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hands-on activities

Homeschool Kindergarten Life Science – Hands-on Fun Nature Tree Study

December 22, 2022 | 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Homeschool kindergarten life science is one of the most fun sciences to teach. Grab my other kindergarten tips on my kindergarten homeschool curriculum page.

Too, with a fun nature tree study you don’t need expensive equipment or curriculum.

Add a few interesting books, a fun item or two. a backyard or a great tree filled park.

Homeschool Kindergarten Life Science - Hands-on Fun Nature Tree Study

From books to videos, I’m sharing some of my favorite resources for introducing simple botany lessons to your preschooler or kindergarteners day.

Books are always the best place to start with any unit study whether you purchase them or grab a few from the local library.

Books about Trees

Look at these beautiful books for young learners.

9 Tree Books & Resources for Kids Who Love Reading and Being Read To

You'll love using one of these books as a science reference or to use for art to inspire life science lessons.

Celebritrees: Historic & Famous Trees of the World

Some trees have lived many lifetimes, standing as silent witnesses to history. Some are remarkable for their age and stature; others for their usefulness. A bristlecone pine tree in California has outlived man by almost 4,000 years; a baobab tree in Australia served as a prison for Aboriginal prisoners at the turn of the twentieth century; and a major oak in England was used as a hiding place for Robin Hood and his men (or so the story goes…).

The fourteen trees in this book have earned the title "Celebritrees" for their global fame and significance. Both in fact and in legend, these fascinating trees remind us not only how much pleasure trees bring, but what they can tell us about history.

The Busy Tree

Spectacular illustrations rendered in oil paint, and a rhyming text that describes a tree’s activities from its roots to its branches, introduce young readers to the amazing activities that go on in a tree. Acorns nibbled by chipmunks, ants scurrying across a trunk, a spider spinning a web, leaves “breathing out air for all to breathe in”—everything adds up to a “busy tree” for all to “come and see.”

The Tree Book for Kids and Their Grown-Ups

This is a fantastic reference book to have on hand for tree studies.

It has great illustrations and covers everything from how a tree “eats and drinks” to types of trees, seeds, how they change in the seasons, why we need them and more

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

Acclaimed illustrator Julia Rothman combines art and science in this exciting and educational guide to the structure, function, and personality of the natural world.

Trees, Leaves & Bark (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. 

Tree Full of Wonder: An educational, rhyming book about magic of trees for children

Tree Full of Wonder is a vibrant, rhyming, educational and unique picture book showing the unbreakable bond between people and trees. For children ages 3-8. Kids will fall in love with nature and will become Protectors of the Trees.

The Magic and Mystery of Trees (The Magic and Mystery of Nature)

From the highest branch and leaf down to the complex “wood wide web” of roots, it’s no wonder every part of a tree plays an important role in its own growth and the habitat of the whole forest or woodland. The Magic & Mystery of Trees is a nature book that takes children on a fascinating journey of exploration, showing them just how special these mighty organisms are.

Figurines of Pine, Elm, Juniper, Monkey Puzzle, Topiary, Petticoat, Aspen, Two Maples

Learn and Play: These figurines provide a fun and educational way to learn about different tree species, promoting environmental awareness and appreciation.

Fandex Family Field Guides: Trees

Bringing the world of TREES to your fingertips, FANDEX presents a foolproof field guide. Four visual keys--die-cut leaf, bark pattern, flower, nut or seed, and photo of the full tree--plus descriptions of habitat and more combine to give a complete picture of North America's forest and backyard trees.

In addition, TREES is a cultural history--of the mighty White Oak, California Redwood, Aillanthus, the tree that grows in Brooklyn, and the stately White Ash, as important for the bows of early Native Americans as for the baseball bats of today.

However, the best part of any science for young children are the hands-on activities.

And children this age learn best through hands-on activities.

Hand-on Activities for a Tree Unit Study

Investigate, touch, experiment, draw, and play your way through learning.

