hands-on

How To Make A Mountain Volcano | Mighty Mount Kilimanjaro With Geronimo Stilton

January 18, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Geronimo Stilton is trekking his way up mighty Mount Kilimanjaro in book #41 of his exciting globe-trotting series. Be sure to grab more Geronimo Stilton Books and Free Africa Unit Study for Kids Who Love Hands-on Learning | Free Continent & Country Reports ideas and crafts on my pages.

If I wasn’t so tickled by all the adventures this mouse has and the fun way he shares them with us I would be downright jealous of all the places he gets to go.

How To Make A Mountain Volcano | Mighty Mount Kilimanjaro With Geronimo Stilton

Here is the book Mighty Mount Kilimanjaro (Geronimo Stilton, No. 41).

He has even made his way through time and space.

Now, Geronimo Stilton is headed to Africa to climb to the top of Mighty Mount Kilimanjaro.

And we are going to join him as we learn about the 5 climate zones that make up this majestic mountain.

From the base where you find the civilization zone to the peak where the Arctic zone lies, we are going to explore the flora, fauna, and more of each layer.

Additionally, I’m showing you how to make an easy-torn paper Mighty Mount Kilimanjaro that you can label with the different zones.

Also, I’m giving you information on each zone to read as you create your mountain masterpiece, and some additional resources to turn a simple book into a thrilling learning adventure.

5 Layers of Mighty Mount Kilimanjaro

Civilization- At the base of Kilimanjaro, 6,000 ft and below you will find this zone. Here, where it was once scrubland and forest, you will find many small villages, livestock, and small farming areas that people have set up in the fertile volcanic soil at the base. Some of the main items grown here are coffee, avocados, mangos, and bananas.
Rainforest – At 6,000 feet to 9,000 feet there is the rainforest zone with mild temperatures and wet weather. This is the zone where you are most likely to see one of the many creatures that make their home here. Blue Monkeys (Diademed Monkey), Servals, Jackson’s Chameleon, Aardvark, White Necked Raven, and Bush Babies are just a few of these beautiful creatures in the rainforest of Kilimanjaro.

Moorland- This zone is found at 9,200 to 11,000 ft altitude, temperatures begin to drop rapidly and the forest gives way to scrubby shrubs and grasses, magnificent views but very little animal life.
Alpine Dessert- Keep going, we are almost there! At 13,200 to 16,500 feet you might find just small hardy plants, very few flowers, and sparse grasses but plenty of volcanic rock. You might spot the occasional eland (a large antelope) that happens to be the world’s largest antelope at this height, but animals do not typically venture to this zone with almost no rain.
Arctic Desert/Zone- WE have reached the top at 16,500 to 19,340 ft and temperatures average 10-40 F during the day and drop to -15-20 F at night. This high altitude gets about half the oxygen level that you would find at sea level. There is no plant or animal life here except for the odd lichen growing in the bitter cold and you will be able to spot glaciers at this level.

Geronimo Stilton Books 1-20

Geronimo Stilton Books 1 - 20

It is not necessary to go in order, each book is its own stand-alone story, and the main characters are properly reintroduced each time. So, you can choose the books based on your child's current interest, the season, or a unit study topic.

Lost Treasure of the Emerald Eye

Who Is Geronimo Stilton? That's me! I run a newspaper, but my true passion is writing tales of adventure. Here on Mouse Island, my books are all best-sellers! What's that? You've never read one? Well, my books are full of fun. They are whisker-licking good stories, and that's a promise!Lost Treasure of the Emerald Eye. It all started when my sister, Thea, discovered a mysterious map. It showed a secret treasure on a faraway island. And before I could let out a squeak of protest, Thea dragged me into her treasure hunt! In no time at all, we'd set sail for the island. It was an adventure I'd never forget....

The Curse of the Cheese Pyramid (Geronimo Stilton #2)

I'm off to Egypt! I climbed onboard a crabby old camel that would take me across the desert to the Great Cheese Pyramid. There, among mummies and hieroglyphics, I would learn the secret of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient Mouse World....

