's the perfect companion for exploring the backyard or field trips, camping, or vacation. Durable and portable, it's just right for your pocket or backpack!

Image for Wild Flowers of North America (Science Nature Guides)

Wild Flowers of North America (Science Nature Guides)

Did you know that wild plants are still used for food, for medicines, and as dyes? Many of the plants growing in urban areas, in woods and by the side of roads are useful as well as being pretty. Other plants have small and less obvious how many have you seen and not realized that they were flowers? This book will show you the most common wild flowers and where you are most likely to find them. A nature guide designed for elementary grades 2-3, the book includes more than 20 easy-to-do science projects.

Image for Miss Lady Bird's Wildflowers: How a First Lady Changed America

Miss Lady Bird's Wildflowers: How a First Lady Changed America

In this warm, engaging look at the life of a great First Lady, Kathi Appelt tells the story behind Lady Bird Johnson's environmental vision. Joy Fisher Hein's colorful wildflowers burst from every page, inviting us to share in Lady Bird's love for natural beauty. 

From a lonely childhood in the Piney Woods of East Texas to an exciting life in the White House, Lady Bird Johnson loved wildflowers with all her heart. They were her companions in her youth, greeting her everywhere as she explored wild forests, bayous, and hills. 

Image for Wild Flowers of North America: Botanical Illustrations by Mary Vaux Walcott

Wild Flowers of North America: Botanical Illustrations by Mary Vaux Walcott

Published in association with the Smithsonian Institution. What does it take to paint a wildflower that blooms for a single day in a deep forest? For Mary Vaux Walcott, it involved spending up to seventeen hours a day out of doors with her paintbox to capture the shape, movement, and colors of delicate petals and leaves.

Next, look at these flower crafting ideas.

FLOWER CRAFTING IDEAS

  • Fun Kids Activity How to Make Wildflower Seed Bombs
  • Easy Method When Building any DIY Giant Paper Flower
  • Hands-On Mixed Media Flower Art Fun Nature Study
  • Easy Coffee Filter Flowers
  • How to Easily Make a Simple and Fun Kids DIY Flower Press
  • Beaded Pipe Cleaner Flowers
  • Winter Craft Ideas How to Make Fun Pinecone Flowers
  • Is Sunflower A Wildflower | How to Make a Canning Lid Craft
  • Are Daisies Wildflowers | How to Make a Wildflower Pounding Towel
  • California Landmarks With Naturalist John Muir | How To Make A Poppy Craft
  • Fun Kids Dandelion Flower Unit Study and Easy Tea Recipe & Notebooking Pages
  • Free Texas Homeschool Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas
  • How To Make Sunflower Craft Like Van Gogh For Young Crafters
Best Flower Crafting Ideas And Free 3D Flower Templates

Finally, look at the freebie.

Not only did I add the templates, but I added pictures so you can see how to put them together.

Too, remember to use paint, pens, or colors to decide how your flowers will look.

HOW TO GET THE FREE 3D FLOWER CRAFT TEMPLATES

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

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: crafts, flowers, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool

How To Make An Adorable Rocking Chick Easy Chicken Craft

March 8, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have an easy chicken craft. It is an adorable rocking chick made from paper. Also, look at my post Free Homeschool Chicken Unit Study and Anatomy of an Egg Felt Activity & Worksheet for more ideas.

It’s the perfect craft to welcome spring, and a great way to add a playful element to your chicken unit study.

And besides baby chicks are adorable, fluffy and full of energy.

How To Make An Adorable Rocking Chick Easy Chicken Craft

When a chick is born, it’s called a hatchling because it just hatched from an egg. It’s the cutest thing on the farm.

And baby chicks have a little bit of food left inside their eggs that helps them survive for the first couple of days. So, they don’t need to be fed by their moms.

A female chicken called a hen lays eggs. She’ll usually lay one egg a day until she has a bunch of them.

CHICKEN BOOKS FOR KIDS

Next, look at some books and fun resources to go along with this craft.

Just make it a whole day of fun learning.

9 Books and Resources for a Fun Chicken Unit Study

Whether you’re wanting to do a chicken unit study or study chickens for the day, you’ll love these books and resources to add to your collection.