First, study each of the trees parts. Study the leaves, their shape, color, and size, use an app or book to help you identify the tree.

Homeschool Kindergarten Life Science - Hands-on Fun Nature Tree Study

Second, investigate the rings on a stump or cut of wood.

Then talk about how the rings indicate how old a tree is and every knot and scar in it tells a story of fires, storms, etc.

Homeschool Kindergarten Life Science - Hands-on Fun Nature Tree Study

Look at what is growing on it.

Next, check out the different types of bark, peek in knot holes, and let them touch and investigate every part they can.

Homeschool Kindergarten Life Science - Hands-on Fun Nature Tree Study

Third, create a science shelf in your home on a designated shelf, coffee table, or even a little wooden crate.

Make it a place your child can store his collections of leaves, pinecones, birds’ nests, and any other items of interest he finds on nature walks or in the yard.

More Homeschool Science K – 2 Ideas

  • Homeschool Science Ideas for K – 2
  • BEST Free Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum With A Gentle Approach (List)
  • 18 Kindergarten Science Homeschool Curriculum For Active Kids
  • 10 Affordable and Complete Homeschool Kindergarten Curriculum
  • Homeschool Kindergarten Life Science – Hands-on Fun Nature Tree Study

Fifth, make this Hands on Literature Nature Study Simple Tree Craft

Sixth, create a leaf collection book to gather specimens.

Seventh, Safari Ltd. Toob Trees are the perfect size for little hands and have a variety of uses that make them worth the investment.

They can be used along with blocks and cars in small world play, to create a themed sensory bin, or in a little diorama to give it some dimension.

On a rainy day when you can’t make it outdoors, research the type of trees each one is and learn about it.

Homeschool Kindergarten Life Science - Hands-on Fun Nature Tree Study

Eighth, work in some math by measuring the diameter of smaller trees with a flexible measuring tape.

Too, sort sticks and pinecones into sizes or measure them with a ruler.

Further, use acorns and leaves as counters and manipulatives for simple math problems.

Lastly, make a leaf rubbing by placing leaves under thin copy paper.

Rubbing the side of the crayon across it to bring out the detail for the drawing.

Also, this can be done also do this on the bark of the tree as well.

Homeschool Kindergarten Life Science - Hands-on Fun Nature Tree Study

In addition to this, add videos to your learning day.

Historic Trees Nature Study

However, include your older kids too when you’re doing this kindergarten life science lesson.

Famous and Historic Trees Fun Nature and History Homeschool Unit Study

I have this fun and free unit study Famous and Historic Trees Fun Nature and History Homeschool Unit Study

Kindergarten Life Science Videos

Not only can videos help a child learn a topic you may be nervous about teaching, but it can give you 10 minutes to work on something else. Your child gains independence.

  • Life as a Tree -What Can Rings Tell us
  • All About Trees
  • Parts of a Tree
  • Why Do We Need Trees
  • All About Oak Trees
  • Why do Tree Leaves Change Color

As well here are some questions to help you teach kindergarten life science.

Because kids are always full of questions, a good place to start with a unit study is ask them a lot of questions like

  • For example, what kind of tree is it. Use your books, apps, and google to help you figure it out.
  • What do the seeds look like? Are they acorns, pinecones, a pit, a pod, husk, wings, or seed inside a fruit?
Homeschool Kindergarten Life Science - Hands-on Fun Nature Tree Study

Then, what grows on it?

Moss, leaves, fungi, fruit and what kind of things are on the tree including its own parts as well as those that attach themselves to it, why do they do that?

Is it a good thing or bad? Find out together.

Homeschool Kindergarten Life Science - Hands-on Fun Nature Tree Study

Another one is who lives in it.

A tree study can easily take a lot of rabbit holes learning about the birds, bugs, and other creatures that make trees their home.

Ask your child who lives in a tree and let them dictate a list to you, seeing their words written down is a powerful language learning tool.