Cat and Mouse in a Haunted House (Geronimo Stilton, No. 3)

I was lost in a dark, spooky forest! Until I stumbled upon Curlypaw Cannycat's Castle.

I'm Too Fond of My Fur! (Geronimo Stilton #4)

Well, my books are full of fun. They are whisker-licking good stories, and that's a promise! I'm Too Fond of My Fur! I was on my way 'round the world to Mouse Everest! The trip was long and dangerous. I almost froze my tail off on the way. And then I was kidnapped by the Abominable Snowman! Yes, it was truly an amazing adventure....

Four Mice Deep in the Jungle (Geronimo Stilton Funny Tales)

Enter the world of Geronimo Stilton, where another funny adventure is always right around the corner. Each book is a fast-paced adventure with lively art and a unique format kids 7-10 will love.I have never been a brave mouse... but lately, my fears were taking over my life! Soon I was too afraid even to leave my mousehole. That's when Thea and Trap decided to cure me. They dragged me away on an airplane (I'm afraid of flying!) all the way to the jungle. There I was forced to eat bug soup, climb trees as high as skyscrapers, swim in raging rivers, and even wrangle snakes! How would a 'fraidy mouse like me ever survive?

Paws Off, Cheddarface! (Geronimo Stilton, No. 6)

Who Is Geronimo Stilton? That's me! I run a newspaper, but my true passion is writing tales of adventure. Here on Mouse Island, my books are all best-sellers! They are whisker-licking good tales, and that's a promise!__PAWS OFF, CHEDDARFACE!It was the strangest thing... all across New Mouse City, rodents kept telling me I'd done things I had no memory of! I soon discovered why... there was a Geronimo look-alike out there, pretending to be me. He'd even fooled my sister Thea! And worst of all, he was trying to take over my newspaper. I had to find a way to strike back -- but how??

Red Pizzas for a Blue Count

They are whisker-licking-good tales, and that's a promise! Red Pizzas for a Blue Count My troublemaker cousin was trapped in Transratania! And before I could even squeak, my sister, Thea, dragged me along on her rescue mission. Little did we know that Transratania is the land of vampire bats! Holey cheese, bats give me mouse bumps! Why? Well, there's nothing a bat likes more than sinking its teeth into a nice, juicy mouse....

Attack of the Bandit Cats (Geronimo Stilton, No. 8)

Oh, what a day! I had just published New Mouse City's first phone book -- and almost every single number was wrong! My customers were out for my fur. So when Thea, Trap, and Benjamin asked me to join their quest for a legendary island covered in silver, I agreed. But no sooner had we set out than we were attacked by a ship of pirate cats! They mousenapped us and threatened to make us their dinner. Would we escape with our lives... or find ourselves in the soup?

A Fabumouse Vacation for Geronimo (Geronimo Stilton, No. 9)

Sometimes a busy businessmouse like me needs a nice, relaxing vacation. But of all the rotten rats' luck -- every time I tried to get away, disaster struck. My aunt Dizzy Fur's mouse hole caught on fire, my office was flooded, and our printing press broke down! When I was finally ready to depart, all the good trips were booked up. I was stuck in a flea-ridden old hotel, sharing a room with a bunch of Gerbil Scouts! I couldn't wait to get back to my comfy home in New Mouse City....

All Because of a Cup of Coffee (Geronimo Stilton, No. 10)

I, Geronimo Stilton, was in love! I went out for a cup of coffee one morning and laid eyes on the most beautiful rodent I'd ever seen. Unfortunately, I immediately tripped over my paws and ended up with my tail in a toaster! I was one mortified mouse. But I was determined to prove that I wasn't a complete stumblemouse. So I decided to join my family on their most daring adventure yet -- a journey to the eighth wonder of the world! There I made a discovery so truly amazing, I knew I could win the heart of my darling ratlette....

The Phantom of the Subway (Geronimo Stilton, No. 13)

When my sister Thea told me a ghost was haunting New Mouse City's subway tunnels, I knew I had to get the scoop for The Rodents Gazette! So I set off with Thea, Trap, and my assistant editor Pinky Pick. We soon discovered that Sally Ratmousen, the editor of The Daily Rat, was also on the trail of the mysterious ghost. But we were all in for the fright of our wee mouse lives... because the ghost turned out to be a CAT!