Image for Chicks & Chickens

Chicks & Chickens

Cheep . . .  cheep . . . cluck!  Everything you ever wanted to know about chickens and eggs—except which came first. With bright watercolor illustrations and simple, clear language, nonfiction master Gail Gibbons shows young readers everything there is to know about chickens. See what different breeds of chickens look like, discover how eggs are laid and hatched, and learn how big and little farms take care of their birds. Key vocabulary words about chicken behavior and anatomy are introduced throughout Chicks and Chickens, and new words are reinforced in accessible language for young readers.

Image for 4 PCS Chicken Farm Animal Life Cycle Growth Model

4 PCS Chicken Farm Animal Life Cycle Growth Model

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.

Image for Farm Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of Country Life

Farm Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of Country Life

Learn the difference between a farrow and a barrow, and what distinguishes a weanling from a yearling. Country and city mice alike will delight in Julia Rothman’s charming illustrated guide to the curious parts and pieces of rural living. Dissecting everything from the shapes of squash varieties to how a barn is constructed and what makes up a beehive to crop rotation patterns, Rothman gives a richly entertaining tour of the quirky details of country life. 

Image for Where Do Chicks Come From?

Where Do Chicks Come From?

Read and find out about eggs—and how baby chicks grow inside of them—in this colorfully illustrated nonfiction picture book.

Learn how chicks develop, how they get the food they need to grow, and how a mother hen helps keep them safe in this introduction to the life cycle of a baby chick.

This is a clear and appealing science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom. It's a Level 1 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out, which means the book explores introductory concepts perfect for children in the primary grades. The 100+ titles in this leading nonfiction series are:

Image for Chickenology: The Ultimate Encyclopedia

Chickenology: The Ultimate Encyclopedia

A great educational book, covering:• Different breeds of chickens, like Padovana and Silkie• The difference between roosters and hens• How chicks are formed in the egg• Chickens sounds and noises• Chicken anatomy and feather anatomy and colors• Chickens and eggs around the world• Chicken history and folklore• Raising chickens at home• Chickens as pets

Image for LEGO Creator Easter Chickens 30643

LEGO Creator Easter Chickens 30643

These LEGO Chickens are a fun and easy add on for little ones joining in the fun.

Image for Farm Animal for Kids, Chicken Coop

Farm Animal for Kids, Chicken Coop

DETAILED & REALISTIC. Crafted with precision and authentic detail to create a lifelike toy that teaches and inspires toddlers and kids of every age; helps introduce children to animals. From the first sketch to the intricate finishing touches, we see value in every detail.

Image for Farm Animal Chicken Coop Building Blocks

Farm Animal Chicken Coop Building Blocks

Chicken Coop Building Blocks. It contains a coop, twenty chicken and ten eggs.

Compatible with LEGO: It's made of LEGO-compatible bricks. It will enrich your MOC blocks. It can be put together with a lot of block scenes, such as farm, house, castle, village, animal and so on.

Image for Farm Animals Figurines Simulated Farm Life

Farm Animals Figurines Simulated Farm Life

These little chicken figurines would also make a great addition to a chicken study, put them in a sensory bin with a little birdseed or cracked corn for hours of fun.

And then here are more facts about chicks.

  • Hens sit on their eggs to keep them warm. This is called incubation.
  • When it’s time for the chick to hatch, it starts pecking at the inside of the egg using a special little “egg tooth” on its beak.
  • Baby chicks are often yellow, but they can also be black, brown, or even a mix of colors, depending on the breed of chicken.
  • When they’re just born, they might nibble on some tiny grains of food or special chick starter feed.
  • As chicks get older, they start eating bigger pieces of food like bugs, worms, and seeds.
  • After just a few weeks, they start growing feathers.

Also, look at more easy chicken crafts.

Just in time for spring.

MORE EASY CHICKEN CRAFTS

  • Free Homeschool Chicken Unit Study and Anatomy of an Egg Felt Activity & Worksheet
  • Free Chicken Life Cycle Worksheet For Kids & Hands-on Activity
  • 10 Crafts With Styrofoam Egg Cartons | How to Make Easy Chicken Crafts
  • The Ancient Art Of Mummifying: How To Mummify A Chicken
  • Then look at this book The Backyard Chicken Keeper’s Bible: Discover Chicken Breeds, Behavior, Coops, Eggs, and More.
How To Make An Adorable Rocking Chick Easy Chicken Craft

Finally, look at how to make this adorable paper rocking chick.

HOW TO MAKE A PAPER ROCKING CHICK WITH A FREE TEMPLATE

First, look at this easy list of materials.

