hands on history

Free Texas Homeschool Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas

March 13, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

You’ll love this free Texas homeschool lapbook. Grab more lapbooks on my lapbook ideas page. Also grab more ideas on my best homeschool unit studies page.

This lapbook was created to introduce you briefly to my native land of Texas, a little history, some famous Texans, and a few fun facts.

Free Texas Homeschool Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas

Moreover, this unit will be expanded on in the future by covering other parts of Texas including the Republic of Texas

While the Alamo and how Texas became a Republic were much more significant topics to be learning as a little girl growing up in southern Texas, I was often fascinated by hearing such names as Ima Hogg and Ura Hogg.

But some things I learned where tall tales. For example, there was no Ura Hogg but there was an Ima Hogg.

Beyond the fun tidbits I learned growing up, I’m excited to share a starting point about the history of Texas.

Texas In Its Infancy

Besides the attack of the Alamo in March 1836 in San Antonio, Texas, other events contributed to the history of Texas.

Texas was a Mexican province and both U.S. and Mexico recognized the abundant land and fertile land.

However, the location of Texas was closer to the expanding United States.

Too through the years I’ve read in some places that Tejanos made up only about 4000 people in 1821.

Tejanos are persons of Mexican descent living in Texas. Today we call them Mexican American.

At the time there were not very many settlers to defend Texas against Mexico.

And Americans were allowed to settle in Texas.

So, in return for the cheap land grants Americans had to become Mexican citizens, accept the Mexican constitution and the religion of Roman Catholic.

As I learned in Texas history growing up this was a strategy Mexico used to try to convert American settlers as an asset by Mexico.

I guess that far back a rebellion was already in the works.

Books about Texas

In addition, here are some fun books about Texas.

Resources for Learning About the Lone Star State & Texas Cattle Drives

Add a few of these resources to learn about the great state of Texas.

The Chisholm Trail: A History of the World's Greatest Cattle Trail

The Chisholm Trail was the original "Cowboy Highway" stretching hundreds of miles from the ranches of Texas to the Cattle markets in Kansas. This classic work chronicles in vivid detail the entire journey of the trail and is complete with descriptions of actual incidents and events that occurred along the trail as well as stories of famous and infamous cowboys, outlaws, rustlers, Indians, and lawmen who made the journey.

A Gentle Tour Through Texas History

A guide for teaching Texas History through literature. It is based on a 34-week timeframe and is useful for students in grades K-6/7.

Texas History for Kids with 21 Activities

Encapsulating the 500-year saga of the one-of-a-kind state of Texas, this interactive book takes readers from the founding of the Spanish Missions and the victory at San Jacinto to the Great Storm that destroyed Galveston and the establishment of NASA’s Mission Control in Houston while covering everything in between. Texas History for Kids includes 21 informative and fun activities to help readers better understand the state’s culture, politics, and geography. Kids will recreate one of the six national flags that have flown over the state, make castings of local wildlife tracks, design a ranch’s branding iron, celebrate Juneteenth by reciting General Order Number 3, build a miniature Battle of Flowers float, and more. This valuable resource also includes a timeline of significant events, a list of historic sites to visit or explore online, and web resources for further study.

Texas Activity Book (Color and Learn)

A New Way to Enjoy Texas with Your Family

For hours of excitement, give your kids the Texas Activity Book by Paula Ellis! They'll enjoy learning about the Lone Star State through pictures and puzzles. It's also perfect for keeping kids entertained on the car ride to your next destination.

Texas Longhorn Bull Cow Toy Figure

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

Susanna of the Alamo: A True Story

“Remember the Alamo!” is one of the most familiar battle cries in American history, yet few know about the brave woman who inspired it. Susanna Dickinson’s story reveals the crucial role she played during that turbulent period in Texas-American history.

The Boy in the Alamo

The classic story of the siege of the Alamo, as told for young readers. Originally published in 1958, thousands of children each year enjoy this story from the unique point of view of twelve-year old Billy Campbell.

Plains Warrior: Chief Quanah Parker and the Comanches

A biography of the legendary Comanche leader profiles the son of a white woman, who fiercely defended tribal lands against those who tried to seize them and who, after being moved with his people to a reservation, fought for the recognition and decent treatment of his tribe.

Make Way for Sam Houston

Colorful Sam Houston leaps to life in the pages of this fresh and funny biography, set against the story of Texas's fight for independence from Mexico.

Trail Fever: The Life of a Texas Cowboy

The story of one of Texas's most famous cowboys is filled with cattle drives, stampedes, floods, droughts, freezing desert nights, raiders and bandits, and one man's endurance and love of life on the plains.

Below are some hands-on resources.

MORE RESOURCES FOR LEARNING ABOUT THE STATE OF TEXAS

Grab these other Texas unit study resources below.

Also, look at the minibooks included in this free Texas homeschool lapbook.

Minibooks about Texas

Next, look at some of the topics covered in the lapbook with the minibooks.

Map of the geography of Texas
Trivia and Natural Regions
Founding Fathers of Texas
Fun Facts
Famous Texans
XIT Ranch
And a fun book Texas “Ainglish”

How to Get the Free Texas Lapbook

Now, how to grab the free lapbook. It’s a subscriber freebie. And I have a list of links for this unit study included in the download.

1) Sign up on my list.
2) Grab the freebie now.
3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me!

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

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

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

Daniel Boone was born on November 2, 1794.

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

However, life was very hard for colonial children.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Children During Colonial Times

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

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

They had their own simple toys and pastimes.