The Temple of the Ruby of Fire (Geronimo Stilton, No. 14)

It was my most thrilling adventure yet! My old friend Professor von Volt had discovered the location of the famous Ruby of Fire. And before I could let out a squeak of protest, my sister Thea had dragged me into race to be the first to find the legendary gem. The jewel was protected by thousands of ancient booby-traps -- a 'fraidy mouse's worst nightmare? Would I make it through with my fur?

The Mona Mousa Code (Geronimo Stilton, No. 15)

Do you like art? I do! So when Thea heard that there was a secret map hidden beneath Mouse Island's most famous painting, the Monamouse, I knew we had to get the scoop! Together we began to investigate, and soon we discovered secret clues that led us to the most fabumouse secret. And it all lay beneath the streets of New Mouse City!

A Cheese-Colored Camper[GERONIMO STILTON #16 CHEESE-CO][Paperback]

My grandfather William Shortpaws -- also known as Cheap Mouse Willy -- was back at The Rodent's Gazette, and he was determined to torture me. He wanted to publish a guide book to Ratzikistan, the Siberia of Mouse Island. And he ordered *me* to go there to write it! But as you know, dear reader,

Watch Your Whiskers, Stilton! (Geronimo Stilton, No. 17)

Cheesecake! A mysterious one-eyed rat was trying to steal The Rodent's Gazette from under my snout! I had to stop him -- but how? My business manager, Shif T. Paws, came up with a plan. He arranged for me to appear on a TV quiz show. If I won, the Gazette was safe. But if I lost -- SQUEAK! -- I had to give up my tail!

Shipwreck on the Pirate Islands (Geronimo Stilton, No. 18)

My sister had come up with a new way to torment me. She'd combined my two least favorite things - travel and ghosts! Thea had heard rumors of a haunted pirate treasure buried on a desert island. And before I could say "avast ye scurvy rats," she'd dragged me into her treasure hunt!

My Name Is Stilton, Geronimo Stilton (Geronimo Stilton, No. 19)

Have you met my very young assistant editor, Pinky Pick? She is only thirteen years old, but she is one of the cleverest mice I've ever known. If you've ever wondered how Pinky came to work for me at The Rodent's Gazette, this is the book for you! It's a looooong story... and one that's full of adventure, laughs, and of course, like all of my books, lots of embarrassing moments for yours truly!

Surf's Up, Geronimo! (Geronimo Stilton, No. 20)

Ah, there's nothing like a relaxing vacation on the beach! I would spread out by the crystal-clear water with a good book. What more could a mouse want? At least, that was the plan. But somehow, my vacations never seem to go according to plan. Instead of a beautiful seaside resort, I found myself in a fleabag hotel that was falling down around my ears! Oh, would I ever be able to relax and enjoy my vacation

Geronimo Stilton Book List Activities

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

Mighty Mount Kilimanjaro Resources

We used this graphic for inspiration to create the 5 layers for our mountain volcano project below.
This page in Geronimo Stilton is a great inspiration for talking about just what you would need to pack for such a high adventure. Compare Geronimo’s list with this Kilimanjaro Packing list from the climbing Kilimanjaro site, how did the mouse do? What about packing for a shorter hike in your area? What would you take? Encourage your child to use planning and critical thinking skills to create a list.

Watch Discovering Kilimanjaro Mountain: A Kid’s Adventure to the Top of Africa.
I also found this great partially animated video- Let’s Take a Hike: Crash Course Kids #30 that talks about how the geosphere affects biosphere for a wonderful science lesson.
Here is a printable that is both a coloring page and a maze depicting Mount Kilimanjaro and a few of the animals found nearby.

Lastly, look how to make this mighty Mount Kilimanjaro volcano.

How To Make A Mountain Volcano

You will need:

Patterned colorful scrapbook paper
A large piece of scrap cardboard
School glue
Foam brush

First, cut a large scrap of corrugated cardboard to the size you would like your project to be.