Lastly, what do we get from trees.

This is another important question that you can ask your child and write down their answers.

Homeschool Kindergarten Life Science - Hands-on Fun Nature Tree Study

Paper, wood, apples, bananas, nuts, gum, wax, and dye just to name a few things. 

Draw a tree on a piece of paper or better yet let them draw it and write down your child’s answers all around it.

Moreover, look at some more tips for homeschooling kindergarten. What do you think? Ready to give this lesson a try.

Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum And Crafts

  • 40 Awesome Earth Science Movies for Kindergarten
  • Growing a Seed Activity For Kindergarten Science Kids Activity
  • Native American Activities For Kindergarten Create A Fun Cradleboard Craft
  • Rainforest Science Activities For Kindergarten Amazing and Fun Living Terrarium
  • Pond Life for Kindergarten Activity Build a Fun Beaver Dam
  • Easy and Fun Pine Cone Snowy Owl Winter Craft for Kindergarten
  • 4 Fun and Engaging Bat Activities for Kindergarten
  • Native American Crafts for Kindergarten How to Make a Kids Pinch Pot
  • 10 Best Homeschool Phonics Curriculum For Kindergarten
  • 15 Fun Resources For History for Kindergarten Homeschool
  • 19 Fun Hands-on Rainforest Activities for Kindergarten
  • Rainforest Crafts for Kindergarten: Make an Easy Paper Plate Monkey
  • How to Create the Best Homeschool Schedule for Kindergarten (free printable)
  • 60 Favorite Top Homeschooling Materials for Kindergarten
  • 10 Affordable and Complete Homeschool Kindergarten Curriculum
  • How to Effortlessly Blend Kindergarten Homeschool Subjects & Life
  • BEST Free Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum With A Gentle Approach (List)
  • Delightful Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum Which Promote a Love of Learning

Homeschool Kindergarten Life Science - Hands-on Fun Nature Tree Study

2 CommentsFiled Under: Teach Kindergarten Tagged With: earth science, earthscience, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschoolscience, kindergarten, life science, nature, nature journaling, nature study, science, trees

Free Amazing American Civil War Lapbook and Hands-on Unit Study

December 21, 2022 | 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

This free amazing American Civil War lapbook is huge. And you’ll love my other lapbooks on my Homeschool Lapbooks page. And I have a HUGE unit study on my American Civil War or War Between the States here and also look at Best Homeschool Unit Studies.

We visited this unit study twice and added more minibooks for several topics we considered in our study of the civil war.

When I introduced this unit study, I shared quotes from both views of the war or North and South.

Free Amazing American Civil War Lapbook and Hands-on Unit Study

First, by Abraham Lincoln.

I believe this government cannot endure, permanently half slave and half free…It will become all one thing, or all the other.

“A House Divided” speech, June 16, 1858

Second, I shared this quote by Jefferson Davis.

I worked night and day for twelve years to prevent the war, but I could not.

The North was mad and blind, would not let us govern ourselves, and so the war came.

How to Teach About the War Between the States

Too, although the American Civil War was one of the ugliest time periods in American history, you have several ways you can teach it.

When it was our first time covering and my kids were younger, I focused on understanding what was going on in American history during the 1860s,.

For example, we learned about games kids played, the food they ate and defined the areas of the north and south.

In addition, if your kids are older, you can focus on locating the battle sites on a map to give your child a deeper understanding of geography.

Also, some kids may love to learn about the fashion or focus on reading the newspaper of that time, the Harpers Weekly.

Free Amazing American Civil War Lapbook and Hands-on Unit Study

Additionally, we’ve studied this unit quite a few times and the minibooks I have can make at least two if not more lapbooks.

However, look at the topics of the minibooks which come in this lapbook.

