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hands on history

Facts About Japan | How To Make Kids Easy Origami Fish

December 13, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today we’re making kids easy origami fish. Also, look at more fun ideas on my page Medieval Japan Unit Study and Lapbook 1185 – 1600 A.D.

Origami is the art of folding paper. It’s about using your creativity, imagination, and hands.

And with the most minimal of supplies, you can craft and create fun objects like frogs, boats, flowers, cranes and even jumping frogs.

It’s not clear of the exact origins of origami but it has a long history.

The Chinese invented paper but origami can be traced back to ancient Japan.

Facts About Japan | How To Make Kids Easy Origami Fish

For instance, it’s thought during the Edo period people of all ages enjoyed the art of paper folding.

Eventually paper became more affordable and was available to everyone.

Further, the Japanese word “origami” comes from two words: “ori” meaning fold, and “kami” meaning paper.

So origami became much more than a hobby, it’s part of Japanese culture.

BOOKS ABOUT JAPAN FOR KIDS

First, look at some of these books if you’re learning about ancient Japan.

We prefer to read living books when I can find them.

11 Books and Resources for Studying About Japan

You'll love these resources and books for studying about Japan. Add them to my Medieval Japan Unit Study or just fun for the day.

Image for Samurai: An Illustrated History

Samurai: An Illustrated History

This Japanese history book traces the story of a unique historical phenomenon: a period of 700 years--equivalent to the entire stretch of Western history between the reigns of the Crusader king Richard the Lionhearted and of Queen Victoria at the height of the British Empire--during which an enclosed civilization was dominated by a single warrior caste.

The historical narrative of samurai history is supported by explanations of samurai armor, weapons, fortifications, tactics, and customs, and illustrated with nearly 800 fascinating color photographs, maps, and sketches, including ancient scroll paintings and surviving suits of armor preserved for centuries in Japanese shrines.

Image for Samurai Arms, Armour & the Tactics of Warfare

Samurai Arms, Armour & the Tactics of Warfare

Part of the acclaimed Book of Samurai series, which presents for the first time the translated scrolls of the historical Natori-Ry samurai school of war, this volume offers an exceptional insight into the weaponry and armour of the samurai era, as well as tactical advice for use on and off the battlefield.

Image for Life in Old Japan Coloring Book

Life in Old Japan Coloring Book

More than 40 handsome, ready-to-color illustrations depict samurai warriors, the imperial villa at Kyoto, a Shinto shrine, a tea ceremony, a Noh play, a typical city street, a restaurant, music makers, more. Introduction and detailed captions describe Japanese culture and provide detailed information on art, government, costume, and daily life.

Image for Japanese Picture Dictionary Coloring Book: Over 1500 Japanese Words and Phrases for Creative & Visual Learners of All Ages

Japanese Picture Dictionary Coloring Book: Over 1500 Japanese Words and Phrases for Creative & Visual Learners of All Ages

Learning a new language is a new way of meeting new people, opening doors in your professional career and attracting fresh opportunities when traveling around the world, as you may know. The great thing is - whether you want to learn Japanese to visit Japan’s precious historic landmarks, watch anime and movies or simply meet wonderful Japanese people - we’ve got you covered!

Image for All About Japan: Stories, Songs, Crafts and Games for Kids

All About Japan: Stories, Songs, Crafts and Games for Kids

A cultural adventure for kids, All About Japan offers a journey to a new place--and ways to bring it to life! Dive into stories, play some games from Japan, and learn some Japanese songs.

Image for The Inch-High Samurai

The Inch-High Samurai

The brave little boy who sailed to the Capital in a teacup and fought a demon with a needle to win the love of a Lady is a Japanese cousin to Tom Thumb.

Image for The Crane Girl

The Crane Girl

In this magical retelling of a Japanese folktale, a mysterious girl weaves silk to help repay the kindness of a boy and his father until the father's greed finally exposes her secret.

While gathering firewood, Yasuhiro comes upon an injured crane hidden in the snow. He rescues and comforts the bird, then watches as it flies away over the wintry hills.

The next night, a mysterious young girl arrives at Yasuhiro's home seeking shelter from the cold. The boy and his father welcome the girl, named Hiroko, to stay with them. When Hiroko notices that Yasuhiro's father is struggling to earn money, she offers to weave silk for him to sell. After the fabric fetches a good price, the boy's father becomes impatient for more silk, and his greed has a life-changing effect on them all.

Lyrical storytelling deftly interwoven with original haiku create a magical adaptation of a popular Japanese folktale--an inspirational story of friendship and the power of kindness to transform lives.

Image for Commodore Perry the Opening of Japan (Landmark Series, #56)

Commodore Perry the Opening of Japan (Landmark Series, #56)

For more than 200 years Japan had isolated herself from the world - now Commodore Perry, representing the US government had arrived on the shore of Japan. Perry's mission was to open a door into Japan so US ships might stop for fuel & water on their route to China.

Image for 3D Puzzle Wooden Craft Kits DIY Model Building Kit

3D Puzzle Wooden Craft Kits DIY Model Building Kit

This 3D wooden Puzzle is the oldest tower in Japan and one of the iconic buildings, ancient and elegant.

Image for Japan Tokyo Skyline Famous Architecture Model Block Set

Japan Tokyo Skyline Famous Architecture Model Block Set

The iconic landmark you love,Build this detailed Japan skyline model!Features an elaborate façade with Tokyo Tower,Tokyo SKYTREE, Mount Fuji,Sensoji Temple,Osaka Castle and more.

Image for Japanese Flower Pavilion Cherry Blossom Bonsai Tree Bricks Kit

Japanese Flower Pavilion Cherry Blossom Bonsai Tree Bricks Kit

Japan Sakura Tree House Building Set consists of 1810pcs + mini-blocks. It includes detailed step-by-step color instructions, and exquisite details of various sizes and color componentsand.

Also, look at a few facts about Japan.

FACTS ABOUT JAPAN

  • Emperor Jimmu was the legendary first emperor of Japan.
  • Samurai were Japan’s warriors and followed the code of Bushido.
  • Traditional Japanese homes are called minka.
  • There are three writing systems. These three systems are called hiragana, katakana and kanji. Ancient Japan used mostly kanji which are symbols representing ideas.
  • Ninjas were secret spies and assassins who were skilled in stealth and trickery and hired mostly by hired mostly by daimyōs.
  • In ancient Japan, the people practiced Shinto. Shinto is one of the oldest religions in Japan.
  • Japanese medieval society was divided into classes.
  • The ancient tea ceremony was done with care and respect and is an ancient ceremony where they gathered to drink powdered green tea or match.
Facts About Japan | How To Make Kids Easy Origami Fish

Next, add a few more hands-on Japan activities to your day.

MORE MEDIEVAL JAPAN ACTIVITIES

  • Perfect for Ancient Japan studies or modern times, this Simple Homemade Sushi: Hands on Japan Activity for Kids is a great way to bond and learn at the same time.
  • Ancient Japan for Kids: Fun and Simple Handwriting Activity
  • How to make an origami crane
  • Feudal System In Japan: How To Make A Colorful Fan Craft
  • Fun Flowering Cherry Tree Activity.