Choose 2-3 shades of blue paper for the sky, 4 different shades or patterns for the various layers, and a very white or light one for the top layer.

If you use scrapbook paper that has a white core it has a really neat effect when torn and creates more visual interest.

Tear the paper into small pieces, ripping it toward you will make the white core of the paper show and make really cool borders on some of the pieces.

Continue tearing and making piles of each color. Determine what patterns will represent each layer and separate them.

Next “paint” on a thick layer of glue to make your mountain volcano the size and shape you want it.

Begin adding pieces to your mountain, I started at the top.

Then we found it helpful to add a couple of pieces to one side for each of the layers to kind of define them, so we didn’t go over and there was room for each layer.

Continue adding the correct colors for each layer, adding more glue if needed.

Geronimo Stilton | Mighty Mount Kilimanjaro Craft

Once you have covered every layer, paint on another layer of glue over the paper to help press it down.

Paint the sky portion around it with a thick layer of glue and repeat adding torn paper in blues.

Once filled in, paint a layer of glue over the top again.

Let the glue dry, it will probably require an overnight drying period.

Now you can write or type and print the names of each of the layers and place them in the correct spot- civilization, rainforest, moorland alpine forest, and arctic zone.

How to Make an Egg Carton Bobblehead Penguin Preschool Craft

January 16, 2024 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We’re making an egg carton bobblehead penguin preschool craft to go along with a penguin unit or just for fun. Also, grab more preschool ideas on my page How to Homeschool Preschool and Winter Season Unit Study Free Lapbook & Hands-On Ideas.

Beyond that you can use little penguin figurines to help teach your child about the different climates penguins live in.

Turning a fun little craft into a science and geography lesson at the same time with an activity that feels more like play.

How to Make an Egg Carton Bobblehead Penguin Preschool Craft

I also have a few more suggestions for hands on activities that your preschooler will enjoy.

From snacks to science lessons there are plenty of ideas to keep them interested in learning about penguins.

Penguins are adorable and can be found in both hot and cold climates.

This is a great time to introduce the concept that not all penguins are found belly-sliding on the ice.

Some even enjoy the hot deserts of South America.

Books About Penguins

Next look at some of the books about penguins.

I lean toward living books first then like to add reference type books when teaching my children.

11 Penguin Books & Resources for Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

Add some of these books and resources about penguins to your learning day.

Penguin's Way

With a new children’s book imprint, the Bodleian Library brings beloved classics back into print, beginning with a beautiful storybook about the life of a fascinating Antarctic species. Originally published in 1962, Penguin’s Way by Johanna Johnston tells the surprising story of these creatures, complete with colorful artwork by award-winning illustrator Leonard Weisgard. In Penguin’s Way, a playful colony of emperor penguins lives on the edge of a faraway secret sea. During the summers, the penguins are content to fish and swim in the icy waters. But, when the seasons change, they must travel more than one hundred miles to the snowy lands surrounding the South Pole. All across the snow plain, the penguins sing songs to welcome newly hatched chicks into the world, but how will the fluffy newborns survive the freezing winter? Few things pique children’s curiosity about the world around them better than a good book. Brought back for a new generation of young readers, Penguin’s Way offers a fun and creative introduction to these fascinating animals.

Mr. Popper's Penguins: All-Time Popular Children Book

Charming Characters: Meet the endearing Mr. Popper and his comical penguins, each with their distinct personalities and quirks, creating a delightful and memorable cast of characters.

Whimsical Adventures: Follow Mr. Popper and his penguins on a series of whimsical escapades, as they navigate unexpected challenges and create joyous chaos in their small town.

Heartwarming Message: Experience the heartwarming message of friendship, family, and the importance of embracing the unexpected, as Mr. Popper's life is transformed by the presence of his unusual feathered companions.

Whiteblack the Penguin Sees the World

Whiteblack the Penguin is worried. He has run out of stories for his radio show, a dire situation for the Chief Storyteller of Penguinland. So Whiteblack decides to travel in search of new tales to share. The result is a journey that spans the globe and not only introduces the precocious penguin to a host of colorful characters but teaches him about the power of friendship and what it means to be a hero. Originally created in 1937, while the Reys lived in Paris, this delightful story is being published for the first time, and is sure to enchant readers young and old. From the creators of Curious George, Whiteblack the Penguin Sees The World is a timeless tale with all the hilarity and childlike sense of adventure characteristic of the Reys’ previous work.