  • Construction papers
  • Glue
  • White marker
  • Scissor
  • free chick template (enter your email in the form at the end of this post to get the freebie instantly)
How To Make An Adorable Rocking Chick Easy Chicken Craft

Cut a circle from a white paper. We used a paper bowl turned upside down to make a perfect circle.

After cutting out the circle, then fold it in half.

Cut triangles on the folded part to make a “breaking egg” illusion.

How To Make An Adorable Rocking Chick Easy Chicken Craft

Cut the chick out of the yellow paper following the template and assemble them just as shown.

How To Make An Adorable Rocking Chick Easy Chicken Craft

Make the eyes by cutting two small circles then shade the inner part using a marker.

How To Make An Adorable Rocking Chick Easy Chicken Craft
How To Make An Adorable Rocking Chick Easy Chicken Craft

Too, you can use googly eyes but we used the white paper and a black marker.

Once you have assembled them, attach it at the back of the white paper cracked eggshell. Let it dry.

How To Make An Adorable Rocking Chick Easy Chicken Craft

Then rock it back and forth as your chick hatches. How fun!

HOW TO DOWNLOAD THE FREE CHICK TEMPLATE FOR AN EASY CHICKEN CRAFT

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

When you sign up to follow me, you get access to this freebie.

1) Sign up on my email list to follow me and get this freebie and many others.
 2) Grab the printable.
3) Last, look for my emails in your inbox as a follower. Glad to have you following me!

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: chciks, chicken, crafts, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, spring, spring crafts

How to Make Goodnight Gorilla Craft Puppets for Storytime

February 21, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Making puppets for a Goodnight Gorilla craft is a wonderful way to introduce learning through play for favorite stories.

Goodnight Gorilla is written by Peggy Rathmann and tells the story of a zookeeper who says goodnight to the animals in his care before going to bed.

He makes his way through the gorillas, giraffes, elephants, lions, and even an armadillo but a mischievous gorilla grabs the keys and decides to play a trick on the zookeeper.

How to Make Goodnight Gorilla Craft Puppets for Storytime

The gorilla quietly follows the zookeeper, unlocking the cages of the other animals and letting them out.

Kids just think this is so hilarious and love being part of the joke.

GOODNIGHT GORILLA BOOK

Good Night Gorilla

 Picture books bring stories to life for the littles. Add this picture book to your home library.

Image for Good Night Gorilla

Good Night Gorilla

'Good night, Gorilla', says the night watchman as he finishes his rounds at the zoo. But Gorilla has other ideas, deftly pick-pocketing the watchman's keys and letting himself, Elephant, Lion, Hyena, Giraffe and Armadillo out of his cage. The watchman makes his way home and into bed, unaware that the zoo has followed him home!

The zookeeper makes his way home and crawls into bed only for his wife to find that all the animals followed him home.

So she leads them all back and puts them all away, except for one.

HOW TO USE THE STORY TIME PUPPETS

These fun little craft stick puppets that go with a book allow your child to recreate the story or make a new one.

Use them for new vocabulary and language skills, develop fine motor skills as they help make the puppets, and foster their imagination.

How to Make Goodnight Gorilla Craft Puppets for Storytime

From a mom’s point of view, it is fun trying to recreate their favorite characters into a learning toy with simple drawings.

We are going to turn Good Night Gorilla and some of its most memorable characters into puppets using craft sticks and markers or crayons.

MORE GOODNIGHT GORILLA CRAFT IDEAS

  • Make a Simple and Fun Wildlife Craft Mountain Gorilla Layered Art Project to take a simple storybook to the next level of learning.
  • These Story Blocks- Goodnight Gorilla are another great way to retell this favorite story while they rearrange and build.
  • Yet another way to add a level of learning to a simple story book is the Alphabet Letter G is for Gorilla Fun Paper Plate Preschool Mask which is full of gorilla themed learning ideas.
  • Goodnight Gorilla Handprint Zoo Craft
  • Grab this free Goodnight Gorilla Zoo Animal Patterns Printable to teach your preschooler patterning and fine motor skills as they cut and paste.
  • Here is a cute idea for making shoebox cages for zoo animals along with matching keys that will lead to hours of dramatic play.
  • This craft, Zoobook Activity: Matching Eyes is fun and
  • Encourage your child to get creative with LEGO or Duplo and recreate Goodnight, Gorilla: Building the Story with Lego.