Topics for the American Civil War

  • Abe Lincoln Divider
  • Abe Lincoln minibook
  • American Civil War Color the States

  • Cause of the War
  • Civil War Battles
  • Clara Barton

  • Cotton Gin
  • Cotton Plant Life Cycle and Boll Pocket
  • Eli Whitney minibook

  • Famous People of the War Divider
  • Freedom Quilt
  • Gettysburg Address and pocket

  • Harriet Beecher Stowe
  • Harriet Tubman
  • Honest Abe Top Hat

  • Lincolns Cabin
  • Matthew Brady
  • North and South Leaders

  • Other Names of the Civil War
  • Slavery and the Road to War
  • Underground Railroad Data Divider
  • Weapons

Then if you’re working with multiple ages and want to create one lapbook with contributions by each kid look at my idea below.

Types of Lapbook Layout

Look at the first lapbook we made.

Free Amazing American Civil War Lapbook and Hands-on Unit Study

Each of my sons created minibooks and we made one large book like layout.

Free Amazing American Civil War Lapbook and Hands-on Unit Study

Then, I connected several file folders to make one book-like project.

Secondly, you can make your lapbook like most I create here which are made to open with one file folder and you place all the minibooks inside.

We added an extra top flap because we had so many topics we covered.

Free Amazing American Civil War Lapbook and Hands-on Unit Study

So, the point is with this huge lapbook you have many ways use the minibooks and create one lapbooks or many.

More Hands-on History Lapbooks

Also, you’ll love these other history homeschool lapbooks.

  • Medieval Japan Lapbook for Kids and Fun Hands-on Ideas
  • Amazing and Free American Revolution Lapbook for Multiple Ages
  • Fun Pharaohs and Queens Ancient Egypt Lapbook and Activities
  • Free Native American Plains Indians Fun Lapbook for Kids (& resources)
  • 18 Colorful and Free Lapbooks for History Unit Studies
  • Awesome Ancient Greece Lapbook and Fun Hands-on Activities
Free Amazing American Civil War Lapbook and Hands-on Unit Study

How to Get the Free American Civil War Lapbook

Finally, how to grab the free 32 page lapbook. It’s a subscriber freebie.

That means when you sign up to follow me, you get access my subscribers library and this freebie.

However, not all of my freebies are in the library (wink).

I like to keep up to date with what is valuable to you so I can give you more, some freebies you must sign up again on the form below even if you are already a follower.

It’s the only way I have of freely delivering them to you. Just follow the steps below.

► 1) Sign up on my list.
► 2) Go to your inbox and confirm your email from the automatic reply I sent you.
►3) Last, look for my reply AFTER you confirm your email.

2 CommentsFiled Under: Lapbook, Lapbooks Tagged With: american history, americancivilwar, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, history resources, homeschoolhistory, lapbook, lapbooking, lapbookresources, lapbooks, modern history

The Journey Through Time Book And Knights Armor Engraving Fun Kids Craft

December 20, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

The Journey Through Time Book (Geronimo Stilton Special Edition) is our book for adventure today. And we’re doing a knights armor engraving craft. Be sure to grab more Geronimo Stilton Books ideas and crafts on my page.

Was King Arthur real? Most historians believe he was just a fictional character from folklore and legend.

But that doesn’t stop him from being a very fascinating part of the Medieval period.

The Journey Through Time Book And Knights Armor Engraving Fun Kids Craft

With dashing and chivalrous knights, Camelot, jousting, castles, and kings is it any wonder that our favorite time traveling mouse zoomed right into the Middle Ages among the likes of King Arthur and Excalibur.

We are visiting this time period through Geronimo Stilton’s The Journey Through Time, the first book in the Journey Through Time series.

And Geronimo Stilton also makes stops in prehistory with the dinosaurs and in Ancient Egypt.

About The Journey Through Time Book (Geronimo Stilton Special Edition)

The story is fun and captivating but as always, the author weaves so much amazing information into it.

Readers learn fantastic vocabulary from the period, medieval fashion, castle architecture, and the feudal system.

Too, they will even be reading an excerpt from an Alfred, Lord Tennyson poem.