Finally, look at how to make this fun origami fish.

HOW TO MAKE AN ORIGAMI FISH

First, look at this short list of easy supplies.

  • Colored craft papers
  • Pencil
  • A pair of scissors
  • Craft glue
  • Googly eyes

Step 1

Prepare a square paper (of any color of your choice). We’re using a 4” x 4” piece of orange paper.

Facts About Japan | How To Make Kids Easy Origami Fish

Step 2:

Fold the paper in half, vertically and horizontally; and then unfold both.

Facts About Japan | How To Make Kids Easy Origami Fish

Step 3:

Turn the paper to the other side.

Facts About Japan | How To Make Kids Easy Origami Fish

Step 4:

Now, make diagonal half-folds along both sides. Unfold both folds.

Facts About Japan | How To Make Kids Easy Origami Fish

Step 5:

Push the vertical and horizontal folds inwards and make mountain folds along the diagonal creases.

Facts About Japan | How To Make Kids Easy Origami Fish

Step 6:

Flatten the paper along the creases. This is called a square base.

It has 2 open sides and 2 closed sides. Place it on a flat surface with its closed corner towards the top.

Facts About Japan | How To Make Kids Easy Origami Fish

Step 7:

Fold in the right closed side along the middle crease.

Facts About Japan | How To Make Kids Easy Origami Fish

Step 8:

Fold in the left closed side along the middle crease.

Facts About Japan | How To Make Kids Easy Origami Fish

Step 9:

Turn the pattern to the other side and similarly, fold that side.

Facts About Japan | How To Make Kids Easy Origami Fish

Step 10:

Open any one side/ flap (let’s start with the left side) of the current pattern.

Facts About Japan | How To Make Kids Easy Origami Fish

Step 11:

Open the side from its top-open end.

Facts About Japan | How To Make Kids Easy Origami Fish

Step 12:

Draw it to the opposite side (as far as it can be folded flat).

Facts About Japan | How To Make Kids Easy Origami Fish

Step 13:

Flatten in neatly.

Facts About Japan | How To Make Kids Easy Origami Fish

Step 14:

Similarly, fold and flatten the right side.

These 2 are the fins of the origami fish.

Facts About Japan | How To Make Kids Easy Origami Fish

Step 15:

Cut out a small square shape for the tail fin.

Fold the square shape in half to form a triangle.

Facts About Japan | How To Make Kids Easy Origami Fish

Step 16:

Attach the triangle paper to the back end of the origami fish to complete the fish pattern.

Facts About Japan | How To Make Kids Easy Origami Fish

Step 17:

Facts About Japan | How To Make Kids Easy Origami Fish

Attach a googly eye to the head part to complete the origami fish craft.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: Ancient Japan, art crafts, crafts, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, Medieval Japan, origami

Explore Native American Culture: How to Make a Cherokee Rattle Craft

December 9, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Turn your everyday paper plates into a beautiful Cherokee rattle craft. Also, you’ll love my free Native American Unit Study for Kids Who Love Hands-on Learning.

Your child will enjoy it while you learn all about Cherokee customs, history, and who they were and are as a people.

I am a big fan of simple crafts using basic items that most of us keep on hand in our craft supplies (or at least in the kitchen).

Explore Native American Culture: How to Make a Cherokee Rattle Craft

A real Cherokee rattle is typically made from a gourd or turtle shell.

It was adorned with beads, feathers, and other decorations.

They are used in traditional Cherokee ceremonies and healing rituals, creating a sound that is both rhythmic and soothing.

It is often used in conjunction with singing and drumming.

And its sound is said to help create a connection between the physical and spiritual realms.

The Cherokee are a Native American tribe who have lived in the southeastern United States for thousands of years.

They are one of the largest Native American tribes in the United States, with over 300,000 enrolled members mostly in northeastern Oklahoma.

The Cherokee have a rich culture and history. They were once a powerful tribe, with a large empire that stretched across the Appalachian Mountains.

The Cherokee were known for their advanced farming techniques.

Also, they are known for their written language, which was one of the first Native American languages to be written down.

In the 1800s, the Cherokee were forced to leave their land in Georgia and Alabama and move to Oklahoma.

This forced removal, known as the Trail of Tears, was a terrible journey that resulted in the deaths of thousands of Cherokee people.

Despite the hardships they faced, the Cherokee survived and thrived.

Today, they have a strong presence in Oklahoma and other states across the country.

BOOKS ABOUT THE CHEROKEE FOR KIDS

The Cherokee are proud of their culture and heritage, and they continue to work to preserve their traditions and language.

Our rattle pays homage to their history and traditions but here are some other wonderful ideas to make your unit rich and full with hands-on activities, crafts, books, videos, and more.

Next, look at some books about the Cherokee.

When possible I prefer living books.

8 Cherokee Books for Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

Grab some of these books about the Cherokee to add to your reading list or to a unit study.

Image for Cherokee, Indians of the Mountains

Cherokee, Indians of the Mountains

Tells of everyday life in the Cherokee Nation and how it changed with the coming of the white man

Image for Talking Leaves

Talking Leaves

A work of historical fiction about Sequoyah and the creation of the Cherokee alphabet, from the acclaimed author of Code Talker Thirteen-year-old Uwohali has not seen his father, Sequoyah, for many years. So when Sequoyah returns to the village, Uwohali is eager to reconnect. But Sequoyah’s new obsession with making strange markings causes friends and neighbors in their tribe to wonder whether he is crazy, or worse—practicing witchcraft. What they don’t know, and what Uwohali discovers, is that Sequoyah is a genius and his strange markings are actually an alphabet representing the sounds of the Cherokee language. 

Image for Sequoyah and the Cherokee Alphabet

Sequoyah and the Cherokee Alphabet

The story of one of the great leaders of the Cherokee nation... as well as the fascinating and disturbing story of cultural transformation and subsequent oppressive injustice that ended in The Trail of Tears.

Image for The Apple Tree -- A Modern Day Cherokee Story Told in English & Cherokee (English and Cherokee Edition)

The Apple Tree -- A Modern Day Cherokee Story Told in English & Cherokee (English and Cherokee Edition)

A Cherokee boy plants an apple seed, already seeing the apple tree it is meant to be. But the little apple tree is not so sure. Young and impatient, it begins to doubt its calling after apples fail to appear that first fall. How can the boy convince the tree to give the seasons the time to work their magic? The story is told in English with Cherokee translation, and includes a Cherokee syllabary.

Image for Itse Selu: Cherokee Harvest Festival

Itse Selu: Cherokee Harvest Festival

Step back in time for a captivating glimpse of Cherokee life in pre-Columbian North America. Join Little Wolf and his family as they prepare to celebrate Itse Selu, the harvest festival. As night approaches the village, the magic of anticipation fills the air. The luscious feast, Grandfather's storytelling, and the sacred corn dance weave a magical tapestry of tradition.