If you want to make it more than just a simple craft you can include some simple facts and look at pictures of the animals in the story.

Wildlife Anatomy is a wonderful reference for a variety of ages and includes gorilla, lion, and elephant.

How to Make Goodnight Gorilla Craft Puppets for Storytime

Think about taking a trip to a local zoo to see if you can find all the animals mentioned in the story.

And as well as a zookeeper or two to make it come even more alive for your child.

It will be a fun scavenger hunt mixed in with a simple science activity. It is a great way to bond with your child.

Grab a container of zoo animals and let your child build their own zoo with LEGO, wood blocks, pipe cleaners, or sticks gathered from the yard.

HOW TO MAKE GOODNIGHT GORILLA CRAFT PUPPETS

You will need:

  • Jumbo craft sticks
  • Cardstock
  • A pencil with eraser
  • Markers, crayons, or colored pencils

First, the illustrations in Goodnight Gorilla are very simple.

And that makes them easy to recreate with pencil and a little color. 

Draw very simple outlines in pencil of the zookeeper and the animals you wish to include on thick cardstock.

How to Make Goodnight Gorilla Craft Puppets for Storytime

If you do just their heads it is easier than drawing the entire body if you are intimidated by drawing.

Next, make your drawings pop by coloring them in, keep it simple with just a couple colors.

How to Make Goodnight Gorilla Craft Puppets for Storytime

Add details like hair, eyes, etc… to give your drawings a little depth.

And if you outline everything in black they really pop.

How to Make Goodnight Gorilla Craft Puppets for Storytime

Cut each one out of the cardstock.

How to Make Goodnight Gorilla Craft Puppets for Storytime

Use a glue stick to attach them to the back of the craft stick.

How to Make Goodnight Gorilla Craft Puppets for Storytime

Store in a cup or sandwich bag when not in use.

How to Make Goodnight Gorilla Craft Puppets for Storytime

If you want to make them more durable for longer play, laminate them before gluing them to the craft sticks.

You can do this for whatever your toddler or preschoolers favorite books are and get quite a fun collection going.

Picture a set of Goodnight Moon, The Very Hungry Caterpillar and more on their bookshelves promoting imagination and literacy skills.

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

Llama Love And Creative Machu Picchu Crafts for Kids

February 3, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Machu Picchu crafts for kids is a great way to teach them about other cultures while learning geography. Also, look at my page South America Unit Study Resources for more ideas about South America.

And in this case, we’re learning a little animal science as we craft a llama from a box rescued from the trash.

Llamas are often recognized by their distinctive long necks and fluffy coats.

They are a very important part of the history and lifestyle of the people of Machu Picchu.

Llama Love And Creative Machu Picchu Crafts for Kids

Machu Picchu was built by the Incas in Tawantinsuyu (a pre-Columbian civilization) in what is now known as Peru. 

They built the terraces of giant stones and put their houses, palaces, and temples, and farms on the steep mountain side with irrigation systems to get water to all of their farms.

Llamas are remarkable animals that have been an integral part of human culture for thousands of years.

 They were the primary method of transporting goods to and from the site of Machu Picchu because they could navigate the hard mountain paths and carry heavy loads.

Their adaptability, intelligence, and gentle nature make them valuable companions and contributors to the Andean way of life.

BOOKS ABOUT SOUTH AMERICA FOR KIDS

First, look at these books about South America.

13 Resources for a Study of South America

Add some of these fun books and resources to your study of South America.

Image for South America (Rookie Read-About Geography: Continents)

South America (Rookie Read-About Geography: Continents)

An incredible variety of climates and biomes span the territory of South America. As a result, the continent contains some of the greatest biodiversity on Earth.

Rookie Read-About: Continents series gives the youngest reader (Ages 3-6) an introduction to the components that make each continent distinctive and exceptional. Readers will get to know each continents' geography, history, and wildlife. In this book readers learn about the continent of South America, including the geography, native animals, people and more.

Image for Ancient Civilizations: Aztecs, Maya, Incas!: With 25 Social Studies Projects for Kids (Explore Your World)

Ancient Civilizations: Aztecs, Maya, Incas!: With 25 Social Studies Projects for Kids (Explore Your World)

A full-color, compelling book for ages 7 to 10 offers a deep dive into the three sophisticated ancient civilizations of Mesoamerica―the Aztecs, Maya, and Incas― through hands-on STEAM projects, essential questions, and loads of fascinating facts!