Just because these books are colorful and whimsical it’s no reason to discount the quality they add to your child’s reading time.

The Journey Through Time Book And Knights Armor Engraving Fun Kids Craft

In addition, Safari Ltd Toobs have a fantastic knights and dragons set that make for a great addition to a study or to this book.

They can be used to set the mood for introducing a new unit theme, in sensory bins, dioramas, or even as pawns in place of standard board game pieces.

Additionally, we learned that knights had a code of chivalry to be followed.

The Knight’s Code of Chivalry was a system of morals.

Further, the code declared all knights should protect others who could not protect themselves like widows, children, and the elderly.

Facts About Knights and The Knight’s Code of Chivalry

  • The word “knight” comes from an Old English word meaning “servant”.
  • Knights were sworn to uphold their duty to God, to the church, and to their liege lord.
  • Earlier anyone who proved themselves brave and honorable in battle could be awarded knighthood by the king but later it was decided they had to descend from nobility.
  • Young boys could begin their knight training at just 7 years old. They were sent away to live and train and were called pages.
  • At 13 years old, they could become a squire as they continued their education and training.
  • They were finally able to be dubbed a knight at 21.
  • William Marshal was one of England’s greatest knights and was considered the greatest tournament knight of his time.
  • Women could be knights as well. For example, the Order of the Hatchet (Orden de la Hacha) in Catalonia was a military order of knighthood for women.
  • A knight would be punished with public humiliation for breaking the code.
  • Knights armor weighed between 45 and 55 lbs.
The Journey Through Time Book And Knights Armor Engraving Fun Kids Craft

Geronimo Stilton Book Activities

Next, look at these other crafts to go with the books.

  • Journey Through Time Geronimo Stilton Time Warp Fun Lost City of Atlantis
  • Race Against Time Build a Fun Greek Water Clock
  • Out Of Time Fun Sir Francis Drake Ship Craft
  • Stilton Journey Through Time Series Fifth Journey Fun Eiffel Tower
  • 10 Things to Learn From The Fun Geronimo Stilton Chapter Books
  • The Fourth Journey Through Time Fun Cleopatra Collar
  • Learn About Mozart The Eight Journey Through Time Geronimo Stilton Series
  • The Geronimo Stilton Book Fourth Journey Fun Egypt Game
  • Geronimo Stilton Journey Through Time Craft a Fun England Tower Guard
  • Mouse in Space Fun Puffy Moon Craft (Glow in the Dark)
  • Down and Out Down Under Make a Fun Edible Coral Reef
  • Field Trip to Niagara Falls Summary And Fun Corn Craft
  • The Journey Through Time #2: Back in Time Colosseum Craft
  • The Race Against Time Geronimo Stilton Activities: Fun Edible Spine
  • #2: Back in Time Mayan Craft
  • The Curse of The Cheese Pyramid Barbie Mummy
  • Who Is Geronimo Stilton Rodent Notebooking Page

In honor of King Arthur and his wonderful Knights of the Round Table we are creating a Medieval Knight in a full suit of armor.

The Journey Through Time Book And Knights Armor Engraving Fun Kids Craft

This method is a simpler version of the intricate metal engraving that was done on jewelry, metal plates and more by goldsmiths of the Middle Ages.

How to Make a Knights Armor Engraving

You will need:

  • A cardboard piece
  • Aluminum foil
  • Hot glue gun/glue sticks
  • Black craft paint
  • Paper towel
  • Toothpick tape
  • Pencil/pen

The Journey Through Time Book And Knights Armor Engraving Fun Kids Craft

Start by sketching out a simple knight in armor shape on your cardboard.

After you are satisfied with it in pencil you can go back over it with a pen to make it easier to see.

The Journey Through Time Book And Knights Armor Engraving Fun Kids Craft

Trace over the lines with hot glue.

Be sure that you make the lines thick enough that they will leave an impression in the foil.