Image for The First Strawberries (Picture Puffins)

The First Strawberries (Picture Puffins)

From an award-winning Native American storyteller comes this captivating re-telling of a Cherokee legend, which explains how strawberries came to be. Long ago, the first man and woman quarrelled. The woman left in anger, but the Sun sent tempting berries to Earth to slow the wife's retreat.

Image for Grandmother Spider Brings the Sun: A Cherokee Story

Grandmother Spider Brings the Sun: A Cherokee Story

After Possum and Buzzard fail in their attempts to steal a piece of the sun, Grandmother Spider succeeds in bringing light to the animals on her side of the world.

Image for Only the Names Remain: The Cherokees and The Trail of Tears

Only the Names Remain: The Cherokees and The Trail of Tears

From 1837 to 1838, thousands of Cherokee Indians were marched from their homelands in Georgia to exile in Arkansas by the same white men they has once befriended. The Cherokees journeyed through bitter cold and blazing heat, with little food or water. One out of every four died --- and with them died a culture that had existed for hundreds of years, a civilization that had existed for hundred of years, a civilization that had embraced the white man's ways only to perish through his betrayal. Today, only the names remain of this once great nation.

Then, look at more activities to go with the Cherokee rattle craft.

CHEROKEE ACTIVITIES, CRAFTS, AND RESOURCES

  • There is so much information and rich history in my Free The Trail Of Tears For Kids Fun Unit Study Ideas And Lapbook.
  • Make Corn Husk Dolls at home like Cherokee children would have played with long ago.
  • Get the Cherokee Rose coloring sheet with label. This flower was named for the people who were responsible for distributing the plant.
  • Learn the Cherokee language through free videos available on YouTube in multiple lessons.
  • Watch a short 5 minute video about the Cherokee with information on where they began as well as their life now.
  • Dive into other tribes like the Navajo by creating a pinch pot and compare various tribes’ ways of life.
  • Learn how to make a Wattle and Daub house perfect for housing plastic figures
Explore Native American Culture: How to Make a Cherokee Rattle Craft

Also, add some fun Cherokee facts to your learning day.

CHEROKEE FACTS TO KNOW

The Cherokee word for “hello” is “osiyo.” but there is no word for “goodbye” instead they say “donadagohvi,” which means “Until we meet again!”. I just love that.

Cherokee comes from a Muskogean word that means “speakers of another language”.

The Cherokee lived in wattle and daub homes.

Wattle and daub homes were framed with tree logs and then covered with mud and grass to fill in the walls.

They called themselves the Ani-Yunwiya, meaning “principal people”.

The Cherokee were the first Native American tribe to develop a written language, it was developed by Sequoyah one of the most famous members of the Cherokee tribe.

Finally, look at how to make a Cherokee rattle craft.

HOW TO MAKE A CHEROKEE RATTLE CRAFT

You will need:

  • Two paper plates
  • Beads
  • Craft feathers
  • Jumbo craft stick
  • string/yarn
  • markers
  • Hot glue gun/glue
Explore Native American Culture: How to Make a Cherokee Rattle Craft

First, on the convex side of the paper plates draw a design with Cherokee symbols or whatever you like, you could also draw the design to resemble a turtle’s shell.

Too, you could use paper bowls to get a different sized drum with a different sound instead of plates.

Explore Native American Culture: How to Make a Cherokee Rattle Craft

On the concave side hot glue a 6” string to either side.

Explore Native American Culture: How to Make a Cherokee Rattle Craft

Add a handful of beads or use beans to the plate to create the rattling noise.

Explore Native American Culture: How to Make a Cherokee Rattle Craft

Hot glue the jumbo craft stick to the bottom of the plate on one side.

Explore Native American Culture: How to Make a Cherokee Rattle Craft

Add beads to the string and feathers to embellish it.

Explore Native American Culture: How to Make a Cherokee Rattle Craft

If you add a bit of hot glue to the feather tips and push them into the bead it acts as a stopper for the end of the string. Trim off any excess string.

Quickly add hot glue all the way around the lip of the first plate and press the second one into place

The hand drum is ready.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: Cherokee, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, homeschool, Native Americans, nativeamerican, nativeamericans

Feudal System In Japan: How To Make A Colorful Fan Craft

December 5, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

The Feudal System in Japan was a complex system of government and social organization that lasted for over 700 years, from the 12th to the 19th century. Also, look at more ideas on my page Medieval Japan Unit Study and Lapbook 1185 – 1600 A.D.

While we learned about it, I thought it would be fun to create a beautiful craft.

Feudal System In Japan: How To Make A Colorful Fan Craft

The Japanese fan had historical significance, was used for communication, as a part of court culture, in ceremonies, and religious rites.

And fans feature beautiful artwork, such as flowers, animals, and scenes from nature.

You will also find additional resources like videos, books, and hands-on activities to help you create a fun unit on Ancient and/or modern Japan.

BOOKS ABOUT JAPAN FOR KIDS

11 Books and Resources for Studying About Japan

You'll love these resources and books for studying about Japan. Add them to my Medieval Japan Unit Study or just fun for the day.

Image for Samurai: An Illustrated History

Samurai: An Illustrated History

This Japanese history book traces the story of a unique historical phenomenon: a period of 700 years--equivalent to the entire stretch of Western history between the reigns of the Crusader king Richard the Lionhearted and of Queen Victoria at the height of the British Empire--during which an enclosed civilization was dominated by a single warrior caste.

The historical narrative of samurai history is supported by explanations of samurai armor, weapons, fortifications, tactics, and customs, and illustrated with nearly 800 fascinating color photographs, maps, and sketches, including ancient scroll paintings and surviving suits of armor preserved for centuries in Japanese shrines.

Image for Samurai Arms, Armour & the Tactics of Warfare

Samurai Arms, Armour & the Tactics of Warfare

Part of the acclaimed Book of Samurai series, which presents for the first time the translated scrolls of the historical Natori-Ry samurai school of war, this volume offers an exceptional insight into the weaponry and armour of the samurai era, as well as tactical advice for use on and off the battlefield.

Image for Life in Old Japan Coloring Book

Life in Old Japan Coloring Book

More than 40 handsome, ready-to-color illustrations depict samurai warriors, the imperial villa at Kyoto, a Shinto shrine, a tea ceremony, a Noh play, a typical city street, a restaurant, music makers, more. Introduction and detailed captions describe Japanese culture and provide detailed information on art, government, costume, and daily life.

Image for Japanese Picture Dictionary Coloring Book: Over 1500 Japanese Words and Phrases for Creative & Visual Learners of All Ages

Japanese Picture Dictionary Coloring Book: Over 1500 Japanese Words and Phrases for Creative & Visual Learners of All Ages

Learning a new language is a new way of meeting new people, opening doors in your professional career and attracting fresh opportunities when traveling around the world, as you may know. The great thing is - whether you want to learn Japanese to visit Japan’s precious historic landmarks, watch anime and movies or simply meet wonderful Japanese people - we’ve got you covered!

Image for All About Japan: Stories, Songs, Crafts and Games for Kids

All About Japan: Stories, Songs, Crafts and Games for Kids

A cultural adventure for kids, All About Japan offers a journey to a new place--and ways to bring it to life! Dive into stories, play some games from Japan, and learn some Japanese songs.