Why were there more than 3,000 steps built at Machu Picchu? Why did the Aztecs roam Mexico for nearly 200 years before finding a place to settle? How did the Maya study the movements of the stars and the planets? Ancient Civilizations: Aztecs, Maya, Incas! With 25 Social Studies Projects for Kids takes kids ages 7 to 10 on a guided tour to experience the history, culture, economics, and daily life of the Aztecs, Maya, and Incas.

Image for Biblioburro: A True Story from Colombia

Biblioburro: A True Story from Colombia

A man, his burros, and his books bring joy to children in remote Colombian villages in this inspiring book based on a true story by celebrated picture book creator Jeanette Winter.Luis loves to read, but soon his house in Colombia is so full of books there’s barely room for the family. What to do? Then he comes up with the perfect solution—a traveling library! He buys two donkeys—Alfa and Beto—and travels with them throughout the land, bringing books and reading to the children in faraway villages.

Image for Secret of the Andes (Puffin Newberry Library)

Secret of the Andes (Puffin Newberry Library)

An Incan boy who tends llamas in a hidden valley in Peru learns the traditions and secrets of his ancestors. 

Image for My Mama's Little Ranch on the Pampas

My Mama's Little Ranch on the Pampas

In the sequel to On the Pampas, the author recalls her first year on the small Argentinian ranch purchased and managed by her mother, in an account that includes a visual dictionary of the Spanish words and geographical terms used in the text.

Image for Tales from Silver Lands

Tales from Silver Lands

Atmospheric woodcuts illustrate this Newbery Award–winning collection of 19 South American folktales. Charles J. Finger heard the tales firsthand from native storytellers, whose fables of talking animals, witches, giants, and ordinary people in supernatural settings provide remarkable insights into regional values and culture. The first of the stories, "A Tale of Three Tails," tells of an age when the rat had a tail like a horse, the rabbit had a tail like a cat, and the deer's tail was plumed like the tail of a dog. "The Magic Dog" recounts an act of kindness to a stray animal that helps overcome a witch's curse. In "The Calabash Man," the creatures of the jungle assist a suitor in winning his bride, and in "El Enano," a greedy troll's insatiable appetite leads to his downfall. Packed with adventure and full of surprises, these and other stories emphasize the importance of hard work, courage, and loyalty.

Image for Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time

Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time

In 1911, Hiram Bingham III climbed into the Andes Mountains of Peru and “discovered” Machu Picchu. While history has recast Bingham as a villain who stole both priceless artifacts and credit for finding the great archeological site, Mark Adams set out to retrace the explorer’s perilous path in search of the truth—except he’d written about adventure far more than he’d actually lived it. In fact, he’d never even slept in a tent.

Image for Journey to the River Sea

Journey to the River Sea

With the memorable characters and plot twists she brings to her best-selling fantasies, acclaimed author Eva Ibbotson has written a hair-raising novel, set in turn-of-the-last-century Brazil.Accompanied by Miss Minton, a fierce-looking, no-nonsense governess, Maia, a young orphan, sets off for the wilderness of the Amazon, expecting curtains of orchids, brightly colored macaws, and a loving family. But what she finds is an evil-tempered aunt and uncle and their spoiled daughters. It is only when she is swept up in a mystery involving a young Indian boy, a homesick child actor, and a missing inheritance that Maia lands in the middle of the Amazon adventure she's dreamed of. Readers of every generation will treasure Ibbotson's lush historical adventure that harkens back to the beloved classics of Frances Hodgson Burnett and Louisa May Alco

Image for This Place Is Wet

This Place Is Wet

Can you imagine living in a place where there is so much water some houses need to be built on stilts to protect them when the river rises? Or where it is so wet that some plants can grow on the sides of trees with their roots gathering water from the air? In This Place Is Wet, you'll find out all sorts of things about what it's like to live in the rain forest of Brazil. Try to imagine living there!

Image for Bolivar: American Liberator

Bolivar: American Liberator

It is astonishing that Simón Bolívar, the great Liberator of South America, is not better known in the United States. He freed six countries from Spanish rule, traveled more than 75,000 miles on horseback to do so, and became the greatest figure in Latin American history. His life is epic, heroic, straight out of Hollywood: he fought battle after battle in punishing terrain, forged uncertain coalitions of competing forces and races, lost his beautiful wife soon after they married and never remarried (although he did have a succession of mistresses, including one who held up the revolution and another who saved his life), and he died relatively young, uncertain whether his
achievements would endure.