You don’t have to add a lot of detail at this point, just the general shape is enough.

Allow to cool and harden.

The Journey Through Time Book And Knights Armor Engraving Fun Kids Craft

Once the glue is hardened, cover your cardboard in foil and wrap around the back. Tape into place.

The Journey Through Time Book And Knights Armor Engraving Fun Kids Craft

Carefully, run your fingers over the raised surface to press the foil into it.

You will want to go back and forth over it several times.

The Journey Through Time Book And Knights Armor Engraving Fun Kids Craft

Once your outline is fully showing through the foil take a toothpick and gently scratch in a few details to give your knight more interest.

Squirt a little black paint right onto your completed design.

Spread it gently with a paper towel and let it sit for a couple minutes and wipe it off.

The black should stay inside the indentions and create some dimension making the design stand out a bit and age it a bit.

The Journey Through Time Book And Knights Armor Engraving Fun Kids Craft

Allow the paint to dry and your knight engraving is ready to go on display.

You can use the same technique to write your name, engrave a castle design, or anything else you like.

The Journey Through Time Book And Knights Armor Engraving Fun Kids Craft

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: book lists, books, crafts, Geronimo Stilton, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, history resources, homeschoolhistory, literature, medieval homeschool history, middle ages history

The Benefits Of Using Games That Teach Geography | Review Of Scrambled States

December 19, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

When teaching history, sometimes you have to come in sideways or use games that teach geography. I have more fun game ideas for teaching history on my history games page.

For example, gameschooling has become one of the most popular methods for teaching your child.

It doesn’t matter if you gameschool exclusively, unschool, use a packaged curriculum, online lessons, or put together unit studies.

Games that teach geography can be added to your day and teach so much through playing and enjoying time together.

The Benefits Of Using Games That Teach Geography | Review Of Scrambled States

First, you can build an entire lesson or even a full unit study around a game.

I’m sharing one of favorite games for learning geography.

Besides geography and history can go hand in hand.

Too, I’m showing you other items and activities to add to keep the lessons going as long as you want.

Everything from movies to books, a few more games, and other items helps to round out a geography or history slant or both.

What is Geography

The word geography comes from the Greek geo, which means “Earth,” and graphy, which means “writing or description.

So, geography means to learn about  the Earth’s land its surface, and features including water and air.

However, geography also includes learning about the people of the area, understand landmarks, and appreciating cultural differences

Immediately, you can see a tie in between learning about the natural resources of an area and the people.

Additionally, look at some of these hands-on geography ideas.

The Benefits Of Using Games That Teach Geography | Review Of Scrambled States

Finally, be sure to check out my post on the 100 Best Books From All 50 States

Hands-on Geography

  • 11 AWESOME Ways to Learn Geography (Other Than Labeling a Map)
  • Make a salt dough US Map or focus on one state at a time.
  • Homemade Compass. Simple Geography Projects Equals Huge Wow Factors
  • Edible Geography – Sea Levels
  • Homeschool Geography – DIY Lava Lamp

If you have been around for any length of time you know I am a fan of these Toobs for Safari Ltd.

This USA Landmarks and Symbols set is perfect for learning about symbolism and important places throughout the United States.

Use them as drawing inspiration, in sensory bins for younger children, as part of a diorama, or use them as game markers.

Fun History Games

Too, look at these games below which can be games that teach geography with history.

  • Kids Art History Board Game Ideas
  • Ancient Egypt DIY Simple and Fun Mummification Process Game
  • Entertaining Games in the Past How to Make an Easy Backgammon Game
  • Easy Hands-on Fun Ancient Greek Games for Kids DIY Knucklebones
  • Unit Study: French Revolution + Free Storming the Bastille Game
  • 7 Super Fun History Games to Bring the Past to Life
  • Ancient Egypt Mehen free Printable Board Game (Hands-on History)
  • Free Ancient Greece Go Fish Game – Ancient Greece Unit Study
  • 13 Free and Fun BEST Printable History Board Game

In addition, look at these fun books and resources to help U.S. geography more lively.