Image for The Inch-High Samurai

The Inch-High Samurai

The brave little boy who sailed to the Capital in a teacup and fought a demon with a needle to win the love of a Lady is a Japanese cousin to Tom Thumb.

Image for The Crane Girl

The Crane Girl

In this magical retelling of a Japanese folktale, a mysterious girl weaves silk to help repay the kindness of a boy and his father until the father's greed finally exposes her secret.

While gathering firewood, Yasuhiro comes upon an injured crane hidden in the snow. He rescues and comforts the bird, then watches as it flies away over the wintry hills.

The next night, a mysterious young girl arrives at Yasuhiro's home seeking shelter from the cold. The boy and his father welcome the girl, named Hiroko, to stay with them. When Hiroko notices that Yasuhiro's father is struggling to earn money, she offers to weave silk for him to sell. After the fabric fetches a good price, the boy's father becomes impatient for more silk, and his greed has a life-changing effect on them all.

Lyrical storytelling deftly interwoven with original haiku create a magical adaptation of a popular Japanese folktale--an inspirational story of friendship and the power of kindness to transform lives.

Image for Commodore Perry the Opening of Japan (Landmark Series, #56)

Commodore Perry the Opening of Japan (Landmark Series, #56)

For more than 200 years Japan had isolated herself from the world - now Commodore Perry, representing the US government had arrived on the shore of Japan. Perry's mission was to open a door into Japan so US ships might stop for fuel & water on their route to China.

Image for 3D Puzzle Wooden Craft Kits DIY Model Building Kit

3D Puzzle Wooden Craft Kits DIY Model Building Kit

This 3D wooden Puzzle is the oldest tower in Japan and one of the iconic buildings, ancient and elegant.

Image for Japan Tokyo Skyline Famous Architecture Model Block Set

Japan Tokyo Skyline Famous Architecture Model Block Set

The iconic landmark you love,Build this detailed Japan skyline model!Features an elaborate façade with Tokyo Tower,Tokyo SKYTREE, Mount Fuji,Sensoji Temple,Osaka Castle and more.

Image for Japanese Flower Pavilion Cherry Blossom Bonsai Tree Bricks Kit

Japanese Flower Pavilion Cherry Blossom Bonsai Tree Bricks Kit

Japan Sakura Tree House Building Set consists of 1810pcs + mini-blocks. It includes detailed step-by-step color instructions, and exquisite details of various sizes and color componentsand.

Now let’s find out exactly how the feudal system in Japan worked, who was involved, and how it came to an end.

THE FEUDAL SYSTEM IN JAPAN

The feudal system was based on the idea that the emperor was the supreme ruler of Japan.

But in reality, power was held by the powerful feudal lords called daimyo.

The daimyo were samurai warriors who controlled large areas of land.

They had their own armies and could make their own laws.

Also, they had their own castles, where they lived and ruled.

The daimyo were not all equal. Some were more powerful than others.

The most powerful daimyo was called the shogun. The shogun was the military leader of Japan and the emperor’s chief advisor.

The peasants were the lowest class in the feudal system.

In addition, they worked on the land and paid taxes to the daimyo. They also had to provide labor for the daimyo’s projects, such as building roads and castles.

The feudal system was a very hierarchical system. The emperor was at the top, followed by the daimyo, the samurai, and the peasants. Each class had its own rights and responsibilities.

The feudal system was a time of great violence and warfare. The daimyo were constantly fighting each other for power and control. The peasants were often caught in the middle of these wars.

This system eventually came to an end in the 19th century due to a number of factors, including the rise of the Meiji Emperor and the introduction of Western technology and ideas.

The feudal system had a profound impact on Japanese culture and society.

Feudal System In Japan: How To Make A Colorful Fan Craft

It helped to create a strong sense of national identity and a deep respect for tradition.

It also led to the development of several important cultural institutions, such as the samurai code of bushido and the tea ceremony.

HANDS-ON JAPAN ACTIVITIES

Perfect for Ancient Japan studies or modern times, this Simple Homemade Sushi: Hands on Japan Activity for Kids is a great way to bond and learn at the same time.

WATCH: Shoguns, samurai and the Japanese Middle Ages on Khan Academy to learn even more about the feudal system.

Follow these simple steps to learn How to Fold an Origami Koi Fish in this beautiful Japanese artform.

Ancient Japan for Kids: Fun and Simple Handwriting Activity

Get some pretty paper and learn How to Make Easy Paper Lanterns.

Keep your prep to a minimum by using my Medieval Japan Unit Study and Lapbook 1185 – 1600 A.D. that has already done a lot of the work for you.

If you want to make a big impression on your child when digging deep into a topic like Japan, the military stronghold in the form of a LEGO Himeji Castle is the way to go.

Finally, look at how to make this Japanese fan.

HOW TO MAKE A COLORFUL FAN CRAFT

You will need:

  • 2 sheets 12×12 patterned paper
  • Two large popsicle sticks
  • Embroidery thread
  • Hot glue gun/sticks
  • Rubber band
Feudal System In Japan: How To Make A Colorful Fan Craft

First, make even accordion folds all the way across your paper, press in crease firmly with your finger or the edge of the craft stick to make the pleats sharp.

Repeat with the second sheet.

Feudal System In Japan: How To Make A Colorful Fan Craft

Next, bend both in half.

Feudal System In Japan: How To Make A Colorful Fan Craft

Hot glue center of each of the bent fans to the other side of the same fan to create two bigger fans.

Feudal System In Japan: How To Make A Colorful Fan Craft

Now hot glue both of those fans together along the centerfolds, hold together or place something heavy on them until the glue cools and they are firmly stuck.

Feudal System In Japan: How To Make A Colorful Fan Craft

This next part is optional but adds such a fun touch.

We’re making a tassel for the fan from embroidery thread.

Wrap the thread around your hand 25-30 times.

Feudal System In Japan: How To Make A Colorful Fan Craft

Slip another piece of thread under one end and tie it off, cut the loops on the other end.

Feudal System In Japan: How To Make A Colorful Fan Craft

Finish it off by slipping a longer thread under the top fold and tying a knot below that about  ½” from the top. Trim off excess

Feudal System In Japan: How To Make A Colorful Fan Craft

Hot glue the long string in place by attaching it to one side of the fan near the bottom.

Feudal System In Japan: How To Make A Colorful Fan Craft

Hot glue the oversized popsicle sticks to either side of the ends of the fan lined up with the bottom, you want the excess of the sticks to stick out over what is the top of the fan.

Again, hold into place until glue has set.

Be sure to pull the tassel forward out of the center before pressing everything together.

Feudal System In Japan: How To Make A Colorful Fan Craft

To open the fan simply pull open the wooden handles.

Feudal System In Japan: How To Make A Colorful Fan Craft

And secure with a rubber band, to close go the opposite direction and keep closed with the rubber band.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: Ancient Japan, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, Medieval Japan

The Ancient Art Of Mummifying: How To Mummify A Chicken

November 30, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We are going to learn step by step how to mummify a chicken, instead of just reading about how the ancient Egyptians prepared their mummies.  Also, look at my Ancient Civilizations page for more ideas.