Image for Ada's Violin: The Story of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay

Ada's Violin: The Story of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay

Ada Ríos grew up in Cateura, a small town in Paraguay built on a landfill. She dreamed of playing the violin, but with little money for anything but the bare essentials, it was never an option...until a music teacher named Favio Chávez arrived. He wanted to give the children of Cateura something special, so he made them instruments out of materials found in the trash

Image for Mayans Aztecs Incas Coloring Book: Coloring Pages of Ancient Mexico Civilizations for Adults and Teens

Mayans Aztecs Incas Coloring Book: Coloring Pages of Ancient Mexico Civilizations for Adults and Teens

Mayans Aztecs Incas Coloring Book – Fun And Education For Adults and TeensMake the perfect gift for anyone who loves coloring! Enjoy this Mayans Aztecs Incas Coloring Book for Adults and Teens. Click the cover to reveal what’s inside!About this book:

  • 40 original pages drawings of Symbols, Warriors, Masks and Mandalas.
Image for The Inca Empire (A True Book: Ancient Civilizations) (A True Book (Relaunch))

The Inca Empire (A True Book: Ancient Civilizations) (A True Book (Relaunch))

Explore the Inca empire, including how the Incas survived in the mountains, how the empire was built, and why it disappeared.

A True Book: Ancient Civilizations series allows readers to experience what makes each ancient civilization distinctive and exceptional as well look at its influence on the some of the practices of the modern world. This series includes an age appropriate (grades 3-5) introduction to curriculum-relevant subjects and a robust resource section that encourages independent study.

We are going to celebrate that with 10 facts full of great information, more Machu Picchu crafts for kids, and my own tutorial to make your own mini-Llama pinata from recycling.

10 LLAMA LOVING FACTS

  1. These woolly pack animals are native to the high-altitude regions of the Andes Mountains in South America, and more specifically Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.
  2. Historical evidence shows that llamas were first domesticated by the indigenous people of the Andes as early as 4,000 BC. They played a very important role in these communities. They served as pack animals, providing fiber for clothing, and even being used for meat and sacrifice. Some communities still use them for herding and transportation to this day.
  3. Llamas are the largest members of the camelid family in South America. They can reach a height of 5 to 6 feet at the shoulder and weigh anywhere between 280 to 450 pounds.
  4. Their thick, woolly coats provide insulation against the cold Andean temperatures. Not only are they useful but these coats come in a wide array of colors-including white, black, brown, gray, and they can even have spotted or multicolored patterns.
  5. When threatened or annoyed, llamas may spit a mixture of saliva and stomach contents as a defense mechanism. This spit can be very accurate and foul smelling.
  6. Llamas are social animals and live in herds that are led by a dominant male. These herds can range in size from just a few individuals to groups of 20 or more.
  7. They talk to  each other through a variety of vocalizations, including hums, grunts, and screams. Body language, such as ear position and tail movements, also plays a part in their communication.
  8. Llamas are herbivores and feed mostly on grasses, shrubs, and other vegetation found in the high-altitude habitat. They have a  three-chambered stomach which allows them to efficiently digest tough plant material.
  9. Llamas are adapted to arid (dry) environments and can go for extended periods without drinking water, up to 3 days.
  10. Llama fiber is soft, warm, and durable. It is used to make a variety of products, including clothing, blankets, and rugs.
Llama Love And Creative Machu Picchu Crafts for Kids

Next, look at these Machu Picchu crafts for kids.

MACHU PICCHU CRAFTS FOR KIDS

  • Trek back to ancient Meso-American and Make Stunning Salt Dough Incan Jewelry | Incan Crafts for Kids.
  • Check out these great free Peru color pages.
  • Great for a book report or just an enjoyable way to learn more about another country and culture “Where is Machu Picchu”” is engaging and chock full of good information.
  • If you like lapbooks for more organized learning I have a Free Machu Picchu Mini Book & Completed South America Lapbook.
  • Create your own colorful felt landscape with my How to Make a Felt Mountain Craft | 7 Andes Mountain Facts For Kids.