10 U.S. Geography Resources

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

The Scrambled States of America Game

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

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

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

National Geographic Kids U.S. Atlas

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

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

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

The United States in 100 Words

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

Supertoob: USA,Figure Playsets

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

Geographic USA Scrunch Map

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Geography from A to Z: A Picture Glossary

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

As you can see combining geography and history is a natural fit.

The Benefits Of Using Games That Teach Geography | Review Of Scrambled States

Finally, look at how to play the scrambled states of America.

Scrambles States of America

First, The Scrambled States of America is a silly colorful game which introduces states as a game that requires observation and quick reflexes.

You collect the state cards, match them with neighbors, and more.

And you win by familiarizing yourself with the state cards you’re dealt.

Then, you try to be the quickest to respond to action cards like – capital that starts with D or a state that is south of Colorado.

It even comes with a small copy of THE Scrambled States of America Book. Fun.

The Benefits Of Using Games That Teach Geography | Review Of Scrambled States

While this game probably is best for middle to upper elementary. I definitely think that it is still fun for middle school kids.

It is a gentle approach to learning US Geography for anyone that needs to learn or refresh what they already know.

I don’t really have a con for this game except that older kids may feel that it is baby-ish.

However, if they can get past that it’s a great learning tool for the whole family.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Geography, History Resources Tagged With: games, geography, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history resources, homeschool geography, homeschoolgeography

How To Upcycle A Monopoly Game History to A Medieval Theme & Free Printables

December 18, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, how to upcycle a monopoly game history turned medieval monopoly game is a fun twist to learn history. Also, look at the other history games on my page.

Have you ever looked at an old board game in your stash or maybe at a yard sale and think about upcycling it? Me too.

How To Upcycle A Monopoly Game History to A Medieval Theme & Free Printables

So, I took an old unused monopoly game that we had and converted it into a medieval themed version with castles for properties.

Also, I added Safari Ltd Knights and fun cards with references for the time period.

Since, we are learning about the Middle Ages so for this game I decided to make it medieval themed.

However, you could take this idea and make it match any branch of history you want to include in your studies.

How To Upcycle A Monopoly Game History to A Medieval Theme & Free Printables

These super fun Safari LTD Knights and Dragons have been used for sensory bins, dioramas, block play, counters, and now game pieces.

Teaching Medieval History

Next, look at some of these medieval facts to use in your unit study.

  • Most of the peasants wore plain clothing which was made from heavy wool to keep them warm in cold weather. The wealthy, of course, wore nicer clothing made from fine wool, velvet, and silk.
  • Not many people attended school in the Middle Ages. Most peasants learned a job and survival from their parents, apprenticeship, or the guild system.
  • London’s population went up 500% between the 12th and 14th centuries.
  • Marriages were often arranged. Noble girls were often married at just 12 years old and the boys at 14.
  • We got our modern piggy banks from medieval people who had saving accounts termed “pygg” meaning the type of clay the jars they were kept in were made from.
  • The first castle in England was the Tower of London’s White Tower Castle.
  • The largest castle in the world is The Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork.
How To Upcycle A Monopoly Game  to A Medieval Theme & Free Printables

Hands-on Middle Ages Activities

In addition, look at some hands-on activities.

  • Medieval Stained Glass Craft
  • Catapult Stem Challenge 
  • Medieval History for Homeschool Middle School
  • Medieval Chemistry and Homeschool History – Fun Hands-On Activity
  • Free Renaissance Lapbook
  • Free Glass Blowing Lapbook
  • Da Vinci’s Edible Spine
  • Da Vinci’s Parachute

Also, here are some rules I want you to know about before you turn a monopoly game board into a medieval themed board.

Monopoly Medieval Themed Board Rules

First, rather than collect Boardwalk, Park Place and the other familiar properties. we are going try to collect Medieval Castles from all over Europe.

