Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

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hands on history

The Best Free Viking Lapbook and Hands-on Ideas

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

My free Viking lapbook is such a fun lapbook and unit study. Be sure you look at my other fun Homeschool Lapbooks.

In the West, they were called Northmen, Norsemen and Danes.

In the East, they were known as Rus or Varangians. Vikings came from a word in the Old Norse language meaning “sea raiding.”

The Best Free Viking Lapbook and Hands-on Ideas

The Vikings came from Norway, Sweden and Denmark.

Their land was rocky and they found it hard to grow crops.

Fun Viking Facts

The Vikings used long ships to raid and steal from other lands.

And the long ships were powered by sails or by rowing with oars.

Constantinople was the main city of the Byzantine empire. The Vikings traded there.

The Vikings were farmers and where it was colder they hunted game and fished.

Norse farmers grew barley, rye, oats, cabbage, onions and other root vegetables.

Also, they were both excellent sailors since they could maneuver so easy and soldiers since they knew how to fight too.

The Best Free Viking Lapbook and Hands-on Ideas

Next, look at some of these hands-on activities to go with this Viking lapbook.

Hands-on Viking History Activities

Here are a few you’ll like.

And add a few books for reference.

The Best Free Viking Lapbook and Hands-on Ideas

Finally, look below at the minibooks which come with this free Viking lapbook.

Other Homeschool Lapbooks

You’ll love my other lapbooks for multiple ages.

The Best Free Viking Lapbook and Hands-on Ideas

Minibooks for Free Viking Lapbook for Homeschooled Kids

The minibooks included in this download are:

  • Drakkar-Knarr-Viking-Ships minibook
  • Key dates in Viking History timeline
  • Viking Woman Coloring Page or Front Cover
  • About Viking Ships Notebooking Page
  • Draw Your Vikings and Who Were the Barbarians Notebooking Pages
  • Iceland, Greenland and Newfoundland Layered Book
  • North America Explorers Cover
  • Vikings are Known For Their …. Book
  • The Vikings are Less Well-Known For
  • Viking Ship Base
  • Were Also Known As. ..
  • Words and Pocket
  • Land of the Vikings Geography
  • Who Were the Vikings minibook
  • Written in Stone – About Runes minibook

How to Get the Free Lapbook

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

 1) Sign up on my list. 

2) Grab the freebie.

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

Egypt Crafts For Kindergarten Create a Fun Kid Sized Mummy

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

If you’re looking for Egypt crafts for kindergarten, you’ll love this kid sized mummy. Grab my other craft ideas on my kindergarten homeschool curriculum page.

Here is a fun hands-on way to teach younger children about Egyptian mummies.

This activity literally puts them in the middle of it and they are able to complete it mostly on their own from start to finish. 

Egypt Crafts For Kindergarten Create a Fun Kid Sized Mummy

Those types of activities have a lot of value for learning as well as enjoyment.

Also, add in a few Ancient Egypt activities to make your day a fun learning day.

More Egyptian Crafts for Kindergarten

Make a fun mini sensory bin to explore more.

I have some great figures below that would go perfectly with this activity.

Egypt Crafts For Kindergarten Create a Fun Kid Sized Mummy

Then, below are some facts for you to share with your eager learner.

Fun Egyptian Facts

  • What is a mummy?  The body of a person that has been preserved after death.
  • Why did Egyptians make mummies?  They believed that preserved bodies could be used in the afterlife.
  • Was everyone made into a mummy? No, just those who were rich and could afford it.
  • Who did Egyptians believe was the god of mummification? Anubis with a human body and the head of a jackal was the god of mummification.
  • Were mummies buried with anything else? Yes. Often they were often buried with personal items, games, food, and more so they could use them in the afterlife.
  • Where were the mummies placed? In a Sarcophagus, which is an elaborate stone coffin.
  • Do people still make mummies today? Mummification is not very common but there are a few places that still practice it like Papua New Guinea.

Also, add in more kindergarten learning ideas below.

Other Tips and Crafts for Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum

Egypt Crafts For Kindergarten Create a Fun Kid Sized Mummy

Finally, look at these hands-on ideas.