Doing it this way really helps your child understand the steps, processes, and ingredients used to mummify without odor to preserve the body.

We will use salt and baking soda to draw the moisture out of the chicken.

The Ancient Art Of Mummifying: How To Mummify A Chicken

This helps to preserve it and along with the spices it will keep odors at bay, even after weeks of sitting out.

Ancient mummies give us a glimpse into ancient Egyptian culture.

They tell us about the Egyptians’ beliefs about death and the afterlife.

And they also tell us about the Egyptians’ daily lives, their clothing, their jewelry, and their art.

Today, mummies are on display in museums around the world.

Also, they are a reminder of the ancient Egyptian civilization and their fascinating beliefs.

Through learning how to mummify a chicken children will get a hands-on view into this ancient ritual that includes history, science, math, and more.

I have also included a few more activities to extend the learning and add to your ancient Egypt unit.

BOOKS ABOUT ANCIENT EGYPT FOR KIDS

First, I have so many fun books about Egypt.

I try to use living books first then add reference books.

17 Ancient Egypt Books & Resources for Kids Who Love Reading and Being Read To

Add some of these books to your home library and use them for a day of learning or for unit studies.

Image for The Egypt Game

The Egypt Game

The first time Melanie Ross meets April Hall, she’s not sure they have anything in common. But she soon discovers that they both love anything to do with ancient Egypt. When they stumble upon a deserted storage yard, Melanie and April decide it’s the perfect spot for the Egypt Game. Before long there are six Egyptians, and they all meet to wear costumes, hold ceremonies, and work on their secret code. Everyone thinks it’s just a game until strange things start happening. Has the Egypt Game gone too far?

Image for Tales of Ancient Egypt (Puffin Classics)

Tales of Ancient Egypt (Puffin Classics)

These stories include the great myths - of Amen-Ra, who created all the creatures in the world; of Isis, seaching the waters for her dead husband Osiris; of the Bennu Bird and the Book of Thoth. But there are also tales told for pleasure about magic, treasure and adventure - even the first ever Cinderella story.

Image for The Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt (Landmark Books)

The Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt (Landmark Books)

For more than 3,000 years, Egypt was a great civilization that thrived along the banks of the Nile River. But when its cities crumbled to dust, Egypt’s culture and the secrets of its hieroglyphic writings were also lost. The Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt explains how archaeologists have pieced together their discoveries to slowly reveal the history of Egypt’s people, its pharaohs, and its golden days.

Image for The Buildings of Ancient Egypt

The Buildings of Ancient Egypt

Uses archeological evidence to describe the construction, decoration, and furnishings of ancient Egyptian tombs, pyramids, and homes

Image for Science in Ancient Egypt (Science of the Past)

Science in Ancient Egypt (Science of the Past)

Discusses the achievements of the ancient Egyptians in science, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, agriculture, and technology.

Image for Great Ancient Egypt Projects: You Can Build Yourself

Great Ancient Egypt Projects: You Can Build Yourself

From reed boats, papyrus, and amulets, to pyramids, pharaohs, and mummies, Great Ancient Egypt Projects You Can Build Yourself explores the fascinating lives of ancient Egyptians through more than25 hands-on building projects and activities. Great Ancient Egypt Projects You Can Build Yourself gives readers today a chance to experience how the ancient Egyptians lived, cooked, worked, worshipped, entertained themselves, and interacted with their neighbors through building projects that use common household supplies.Detailed step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and templates for creating each project are combined with historical facts and anecdotes, biographies, and trivia for the real-life models of each project. Together they give kids a first-hand look at daily life in ancient Egypt.

Image for The Cat of Bubastes: A Tale of Ancient Egypt (Dover Children's Classics)

The Cat of Bubastes: A Tale of Ancient Egypt (Dover Children's Classics)

Chebron, the young son of an Egyptian high priest, and Amuba, a young slave in the boy's household, are close friends; but their lives are greatly altered when Chebron accidentally kills a cat, an animal held sacred by the ancient Egyptians. Forced to flee for their safety, the boys and their companions begin a long and dangerous journey. A thrilling adventure story, this is also a tale packed with historical facts. Among other fascinating details, young readers learn about the Egyptian religion and geography, how the Nile was used for irrigation, and how the Egyptians made war and were prepared for burial. A captivating book that accurately describes life in a once magnificent civilization, this volume will especially appeal to youngsters fascinated by the life and customs of ancient Egypt.

Image for A History of Ancient Egypt: From the First Farmers to the Great Pyramid (A History of Ancient Egypt, 1)

A History of Ancient Egypt: From the First Farmers to the Great Pyramid (A History of Ancient Egypt, 1)

The ancient world comes to life in the first volume in a two book series on the history of Egypt, spanning the first farmers to the construction of the pyramids. Famed archaeologist John Romer draws on a lifetime of research to tell one history's greatest stories; how, over more than a thousand years, a society of farmers created a rich, vivid world where one of the most astounding of all human-made landmarks, the Great Pyramid, was built. Immersing the reader in the Egypt of the past, Romer examines and challenges the long-held theories about what archaeological finds mean and what stories they tell about how the Egyptians lived. More than just an account of one of the most fascinating periods of history, this engrossing book asks readers to take a step back and question what they've learned about Egypt in the past. Fans of Stacy Schiff's Cleopatra and history buffs will be captivated by this re-telling of Egyptian history, written by one of the top Egyptologists in the world.

Image for Boy of the Pyramids

Boy of the Pyramids

The pictured wall of an Egyptian tomb supplied the inspiration for this unusual story, which takes place during the building of the Great Pyramid of Khufu more than 4,000 years ago. Kaffe and Sari, an Egyptian noble's son and a slave girl from the nomadic Sand People of the Sinai region, help solve a troublesome mystery and trap its culprit. All told against a colorfully detailed backdrop of ancient Egypt.

Image for The Golden Goblet

The Golden Goblet

Ranofer wants only one thing in the world: to be a master goldsmith like his beloved father was. But how can he when he is all but imprisoned by his evil half brother, Gebu? Ranofer knows the only way he can escape Gebu's abuse is by changing his destiny. But can a poor boy with no skills survive on the cutthroat streets of ancient Thebes? Then Ranofer finds a priceless golden goblet in Gebu's room and he knows his luck−and his destiny−are about to change.

Image for Seeker of Knowledge: The Man Who Deciphered Egyptian Hieroglyphs

Seeker of Knowledge: The Man Who Deciphered Egyptian Hieroglyphs

In 1802, Jean-Francois Champollion was eleven years old. That year, he vowed to be the first person to read Egypt’s ancient hieroglyphs. Champollion’s dream was to sail up the Nile in Egypt and uncover the secrets of the past, and he dedicated the next twenty years to the challenge.James Rumford introduces the remarkable man who deciphered the ancient Egyptian script and fulfilled a lifelong dream in the process. Stunning watercolors bring Champollion’s adventure to life in a story that challenges the mind and touches the heart.

Image for The Egyptian Cinderella

The Egyptian Cinderella

This Egyptian spin on the classic Cinderella tale was initially recorded in the first century by a Roman historian and is retold here by folklorist Shirley Climo.