Make a llama out of one of my favorite craft materials, learn how to Make a Paper Plate Llama.

Finally, look at how to make a tissue paper llama.

RECYCLED TISSUE PAPER LLAMA

You will need:

  • Empty cardboard box-cereal, etc
  • Tissue paper
  • Google eyes
  • Scissors
  • Glue stick
Llama Love And Creative Machu Picchu Crafts for Kids

First, on the wider side of the box, draw the outline of a llama.

You can either free hand it or use this free llama pattern.

Llama Love And Creative Machu Picchu Crafts for Kids

Carefully cut around the outline, repeat on the opposite side of the box.

I find it easiest to cut both sides out at once.

Llama Love And Creative Machu Picchu Crafts for Kids

Cut the sides of the box into strips of the same width, to keep it simple you can use the entire width of the sides of your box, you will need enough length to go all around the outline of the llama.

Bend the sides around one of the llama outlines and tape into place like this.

Llama Love And Creative Machu Picchu Crafts for Kids

Attach to the other side of the outline and tape it into place as well. Keep bending and taping all the way around until it is completely closed in.

Llama Love And Creative Machu Picchu Crafts for Kids

Cut strips of tissue ½” wide.

Llama Love And Creative Machu Picchu Crafts for Kids

Create a fringe by cutting up the width ¾ of the way up, be sure not to cut all the way through.

Llama Love And Creative Machu Picchu Crafts for Kids

Wrap the strips and glue down starting at the base and working the way up.

Llama Love And Creative Machu Picchu Crafts for Kids

Continue until the entire body is covered with the fringe.

Llama Love And Creative Machu Picchu Crafts for Kids

Glue on googly eyes and draw on nostrils and whatever other decoration you would like.

We had to go with a pack blanket of course.

Llama Love And Creative Machu Picchu Crafts for Kids

Allow the glue to dry completely.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: crafts, geography, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool geography, homeschoolgeography, llamas, south america

Fun And Easy Spider Craft: Insect Lessons For Elementary Students

December 29, 2024 | Leave a Comment
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These fun and easy insect lessons for elementary students are creepy and crawly in all the best ways. Also, look at my page Free Kids Insect Unit Study for more ideas. Too, look at my page How To Homeschool Elementary Students Like A Pro.

And these insect lessons will have your child engaged throughout their lessons.

First let me clarify for the sake of our spider craft today, spiders are not insects.

Rather, they are a different grouping called “arachnids”.

Fun And Easy Spider Craft: Insect Lessons For Elementary Students

Most insects have 4 life stages and spiders have 3-egg, spiderling and adult.

Also, while we are comparing and contrasting, all bugs are insects.

But not all insects are bugs.

True bugs have a mouth shaped like straw or needle to suck juices, mostly from plants and have 3 life stages.

BOOKS ABOUT INSECTS FOR KIDS

Also, look at these books about insects.

When possible, we prefer to read living books.

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.

Image for When Insects are Babies

When Insects are Babies

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

Image for We Like Bugs

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.

Image for Fabre's Book of Insects

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.

Image for Children of Summer: Henri Fabre's Insects

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.

Image for Creep and Flutter: The Secret World of Insects and Spiders

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!

Image for Insects Do the Strangest Things (Step-Up Books)

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.

Image for Insect Life

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!

Image for The Big Book of Bugs (The Big Book Series)

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.

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

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.

Image for The Beetle (Dimensional Nature Portfolio Series)

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.

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

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, let’s compare the similarities and differences of insects vs arachnids.

COMPARING INSECTS VS. ARACHNIDS

Both spiders and insects are arthropods, this means they have an exoskeleton and jointed legs.

Spiders have two body segments- the cephalothorax and the abdomen, while insects have three: the head, thorax, and abdomen.

Legs-Spiders have eight legs, and insects have six.

Wings- There are no spiders that have wings, but many insects do.

Antennae- Spiders do not have antennae, but insects do.

Eyes- Most spiders have six to eight simple eyes, but can have as few as two, while insects have two compound eyes.

The Big Book of Bugs is a must have oversized colorful book for reference for preschool through elementary students.

Fun And Easy Spider Craft: Insect Lessons For Elementary Students

Next, look at these insect lessons for elementary students.