In addition, you can grab a roll of shipping paper at Dollar Tree (well the $1.25 Tree now) as well as a 4 pack of toilet paper and the paper plates to complete this project with plenty left over to spare for other crafts.

Egypt Crafts For Kindergarten Create a Fun Kid Sized Mummy

All three come in handy for many things so it is totally worth the few dollars investment to have them on hand.

How to Make a Kid Sized Mummy

You will need:

  • An excited little learner
  • Brown roll of paper
  • Toilet paper, crepe paper, or torn copy paper
  • 2 paper plates
  • Gold paint
  • Scissors
  • Markers

Roll out your brown paper as long as your child and trace around them with pencil.

If you have more than one child you might let them take turns tracing one another.

Egypt Crafts For Kindergarten Create a Fun Kid Sized Mummy

Darken the lines with a black sharpie marker so that it is easier to cut around the lines later on.

Have your child brush glue all over one section of the outline.

It’s okay if they go over the lines, this will be cut out later.

Have them press pieces of toilet paper all over the glue, pressing in well.

Tear off different lengths of squares from 1 piece to longer strings of 5 or 6 with your child to cover different areas.

Again don’t worry if it overlaps the outline.

Egypt Crafts For Kindergarten Create a Fun Kid Sized Mummy

Repeat the glue and papering process until it is completely covered. 

They can put on one layer or more, just keep adding glue.

Egypt Crafts For Kindergarten Create a Fun Kid Sized Mummy

Allow your “wrapped” mummy to dry.

While you are waiting for it to dry completely, cut the center out of one paper plate and cut out the curved strips of the ruffled edges.

Paint one paper plate gold all over as well as the two strips you made.

Egypt Crafts For Kindergarten Create a Fun Kid Sized Mummy

Let the gold paint dry.

When dry, have your child draw on the death mask details with a marker or paint pen.

Egypt Crafts For Kindergarten Create a Fun Kid Sized Mummy

Add the two strips underneath the sides of the full plate and let them hang down, glue in place.

Cut out your completely dried mummy or let your child cut it out on their own.

Egypt Crafts For Kindergarten Create a Fun Kid Sized Mummy

Apply a mask over mummy’s face.

Your child’s mummy is all ready to go on display.

Geronimo Stilton Time Travel How to Make a Medieval Stained Glass Craft

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This Geronimo Stilton Time Travel book has your kids going back in time through the Medieval time. If you love the Geronimo Stilton Books, you’ll love this medieval stained glass window cling.

Let’s ride off with brave Geronimo Stilton through the Medieval Period straight into Camelot.

This first book in the series takes you through prehistory with the dinosaurs, and through Ancient Egypt and the Great Sphinx of Giza, and finally into Camelot.

Geronimo Stilton Time Travel: How to Make a Medieval Stained Glass Craft

The Medieval period is where we are going to hang out today with a colorful hands-on activity that you will love.

After reading Geronimo Stilton: The Journey Through Time (Geronimo Stilton), we decided to make a stained glass window craft.

This is a DIY window cling that you can use over and over and move it around as you like.

Start with a simple design like a window with big areas to fill in.

However, once you get the hang of it you can create beautiful flowers, swords, a coat of arms and more to deck your windows out in style.

About the Geronimo Stilton Time Travel Series

And the time travel series are a unique series. Like most all the books they have unique sections and pictures full of facts for the time period.

They are filled with maps that show your child where events are taking place.

Geronimo Stilton Time Travel: How to Make a Medieval Stained Glass Craft

Also, facts about the time period, detailed and labeled buildings, in this case a castle.

Geronimo Stilton Time Travel: How to Make a Medieval Stained Glass Craft

Throughout the reading there are important tidbits woven in like what they ate and wore during the time period.

Geronimo Stilton Time Travel: How to Make a Medieval Stained Glass Craft

So, the series is more than just fun reading, but a way to make science, history, and geography a meaningful part of the story.

Again, we’re focusing on only one section of the book.

History Middle Ages Hands-on Activities

Then, add a few more activities and fun items.

And you can create a simple and easy Middle Ages unit study that your royal knight will thoroughly enjoy.

In addition, here is a fun role-playing costume.

Too, you’ll love these other Geronimo Stilton activities to go with the books.