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

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

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

Nothing ran on batteries, just imagination.

More Colonial Life Activities

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

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

Daniel Boone Books

10 Resources for A Daniel Boone Unit Study

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

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

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

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

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

3. The Dangerous Book for Boys

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

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

4. Willy Whitefeather's Outdoor Survival Handbook for Kids

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

5. Daniel Boone: Frontiersman (Heroes of History)

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

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

The book includes the following pockets:

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

7. Daniel Boone: Trailblazer

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

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

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

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

9. Bear Grylls The Complete Adventures Collection 12 Books Set

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

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

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

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

5 Colonial Games to Try With Your Kids

1. Marbles

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

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

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

2. Blindman’s Bluff

This is a version of tag.

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

3. Hoop Rolling

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

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

4. Cat’s Cradle

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

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

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

5. Button Whirligig/BuzzSaw

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

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

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

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

More Daniel Boone Facts for Kids Activities

Finally, look at how to make a button whirligig.

How to Make A Button Whirligig

You will need:

String or twine
Large button

Directions:

First, cut a string about 36” long.

Thread the string through your button.

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

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

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

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

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

10 Facts about Daniel Boone and Fun Hands-on Apothecary Salve

February 6, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I have fun 10 facts about Daniel Boone and 10 popular jobs of the colonial times when Daniel Boone made his contributions. And grab my unit study on my page Daniel Boone – North American Explorer.

This hands-on activity is learning how to create a useful medicinal item from a plant source just like an apothecary in colonial times.

10 Facts about Daniel Boone and Fun Hands-on Apothecary Salve

Many people today, even modern science, still use plants and plant based products to treat illnesses inside and outside of the body.

At home essential oils are a favorite of many for treating simple things topically.

We are going to utilize the essential oil made from the lavender plant to create a salve that can safely be used for many ailments.

For example, ailments include:

rashes
bug bites
burns
sunburn
acne
psoriasis
scrapes
eczema
stings
scars
diaper rash, and
dry itchy skin.

Your child will enjoy creating their very own “medicine” like the apothecary of long ago.

With this craft you could also easily dive into a study on flowers and plants and their medicinal uses.

10 Facts About Daniel Boone

He was born October 22, 1734 in Pennsylvania when it was still a colony.
Daniel grew up in a Quaker home in Pennsylvania.
He was best known as an American explorer and frontiersman, but he was also a surveyor, land spectator, and a militia officer.
Daniel Boone was a Shawnee chief’s adopted son after he and his party were captured.
He did NOT in fact wear a coonskin cap even though he is often portrayed in illustrations wearing on but preferred a classic flat, broad-brimmed hat.
While Boones grammar and spelling were poor, he could sign his name unlike other frontiersmen who just marked it with an X.
Boone married Rebecca Bryan on August 14, 1756. They had ten children together- six sons and four daughters.
Boone was described as being about 5 foot 8 or 9 inches tall. He had blonde hair and blue eyes.
The Shawnee, during his capture, named him Sheltowee (Big Turtle).
He died September 26, 1820, in Missouri of natural causes.

Next, many professions of the colonial times were learned by being passed down from parent to child or through apprenticeships rather than at schools.

Colonists would often trade goods and services as payment as they began to specialize in specific areas.

Moreover, here are 10 trades of the colonial times that you can dive deeper into.

Colonial Period Jobs

Apothecary- An apothecary was basically the equivalent of today’s pharmacist. They created medicines from plants, minerals, and herbs from the area and then sold them. They would often prescribe medicines and sometimes even perform minor surgeries. Much like today’s pharmacies they would also offer other items like tobacco, spices, candles, etc.
Blacksmith- The Blacksmith held a very important position in the community. They used a forge to create as well as fix iron items like: horseshoes, tools, nails, ax heads, hinges and kitchen utensils to name a few.
Chandler (Candlemaker)- Earliest settlers made their own candles but eventually there were candlemakers who had shops where candles were usually made and sold using tallow by dipping the wick repeatedly until the desired thickness was reached. Bayberry and myrtle could also be used for wax in addition to tallow.
Cobbler (Shoemaker)- This trade was another very important one as people spent a lot of time walking, cobblers made and repaired shoes for the colonists. Some specialized in making men’s boots, or maybe just women’s or children’s shoes.
Cooper-The cooper was in charge of making watertight containers such as vats, tubs, troughs, barrels and buckets. These containers might store everything from wine, flour, and gunpowder as well as tobacco.

5 More Colonial Jobs

Wheelwright- This profession was responsible for making and repairing wheels used on carriages and wagons. They needed to have the skills to make and fix wheels that were strong enough to be used on rough, new colonial roads.
Gunsmith- This job took care of repairing and making firearms for the community, for the most part they worked on repairing existing guns from England. They needed to be skilled in working with metal as well as wood.
Milliner – One of the few businesses that could be owned and operated by women at the time this was where you went to get items for sewing such as needle, thread, or cloth or purchase already made clothing items like bonnets, aprons, and cloaks.
Printer- A colonial printer was responsible for printing many items, including things like newspapers, legal documents, books, proclamations, and pamphlets. Rather than just typing and printing with benefit of a spell check, setting up the type for each printing was done by hand and might take hours to do
General Storekeeper- This profession was an important one as they carried many basic goods that people needed, everything from coffee to gunpowder and sugar to buttons. This was a hub for the community and often people would gather here to talk politics as well as trade goods.

Books About Daniel Boone

Also, look at some of these fun books.

10 Resources for A Daniel Boone Unit Study

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