INSECT LESSONS FOR ELEMENTARY STUDENTS

  1. Insect Anatomy.
  2. Let your student create their own entomology display with this Paper Insect Collection Tutorial.
  3. Bugs & Insects Printable Guessing Game takes a basic game like Guess Who and turns it into a fantastic learning game.
  4. Thinking Tree has workbooks for all the subjects on just about every theme children like that you can think of, This All About Bugs Workbook lets them study dozens and dozens of specific bugs from all over the world but also includes geography, art, and more.
  5. The Art of Flying Insects.
  6. Insect homes.
Fun And Easy Spider Craft: Insect Lessons For Elementary Students

And look at more hands-on insect activities.

MORE KIDS INSECT ACTIVITIES

  • Fascinating Insect Incredible Slime: A Kids’ Guide To Nature’s Goo
  • How to Make a Fun Ladybug Watercolor Labeled Picture
  • Fun and Easy Hands-on Life Cycle Butterfly Activity for Kids
  • 4 Cicada Insect Fun Facts For Kids | How to Make A Cicada Clothespin Craft
  • 8 Insect Fun Facts About Texas For Kids | Easy Dragonfly Craft
  • Blue Morpho Butterfly Adaptations In The Tropical Rainforest and Fun Symmetry Craft

Additionally, look at these facts about spiders to help your kids understand the differences.

ALL ABOUT THE SPIDER

Legs

Spiders have 8 legs that are covered with tiny hairs that pick up smells and vibrations, they have 6 joints with 7 segments, giving them 48 knees.

The different legs on a spider are used for:

  • Walking and moving around
  • Climbing surfaces
  • Spinning webs
  • Catching and holding prey
  • Sensing their environment
  • Grooming themselves
  • Defending themselves

Eyes

Spiders use their eyes to hunt, navigate, and avoid predators. They are an important part of a spider’s sensory system and help them to survive in their environment.

They have up to eight eyes, arranged in a variety of ways depending on the species. Some spiders have two large eyes at the front of their head that are used for hunting, while others have four or six smaller eyes that are used for detecting movement.

They  are made up of a lens and a retina, just like human eyes. However, spider eyes are much simpler than human eyes and do not have the ability to focus. Spiders also do not have eyelids, so they cannot blink.

The number and arrangement of spider eyes varies depending on the species. Some spiders, such as jumping spiders, have four eyes that are arranged in a square. Other spiders, such as wolf spiders, have eight eyes that are arranged in two rows.

The different types of spider eyes have different functions. The large eyes at the front of the head are used for hunting.

These eyes are very sensitive to light and can detect movement from a long distance. The smaller eyes on the sides of the head are used for detecting movement and for orientation.

FUN AND EASY SPIDER CRAFT

You will need:

  • Small styrofoam ball
  • Medium Styrofoam ball
  • 4 pipe cleaners
  • Google eyes
  • Craft felt/craft foam
  • Hot glue gun/sticks
Fun And Easy Spider Craft: Insect Lessons For Elementary Students

First paint the styrofoam balls in whatever color they like, spiders come in many colors from brown and gray to iridescent blue and green.

Fun And Easy Spider Craft: Insect Lessons For Elementary Students

Set aside to dry.

Fun And Easy Spider Craft: Insect Lessons For Elementary Students

While the paint is drying, cut the pipe cleaners in half to create 8 legs.

Fun And Easy Spider Craft: Insect Lessons For Elementary Students

Place 6 beads along each pipe cleaner to represent the joints in a spider’s leg, bend each one slightly at the joints.

Fun And Easy Spider Craft: Insect Lessons For Elementary Students

Once the paint is dry push the tip of a hot glue gun into the cephalothorax, the smaller styrofoam ball.

Fun And Easy Spider Craft: Insect Lessons For Elementary Students

And add a little glue, press a leg in and hold until the glue has hardened, repeat until all 8 legs are in place.

Fun And Easy Spider Craft: Insect Lessons For Elementary Students

Cut small fangs from the craft felt or foam and glue into place.

Fun And Easy Spider Craft: Insect Lessons For Elementary Students

Next , attach googly eyes to your spider’s head. Use two bigger eyes for

Fun And Easy Spider Craft: Insect Lessons For Elementary Students

Glue the cephalothorax to the abdomen and your spider is ready to creep and crawl.

Fun And Easy Spider Craft: Insect Lessons For Elementary Students

You can also write the parts of a spider down on pieces of paper and have your child label each part, this can be as simple or as detailed as you like.

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

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