Also, try to collect some cool Medieval collections like banners and a library and see who ends up with the most spoils at the end.

I used as much of the board as possible and stuck with the same rules to make it easier to transition to a new game. 

The property stickers will fit right under the colors so you can keep them and I made the matching property cards so players can keep track of the properties they own.

You can add a little color to the top of the cards with markers if you like to make it easier to spot them.

The rules are pretty much standard monopoly, including whatever house rules you would like to incorporate.

For example, house rules like whoever lands on free parking gets the money in the center, allowing players to buy property on the first trip around the board.

I have left out houses and hotels to simplify and keep with the time period and I did away with rent on the properties with the exception of when a card is drawn from chance or community chest which requires rent.

Too, grab my other fun history games to add to your learning day.

Fun History Games

Look at them below.

  • Kids Art History Board Game Ideas
  • Ancient Egypt DIY Simple and Fun Mummification Process Game
  • Entertaining Games in the Past How to Make an Easy Backgammon Game
  • Easy Hands-on Fun Ancient Greek Games for Kids DIY Knucklebones
  • Unit Study: French Revolution + Free Storming the Bastille Game
  • 7 Super Fun History Games to Bring the Past to Life
  • Ancient Egypt Mehen free Printable Board Game (Hands-on History)
  • Free Ancient Greece Go Fish Game – Ancient Greece Unit Study
  • 13 Free and Fun BEST Printable History Board Game
How To Upcycle A Monopoly Game to A Medieval Theme & Free Printables

Now, let’s look at how to make the game.

How to Make A Monopoly Game to Medieval Game

You will need:

  • An old monopoly board
  • Sticker paper
  • Cardstock
  • Knight figures
  • paper cutter
How To Upcycle A Monopoly Game to A Medieval Theme & Free Printables

We are reusing the board, money, and dice.

If you like you can keep the community chest and chance cards to glue your new cards to so that the backing is stronger and will be easy to identify the stack,

If not, you can just write a C for chance or CC for community chest on the back of the card.

First, we painted over the Monopoly in the center.

Later we will add some of the stickers which I included in the printables to decorate it some. Sand it a bit so the paint sticks better. If you like, you can leave the center of the board as is.

How To Upcycle A Monopoly Game to A Medieval Theme & Free Printables

Too, each printable I created tells you whether it should be on cardstock or sticker paper.

Use them for creating the new board labels.

Cut out all of your cardstock and sticker pieces, you can use scissors but a paper slicer makes it easier.

How To Upcycle A Monopoly Game to A Medieval Theme & Free Printables

Place all your sticker labels on the board/

The collar amounts correspond with the correct spot.

Additionally, free parking is free steed parking.

Socks is jail, go to the stocks is obviously the go to jail spot.

Besides, you can place the Medieval Collections on any of the railroad spots, as well as the two utilities.

How To Upcycle A Monoply Game to A Medieval Theme & Free Printables

Setup your game board just like you would for traditional Monopoly.

And use your knights, dragons, etc. as your moveable tokens.

How To Upcycle a Game History to A Medieval Theme & Free Printables

What a fun way to learn about Medieval times.

Grab the Free Printable Cards and Stickers

Finally, how to grab the pages because it’s a subscriber freebie.

That means when you sign up to follow me, you get access my subscribers library and this freebie.

However, not all of my freebies are in the library (wink).

I like to keep up to date with what is valuable to you so I can give you more printables.

Some freebies you must sign up again on the form below even if you are already a follower.

It’s the only way I have of freely delivering them to you. Just follow the steps below.

► 1) Sign up on my list.
► 2) Go to your inbox and confirm your email from the automatic reply I sent you.
►3) Last, look for my reply AFTER you confirm your email.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Teach Homeschool History Tagged With: games, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, history resources, homeschoolhistory, medieval homeschool history, middle ages history, printablegames, world history

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