Poor Rhodopis! She has nothing—no mother or father, and no friends. She is a slave, from the far-off country of Greece. Only the beautiful rose-red slippers her master gives her can make Rhodopis smile.

So when a falcon swoops down and snatches one of the slippers away, Rhodopis is heartbroken. For how is she to know that the slipper will land in the lap of the great Pharaoh himself? And who would ever guess that the Pharaoh has promised to find the slipper’s owner and make her queen of all Egypt?

Image for Augustus Caesar's World

Augustus Caesar's World

In her unique approach, Foster weaves a story of the world around her central character; rather than focusing exclusively on geo-political events, as most textbooks do, she includes stories of scientific discovery and invention, music, literature, art, and religion. Her keen intuition for stories will especially delight and amuse youthful readers. In Augustus Caesar's World, Foster traces the seven major civilizations of Rome, Greece, Israel, Egypt, China, India, and Persia from 4500 B.C. to the time of Augustus Caesar in 44 B.C. and culminating in 14 A.D. Within this timeframe readers will learn not only the stories of Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, and Marc Antony, but also the historian Livy and how Virgil came to write the Aeneid. Foster will then take her readers all over the world to learn what was happening at this same time in China, Persia, India and so on. Foster's detailed pen and ink drawings are fresh and appealing, and her illustrated timelines give a clear sense of chronology, enriching the engaging text.

Image for The Lost Queen of Egypt: The Tomb of Nefertiti

The Lost Queen of Egypt: The Tomb of Nefertiti

For professor of Egyptology Henry Markham, this would be the crowning glory of his career: an intact tomb of Nefertiti, the great royal wife of Akhenaten and the heretic pharaoh of eighteenth dynasty Egypt, whose bust of exquisite beauty resides in the Berlin Museum, which he had searched for the last ten years. He had an unspoken passion for her only excelled by his young assistant, Steven Sinclair, whose visions and dreams of her haunted him, much to the annoyance of Helen Carter, the freelance journalist on-site who, with her business partner Mike Mitcham, the digs photographer, saw Nefertiti as a rival for his affections. Thanks to a gambling debt, Mike finds himself the proud owner of a large luxury mobile home that four Mossad agents are interested in, along with Emil Brogini, who did a drug deal with two Mossad rogue agents since deceased. The arrival of Henry's estranged sister, Millicent, with her friend Jane Evesham, a gifted clairvoyant, does nothing to improve his temper, especially when Jane tells him they are in great danger. Can the danger come from four renegade Mossad agents or Emil Bratislav Brogini, Mr. Big in Cairo, into every racket going? Jane discovers that Helen has a latent gift of clairvoyance which, with their combined powers in a séance, sends them back to the eighteenth dynasty with Nefertiti, Akhenaten, and danger around every corner as they try to discover who is trying to kill them all using a large band of Libyan bandits. They survive ambushes, assassin's knives, and chariot chases, finally getting back to their own time with Nefertiti.

Image for Pyramid

Pyramid

Pyramid is a strong resource for readers looking to expand their knowledge of ancient Egyptian civilization, history, and architecture.

Award-winning author-illustrator David Macaulay explores the philosophy of life and death in ancient Egypt through richly detailed black-and-white illustrations and clear, concise text.

Though created with middle grade readers in mind, all with interest in the topic will enjoy this impressive look at what many consider to be one of the most awesome of humankind's creations.

Image for Pharaoh's Boat

Pharaoh's Boat

With poetic language and striking illustrations, Weitzman tells the story of how one of the greatest boats of ancient Egypt came to be built and built again.In the shadow of the Great Pyramid at Giza, the most skilled shipwrights in all of Egypt are building an enormous vessel that will transport Cheops, the mighty pharaoh, across the winding waterway and into a new world. Pharaoh's boat will be a wonder to behold, and well prepared for the voyage ahead. But no one, not even the Egyptian king himself, could have imagined just where the journey of Pharaoh's boat would ultimately lead.

Image for The Winged Cat

The Winged Cat

Merit is a servant girl in the temple of cat goddesses. In a rage, Waha, the High Priest, kills a sacred car, and Merit sees him do it.But when Merit reports the evil deed to Pharaoh, Waha denies that he is guilty.

In addition, look at these other activities to go along with how to mummify a chicken.

HOW MUMMIES ARE MADE

In ancient Egypt, people believed in life after death.

Also, they wanted to preserve their bodies so that they could have a comfortable afterlife. This is why they created mummies.

The process of mummification was long and complex.

It took about 70 days to complete, our chicken should take about 40 because it is so much smaller.

First, the body was washed with water and natron. Natron is a type of salt.

Then, the internal organs were removed. And placed in jars. The brain was removed through the nose.

The body was then packed with natron to dry it out. After 40 days, the natron was removed and the body was wrapped in linen bandages.

Mummies were often dressed in their finest clothes or wrapped in expensive linen. They were also given jewelry and amulets to protect them in the afterlife.

Mummies were buried in tombs.

Tombs were decorated with paintings and carvings.

Too, they were filled with food, furniture, and other items that the mummy might need in the afterlife.

HANDS- ON MUMMY IDEAS

Before you learn how to mummify a chicken check out some of these ideas to add to your study.

Learn all about the steps in this to make your own Mummification Process Game.

Use this Pharaoh Headdress Printable Craft to wear or decorate your mummy for its trip to the afterlife.

While teaching about this ritual you can make an Egypt Crafts For Kindergarten Create a Fun Kid Sized Mummy.

How to Make a Mummy STEM Activity uses an apple for a very simple mummification process activity.

Fun and Easy Hands-On Ancient Egypt Craft: Create Canopic Jars

The Ancient Art Of Mummifying: How To Mummify A Chicken

Additionally, here are more Ancient Egypt hands-on activities.

FUN HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS LEARNING ABOUT EGYPT

  • Ancient Egyptian Mathematics: Build a LEGO Math Calculator
  • Fun Pharaohs and Queens Ancient Egypt Lapbook and Activities
  • 11 Easy Hands-On Ancient Egypt Projects for Middle School
  • Hands-on Ancient Egypt: Israelite Mud Bricks for Kids
  • Make a beautiful Cleopatra Collar and Cuffs to wear.
  • Discover The Secrets Of Ancient Egypt: Free Printable Hieroglyphics Alphabet
  • Free Ancient Egypt Mehen Printable Board Game (Hands-on History)
  • Ancient Egypt Civilization (Hands-on History): King Narmer Crown
  • Ancient Egypt Homeschool Unit Study – Hands-on and FUN!
  • Ancient Egypt Unit Study Part 2 – Best Hands-on Homeschool Ideas
  • Building Wonders: Create the Great Sphinx of Giza with LEGO
  • 7 Fun Ways to Play Go Fish Egyptian Games for Kids
  • Free Africa Unit Study for Kids Who Love Hands-on Learning | Free Continent & Country Reports

Finally, look at how to mummify a chicken.

HOW TO MUMMIFY A CHICKEN

I highly recommend getting a small Cornish game hen for your project.