Other Geronimo Stilton Chapter Book Activities

Finally, here are some tips to keep in mind before doing this craft.

Geronimo Stilton Time Travel How to Make a Medieval Stained Glass Craft

How to Create a Medieval Stained Glass Window Craft

Before you get started, know this.

  • Keep a couple wet q tips on hand to clean up drips and overflow.
  • Start with a simple design for your first one, keep it large and with minimal detail.
  • Don’t use paint in place of food coloring or it will not have the translucent effect. You can use liquid food coloring though if that’s what you have on hand.

List of supplies.

  • Black craft paint
  • White craft glue
  • Gel food coloring
  • Dish soap
  • paint brushes
  • Gallon ziploc bag
  • paper
  • Paint palette or a paper plate

Start by designing your window by drawing it with a pencil on a sheet of white paper or cardstock.

Geronimo Stilton Time Travel How to Make a Medieval Stained Glass Craft

Once you are happy with the design darken the lines by drawing over them with a black marker.

Slip your drawing inside a gallon sized ziploc bag.

To create the leaded paint lines, mix black paint into white craft glue.

This part does not need to be translucent and we want thicker lines here.

Just add enough paint to the glue to turn it black. Add 2 drops of dish soap and mix well.

Smooth out your plastic bag and “draw” over the outlines of your picture with the black glue mixture.

Geronimo Stilton Time Travel How to Make a Medieval Stained Glass Craft

You will need to let this dry probably overnight so that it is completely dry and will not smear for the next step.

Once the black lines are dry you can add your color.

Geronimo Stilton Time Travel Stained Glass Craft

To do this, mix a drop of gel food color and a very small drop of dish soap to a couple teaspoons of glue.

Repeat this for as many colors as you would like.

Geronimo Stilton Time Travel How to Make a Medieval Stained Glass Craft

Fill in all the open spaces.

Make the spaces solid or swirl to get a different effect.

Be sure to add a thick layer of paint so that your cling is sturdy and doesn’t fall apart when peeled off.

Use a wet q tip to clean up drips off the black paint if needed.

You will need to let this next step dry for a day as well.

Geronimo Stilton Time Travel How to Make a Medieval Stained Glass Craft

Once everything is dry, carefully peel the window off the plastic bag.

Clean the window where you want to put it with a bit of windex and leave slightly damp.

Apply your stained glass to the window.

It will stick until you peel it off and can be stored in a plastic bag when not in use.

If you have them, separate multiple window clings with pieces of waxed paper.

What do you think? Ready to try another fun Geronimo Stilton activity?

15 World History Board Games Guaranteed to Make Learning Fun

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I’ve rounded up some fun world history board games. Also, you’ll love grabbing more ideas for history games on my page.

If you are digging deep into a study on Ancient Egypt, The Fall of Rome, or The Middle Ages the best ways to learn and have fun at the same time is with a great board game.

While not all may actually teach specifics of history they are a great way to get a taste and understanding of life back then.

15 World History Board Games Guaranteed to Make Learning Fun

Of course you don’t have to be studying a specific history topic.

All of these games are great for any history lover in general and have a lot to offer for fun and game schooling.

Learn about history through strategy, trivia, combat, role playing games and more.

Start by exploring three main periods of history

The three main time periods I’ve covered in these games are

  • The  Ancient World
  • Middle Ages,
  • and Modern History of the world.

Cool History Games

After all, those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it according to George Santayana.

Besides the facts these games can help teach a period of history game play is just amazing for family bonding.

Too, family board games help your children learn other things like cooperation, strategy, memorization, and reading comprehension.

Besides being a diversion from the normal routine of your homeschool day, cool history games can motivate your kids if they find history boring.

I’ve divided up board games by time periods so that you can easily match to your unit studies.

15 World History Board Games Guaranteed to Make Learning Fun. I've rounded up some fun world history board games. Also, you’ll love grabbing more ideas for history games on my page. If you are digging deep into a study on Ancient Egypt, The Fall of Rome, or The Middle Ages the best ways to learn and have fun at the same time is with a great board game. While not all may actually teach specifics of history they are a great way to get a taste and understanding of life then. #worldhistoryboardgames

More Fun History Games

I know you’ll find something you’ll love in one of these time periods.