This was all I could find after searching several stores and the larger chicken requires a lot more materials to dry it out as well as taking up more space on your counter.

You will need:

  • A whole chicken
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Container of Table salt
  • Box of Baking soda
  • Herbs-optional
  • Essential oils-optional
  • Roll of gauze
The Ancient Art Of Mummifying: How To Mummify A Chicken

This is just the materials for your first process, you will need probably 4-5 pounds total of the baking soda/salt mixture over the drying process.

First, prepare your chicken for mummification by removing it from the wrapper.

Next, if it has any of the organs inside, you want to remove and dispose of those.

This is a great time to talk about what the Egyptians would do with the organs.

The Ancient Art Of Mummifying: How To Mummify A Chicken

Then rinse the chicken inside and out thoroughly.

Pat dry with paper towels.

The Ancient Art Of Mummifying: How To Mummify A Chicken

Now the final step in the cleansing process is to wipe the chicken down with alcohol to help remove any bacteria.

The Ancient Art Of Mummifying: How To Mummify A Chicken

Combine one canister of salt and one box of baking soda and mix together.

The Ancient Art Of Mummifying: How To Mummify A Chicken

Put about a cup of this mixture inside the cavity of the chicken and shake and roll it around to coat the inside completely.

The Ancient Art Of Mummifying: How To Mummify A Chicken

Place chicken inside of the bag and pour the remaining baking soda/salt combo inside the bag to cover the chicken.

Alternatively, be sure everything is covered by laying it on a tray. Pat the mixture all over it.

The Ancient Art Of Mummifying: How To Mummify A Chicken

You can also add some fresh or dried herbs you have on hand to help with the smell while it’s drying.

MUMMIFY A CHICKEN LIKE ANCIENT EGYPT MUMMIES

Add a few drops of essential oil as well, you could use rosemary oil, cedar oil, or lavender oil.

The Ancient Art Of Mummifying: How To Mummify A Chicken

Place fully coated chicken in the Ziploc bag, if you have a large chicken, you’ll probably need to use a 2 gallon bag.

The Ancient Art Of Mummifying: How To Mummify A Chicken

For the first week or two you want to open it back up every 2 to 3 days and drain any liquid that has come out.

Then add additional salt and baking soda to continue the drying process. It is surprising how very little smell there is to your mummified chicken.

You can see here that liquid is quickly drawn out of a well-preserved chicken.

The Ancient Art Of Mummifying: How To Mummify A Chicken

Every few days remove the chicken. Observe it to see how it is dried.

Do you notice any smell?  How does the skin look? Use your science journal to take notes about the changes in the chicken and anything else you observe.

The Ancient Art Of Mummifying: How To Mummify A Chicken

You can also measure and weigh the chicken before and during the process to learn more about the changes.

Once your chicken is completely dried out brush off the excess dry mixture.

And look at how our “corpse” looked 30 days later?

The Ancient Art Of Mummifying: How To Mummify A Chicken

Then wrap it completely in gauze.

Add jewels and other items to recreate the final preparations of mummies like in ancient times.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: ancient civilizations, ancient egypt, ancientegypt, egypt, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, mummies

13 Easy Legos To Build When Bored & DIY Idea Jar

November 17, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

There are so many easy LEGOS to build when bored.

Today I have not only gathered 13 of those ideas for you but I also have a simple tutorial for a LEGO prompt jar.

Then I also want to share the limitless benefits of LEGO.

13 Easy Legos To Build When Bored & DIY Idea Jar

While they can be quite the investment, I really feel that it is worth it for the quality.

Dare I even call it a “toy” that offers so many ways to use them.

Bricks can also be used as manipulatives, game pieces, uses for sorting, to learn fractions, to create a unique diorama, building landmarks, on and on.

If you still need convincing why LEGO is such a necessary add to your homeschool supplies look at my list.

8 BENEFITS OF USING LEGOS

  1. Creativity and Imagination: LEGO bricks allow children to build whatever they can think up. This encourages their creativity and imagination.
  2. Problem-Solving Skills: Building with LEGO bricks requires problem-solving skills, as kids have to figure out how to connect the bricks together to create their desired structures. This helps them develop logical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
  3. Fine Motor Skills: Manipulating and building with small LEGO bricks helps children develop their fine motor skills, which is important for tasks such as pre-writing, drawing, and buttoning clothes. 
  4. Patience and Persistence: Building with LEGO bricks can be challenging, but it is also very rewarding. Teaching children the importance of patience and persistence, as they have to keep trying until they achieve their desired results.
  5. Social Skills: LEGO bricks are a great way for kids to socialize and learn how to work together. They can build together on collaborative projects or play games with each other using LEGO bricks. They are also just wonderful for parallel play.
  6. Storytelling: LEGO bricks can be used to tell stories and create scenes. This encourages children to use their imagination and develop their storytelling skills.
  7. Relaxation and Stress Relief: Building with LEGO bricks can be a relaxing and stress-relieving activity for kids. It allows them to focus on something creative and enjoyable, which can help them forget about their worries for a while, something we all need now and then right?
  8. Heirloom Potential: LEGO sets can be passed down from generation to generation, making them a cherished heirloom that can be enjoyed by multiple family members. They really do not lose much of their value either for resale later, and some sets skyrocket in value.
13 Easy Legos To Build When Bored & DIY Idea Jar

DIY EASY LEGOS TO BUILD PROMPT JAR

Next, look at this fun diy easy LEGO jar.

I am giving you two sets of instructions for this.

The first one is a simple tutorial for using your Cricut Machine.

The second is for those who want to simplify it even further using ready-to-go stickers from the store.

You will need:

  • A clean empty jar
  • Paper towels
  • Rubbing alcohol

For Cricut:

  • Cricut machine
  • Cricut software
  • Vinyl
  • Mat
  • Weeding tool
  • Transfer tape
13 Easy Legos To Build When Bored & DIY Idea Jar

Check out this bundle if you have been on the fence about getting a Cricut, they are fantastic for kid made projects, t shirts, signs, and so much more.

Start with a clean dry jar.

You want something that doesn’t have a lot of raised writing on it so that you can decorate the smooth signs easier.

Pasta jars and instant coffee jars work great for this.

Rub the entire outside of your jar down with alcohol or Windex and dry well.

This will help remove any oils or dust left on the outside of the jar so that the stickers will adhere better.

13 Easy Legos To Build When Bored & DIY Idea Jar

So that you cut the proper size stickers measure the width of your jar and decide how large you would like your writing to be.

13 Easy Legos To Build When Bored & DIY Idea Jar

Open up your Cricut design space, choose your font and adjust the size to your needs.

 I also found these fun brick outlines by searching LEGO under the image tab.

LEGO BUILD IDEAS FOR KIDS

I thought “I’m bored! LEGO Prompts” was a fitting title for our jar.

Tip- change the color on design space fore each element and you can do it all at once.

The machine will prompt you to change out vinyl/mat with each different color.

13 Easy Legos To Build When Bored & DIY Idea Jar

Hit the make button and follow the onscreen prompts to cut out your vinyl lettering.