15 World History Board Games Guaranteed to Make Learning Fun

Ancient World History Board Games

This period covers the oldest records of human history from 3000 BCE – 500 CE. It ends with the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the Han Dynasty in China, and the Gupta Empire in India. It teaches us about origins, cultures, traditions, and beginning civilizations. Here is where we
learn of Egyptian Kings and Queens, the Trojan War, and Genghis Khan. It begins rising out of Mesopotamia and Egypt and ends with the fall of the Roman Empire

Imhotep Builder of Egypt | Family Board Game

Imhotep is the legendary architect of the Egyptian monuments like the Step Pyramid, in this game you play as him working to build in five different construction sites.  This game is a great way to introduce or refresh some Egyptian vocabulary as well as just enjoy the theme.

Ancient Egypt Press Go Fish Cards

There is always a time and a place for a fun game of Go Fish, but these cards can be used for more than that.

Pandemic Fall of Rome Board Game

There are several versions of this game but in this one you travel back in time and try to stop the fall of Rome. This is a cooperative game for 1-5 players and is a great family game.

Age of Civilization Strategy Card Game

Get ready for war in this card game that can be played in as little as 30 minutes. Wage war, build civilizations with this set in ancient times, build wonders like the Hanging Gardens, Machu Pichu,
Great Pyramids, and Stonehenge. This is such a fun way to learn about ancient history.

Middle Ages World History Board Games

The Middle Ages refers to that time in European history that started with the collapse of Roman civilization in the 5th century CE to the Renaissance. It is full of conquerors, explorers, scholars, brave knights and Vikings.

Carcassonne Board Game

This strategy game lets you develop your medieval city and can be played with as few as 2 players and up to 5, or more with expansion packs! If you are into the Middle Ages this is your game.

Battle Line: Medieval

If you want a Medieval card game with quick play this is one to grab. Win battlefields with your strong card formations, recommended for 14 and up. You can also get this in other versions as well-
WWII or Ancient Greek.

Raiders of The North Sea

Do you wish to set sail with the adventurous Vikings? This game takes a little over an hour on average and puts you right in the action assembling a crew, battling, and on journeys.

(Dungeons & Dragons Intro Adventure Set)

While it is a fantasy game, Dungeons & Dragons develops strategy, risk assessment, communication, math, science, history, culture, ethics, critical reading, and introduces lots of Medieval vocabulary.

CATAN Cities & Knights Board Game

Defend against attack and build up the land of Catan of the Middle Ages in this expansion pack with knights, barbarians, merchants, and more. You will need the base Catan to play this version as it is an add on.

Modern Age World History Board Games

Explore card and strategy games that take place from the end of the Middle Ages to the middle of the 20th Century. Test your knowledge on things like the Industrial Revolution, Cold War, and the Wright Brothers first flight.

CHRONOLOGY - The Game Where You Make History

This timeline board game has you racing to be the first to place 10 timeline cards in the correct order. Do you know if the first bikini was introduced before the first man landed on the moon?  This is a great family game for learning and reinforcing what you know about Modern History.

Anno 1800 - | A Civilization Game

Explore and build a city during the Industrial Revolution in the old world. Plot trade routes and gather resources to grow. This game is great for teaching about exploration and trade routes, the importance of gathering resources, and civilization growth and development

Axis & Allies Pacific 1940 Second Edition WWII Strategy Board Game

This strategy game is a great way to learn about the cold war playing as either President John F. Kennedy or the USSR Premier Nikita Khrushchev with the goal to avoid nuclear war.

World History Board Games Covering Multiple Time Periods

These games cover ancient to modern history for those that want a broader scope of time. Test your knowledge of everything from Ancient Egypt to Adolph Hitler and see who will hold the title of Hero of History.

Trekking Through History

Pack your bags and prepare to travel through 108 of some of the most famous achievements 
in history with this beautifully designed game. From the board to the cards this one is a beautiful gift to give to yourself or someone else.

World History Card Game

Brain Box Games are amazing for younger kids but are fun to play for their grown ups as well. Simple and quick play make these games a great choice for entertainment and learning.