Carefully peel the excess vinyl from around the cut-out portion, use a weeding tool to pick out the smaller centers of letters and shapes.

13 Easy Legos To Build When Bored & DIY Idea Jar

Apply transfer tape or clear contact paper, rub it down well with a credit card.

13 Easy Legos To Build When Bored & DIY Idea Jar

Press letters/shapes where you would like them and rub the design firmly with the edge of a credit card to transfer, peel slowly to be sure that it has adhered.

13 Easy Legos To Build When Bored & DIY Idea Jar

To use store bought stickers follow the directions up to wiping the jar down with alcohol and allowing it to dry and then skip down to here.

Simply apply your letters and shapes to the jar.

The next thing you are going to do is print off or handwrite prompts onto paper or cardstock, cut them out in strips.

13 Easy Legos To Build When Bored & DIY Idea Jar

Fold into small bundles and fill up your jar.

13 Easy Legos To Build When Bored & DIY Idea Jar

Next time you hear “I’m bored” or “I don’t know what to build!” send them to the jar for an challenge. 

EASY LEGO BUILD PROMPTS

Additionally, look at a few of these prompts to put in your jar.

First, grab this large bucket of LEGOS to keep separate from the others with the jar tucked inside.

  • Blindly choose 20 LEGO pieces, build a tower.
  • Grab 4 wheels and 10 bricks, build a car.
  • Build an animal that you would find in the ocean.
  • Build your favorite book character out of LEGO.
  • Build a replica of any family member (including family pets).
  • Use only 1 color of brick to build something.
  • Create a tic tac toe board out of LEGO and challenge someone to a game or two.
  • Build something to represent the current season you are in.
  • Set up scenes for a minifig or two and practice your photography skills with a camera or smart phone.
  • Roll two dice, choose that many LEGO and build something amazing using just those pieces.
  • Build a robot that moves in some way.
  • Build your name out of LEGO pieces.
  • Make something that floats.
  • Build a Nerf Target and practice knocking it over from further and further away.
  • Design and build a tool that could make your life easier.
  • Create an art piece using only flat LEGO pieces.
  • Recreate a famous landmark…Eiffel Tower, Taj Mahal, Sphinx, etc.
  • Make a LEGO marble maze.
  • Make something with your eyes closed the entire time (or blindfolded) from choosing bricks to building.
  • Build something that is delicious to eat.
  • Make a picture frame to hold a favorite photo.
  • Build the tallest tower you can without it falling over, measure and note it, see if you can beat it with some changes.

And here are a few of our boredom builds.

13 Easy Legos To Build When Bored & DIY Idea Jar

Don’t you love our creative picture frame?

13 Easy Legos To Build When Bored & DIY Idea Jar

Finally, look at these easy lego builds.

EASY LEGOS TO BUILD

13 Easy Legos to Build When Kids are Bored

You’ll love these fun LEGO builds for kids.
Image for A Simple Geronimo Stilton LEGO Tutorial For Mouse Loving Kids

A Simple Geronimo Stilton LEGO Tutorial For Mouse Loving Kids

Create a simple Geronimo Stilton LEGO to commemorate your child’s love of the mouse.

Too, this activity encourages the skills of creativity, fine motor skills, and following directions.

Image for How to Build Puppies with LEGO Bricks
Photo Credit: frugalfun4boys.com

How to Build Puppies with LEGO Bricks

Build some LEGO® puppies with their own doggy bed and food bowl! These are such adorable little puppies. You can swap out the bricks in the legs to make them either lying down or standing up.

Image for Building Wonders: Create the Great Sphinx of Giza with LEGO

Building Wonders: Create the Great Sphinx of Giza with LEGO

It stands in front of the pyramids on the west bank of the Nile in Giza, Egypt. And it was created in a quarry to build the pyramids and other structures nearby.

By now you probably know what a fantastic resource LEGO is in your homeschool.

Image for LEGO Superhero Building Cards - Frugal Fun For Boys and Girls
Photo Credit: frugalfun4boys.com

LEGO Superhero Building Cards - Frugal Fun For Boys and Girls

We are back with more LEGO® mosaic building cards, and this time they have a superhero theme!

Image for Build the Monarch Butterfly Life Cycle with LEGO Bricks
Photo Credit: frugalfun4boys.com

Build the Monarch Butterfly Life Cycle with LEGO Bricks

Build the 4 stages of the Monarch butterfly life cycle –with LEGO® bricks!

Image for How to Easily Garden Plan With Kids Using LEGO

How to Easily Garden Plan With Kids Using LEGO

How to garden plan with kids using LEGO is a way to sneak in some learning. My kids, like so many others, love to create and build with LEGO so it is just a great hands-on natural extension to learning.

Image for Lego Duck Spring Lego Building Ideas for Kids
Photo Credit: littlebinsforlittlehands.com

Lego Duck Spring Lego Building Ideas for Kids

Welcome Spring with a cute and easy little LEGO duck building challenge! Make your own pons of LEGO ducks with a simple Spring themed building activity for multiple age and ability levels. Create a whole pond scene too! 

Image for Lego Balloon Cars A Fantastic Way to Teach STEM
Photo Credit: thesecretlifeofhomeschoolers.com

Lego Balloon Cars A Fantastic Way to Teach STEM

I decided one week for a “Fun Friday Activity” to build Lego balloon cars with my kids. They are simple, fun, and educational. I use this formula when planning our weekly fun activities. Lego balloon cars are a great way to have some STEM fun.

Image for Simple LEGO Flower
Photo Credit: www.icanteachmychild.com

Simple LEGO Flower

Little Brother loves making creations with LEGOs. He created this flower on his own and then I took it apart and reassembled it for these photos. 🙂  

Image for LEGO Marble Run You Can Make
Photo Credit: littlebinsforlittlehands.com

LEGO Marble Run You Can Make

 It is so fun to build a LEGO marble run and it is a perfect example of a STEM activity using basic bricks. Combine design and engineering for a STEM idea that will provide hours of fun and laughs! We love simple LEGO building ideas!

Image for Labeling Parts of a Honey Bee LEGO Fun Activity For Kids

Labeling Parts of a Honey Bee LEGO Fun Activity For Kids

Your kids will love labeling the parts of a honey bee lego activity. Also, look at my Fascinating and Fun Honey Bees Unit Study and Lapbook for Kids.

Bees are fascinating little creatures from how they create their honeycombs to maximize space, to how they know to fan the hive to keep it cool.

Image for Lego Candy Dispenser
Photo Credit: www.instructables.com

Lego Candy Dispenser

The Lego Candy Dispenser is a super simple build and doesn't take a bunch of crazy pieces but still results in an impressive way to share your candy with friends. 

Image for LEGO Unicorn Building Instructions
Photo Credit: frugalfun4boys.com

LEGO Unicorn Building Instructions

In our boy-heavy house, no one is into unicorns, actually. Janie loves all things girly, but she is not really a fan of unicorns. Maybe she’s too young? She’s 3. We do, however, love the unicorn in Despicable Me, and I thought it would be fun to build a unicorn out of LEGO® bricks!

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, LEGO, science

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