History of the World

Forge your empire in one of 5 epochs of history covering important periods from the ancient 3000 B.C. Sumerians to pre-WW1 Germany.

The Journey Through Time #2 Back In Time Ancient Rome Fun Mosaic

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The Geronimo Stilton The Journey Through Time #2: Back In Time has your kids going back in time to Ancient Rome. If you love the Geronimo Stilton Books, you’ll love this craft which is making a fun mosaic.

Traveling with this wandering mouse we will be introduced to Romulus and Remus, the birth of Rome, the official language of Ancient Rome, fashions of the time, thermal baths, and chariot races.

The Journey Through Time #2 Back In Time Ancient Rome Fun Mosaic

There are even some puny Roman jokes.

I always learn so much myself from just a small section of Geronimo Stilton’s adventures and The Journey Through Time #2: Back in Time (Geronimo Stilton Special Edition) is no different.

The Journey Through Time #2 Back In Time Ancient Rome Fun Mosaic

The series of books really weave so much about that time into an entertaining story with colorful inviting words, images, and a storyline that draws in the most reluctant readers.

About Ancient Mosaics

Today, we are going to be creating a Roman mosaic in honor of Geronimo’s visit to Ancient Rome.

We did a profile of a Roman soldier but you can choose anyone or anything you like to make.

This hands-on activity is great for learning about history through an ancient art form, working fine motor skills, and you can create a special piece to display.

A mosaic is just a picture or pattern that is made with small pieces of ceramic tile.

The Romans used to create very large and elaborate mosaic pieces, covering walls and sometimes the entire floor in their art.

Be sure you grab the SuperToob Ancient Rome to go along with your study.

What can you use these cute little figures for?

There are lots of ways to use them to compliment a unit and they come in so many themes.

  • Introduce a new unit with a fun set up.
  • Sensory Bins
  • Dioramas
  • Model for art projects
  • Shadow boxes
  • Cake/cupcake toppers
The Journey Through Time #2 Back In Time Ancient Rome Fun Mosaic

Then, add in more fun Ancient Rome activities.

Ancient Rome Activities

Here are a few more fun activities to include.

Here are some ideas for additional mosaic tile art subjects you could choose from which keep with the Ancient Rome theme.

  • Colosseum
  • Columns
  • Soldier
  • Gladiator
  • Triumphal Arch
  • Pottery
  • Parthenon
  • Laurel Wreath
  • Roman gods and goddesses

Too, I recommend that you stick with a simple image for your first project, two to three colors max.

It is a lot of gluing and arranging.

Once your children get the hang of it, the sky is the limit.

The Journey Through Time #2 Back In Time Ancient Rome Fun Mosaic

Hands-on History Ancient Rome Mosaic

You could also try making a mosaic of your dog, a cup of coffee, a video game controller, or whatever interests you.

I used cardstock.

But you could also upcycle colorful magazine pages and sort the colors for your project, use construction paper, or paint sample cards would be great.

You will need:

  • Cardstock
  • Scissors or paper cutter
  • Glue stick

Choose what image you want to create.

Then lightly draw the most important outlines and features with a pencil.

You don’t need to be detailed just get the general shape down.

The Journey Through Time #2 Back In Time Ancient Rome Fun Mosaic

Grab cardstock in the colors you will need and cut them in about ½” strips with scissors or paper cutter.

Next, cut the strips down into ½” pieces.

I cut some slightly larger and smaller to help fill in different areas.

The Journey Through Time #2 Back In Time Ancient Rome Fun Mosaic

Add any details you want to put in your picture first, then work around them like the eyes and mouth.

The Journey Through Time #2 Back In Time Ancient Rome Fun Mosaic

Apply glue in small sections and work on one color at a time to fill in completely.

I found that it was easiest to do the outline of the particular section first and then fill in.

The Journey Through Time #2 Back In Time Ancient Rome Fun Mosaic

Continue gluing and pressing down squares until your piece is completely filled in.

Once the glue is completely dry, lay it under a heavy book for a few hours to flatten if you like.

The Journey Through Time #2 Back In Time Ancient Rome Fun Mosaic

Other Geronimo Stilton Chapter Book Activities

What do you think? Ready to try another fun Geronimo Stilton activity?