The Emperor's Egg: Read and Wonder

Can you imagine spending the winter outdoors in Antarctica without anything to eat? That’s just what the male Emperor penguin does. While his mate is off swimming and catching loads of fish, he stands around in the freezing cold with an egg on his feet for two whole months, keeping it warm and waiting for it to hatch. Welcome to the story of the world’s most devoted dad!

Penguins!: Strange and Wonderful

A new edition to the acclaimed Strange and Wonderful series. The seventeen species of penguins come in all sizes and are fascinating in many other ways. The little blue penguin, the smallest, stands about sixteen inches high, and the emperor penguin, the largest, stands almost four feet tall. Some penguins are named for how they look, such as the black-footed penguin, while others are named for where they live, such as the Galapagos penguin. Laurence Pringle's informative book, with stunning illustrations by Meryl Henderson, introduces young readers to the life and behavior of one of nature's most remarkable birds.

12PCS Realistic Penguin Figurines

This penguin figures set was made by hand painted with high realistically detailed appearance, cute face and childish eyes. Their uniquely molded textures and richly painted details make the animals vivid. And all the animal figures stands up very well, they do not fall over. Children would like to spend more time to observe and play with them.

The Great Penguin Rescue: Saving the African Penguins

African penguins waddle around nesting colonies in lower numbers than ever before. Despite South African government efforts to protect the penguin colonies and their ocean fish supply, young penguins still struggle to survive. Fuzzy chicks waiting for food in open nests may overheat in the sun or become prey. Others simply may not get enough food to survive on their own once their parents leave. But new conservation methods, including rescuing and hand-feeding vulnerable chicks, are giving experts hope. Can volunteers and scientists help save Africa's only penguins before it's too late?

March of the Penguins

This documentary chronicles the heroic and harrowing journey that emperor penguins make amid subfreezing temperatures and violent snowstorms at the South Pole in order to mate.

365 Penguins (Reissue)

A family finds a penguin mysteriously delivered to their door every day for a year. At first they’re cute, but with every passing day, the penguins pile up—along with the family’s problems. Feeding, cleaning, and housing the penguins becomes a monumental task. They’re noisy and smelly, and they always hog the bathroom! And who on earth is sending these kwak-ing critters? Bright, striking illustrations with lots of opportunity for counting (and lots of laughs), 365 Penguins has become a perennial wintertime favorite.

Penguin: A Season in the Life of the Adélie Penguin

Beautiful, full-color photographs and an engaging first-person narrative introduce young readers to an Adelie penguin family's first view of the harsh, wild Antarctic environment.

Penguins!

An illustrated introduction to those wonderful waddling water birds!Living only in the southern hemisphere, there are seventeen different kinds of penguins. With bright watercolor illustrations and kid-friendly language, Gail Gibbons introduces these black and white birds, describing where and how they live, what they eat, and how they hatch their young. An exploration of the egg-laying and chick-raising habits of the emperor penguin is also included, describing how these large penguins take care of their babies in extremely cold temperatures, working together to look after one large egg at a time. Readers will also learn about threats to penguin populations, and what conservation efforts have been made to help preserve them. A collection of penguin facts is also included.

Where Do Penguins Live

Grab a set of these plastic penguins and a map and see how many penguin climates you can find with your child.

Help your child locate where each penguin lives on the map.

To take the lesson even deeper run a red string across the equator to help them understand the difference between the Northern and Southern Hemisphere as they place the penguins in their spots.

Here are the 18 recognized species of penguins and where you can find them.

Galápagos – Galapagos Islands
Humboldt- Coasts of Chili and Peru
Southern Rockhopper -Southern Chili and Southern Argentina
Northern Rockhopper-Tristan da Cunha and Gough Island – South Atlantic Ocean
Emperor -Antarctica
Adélie-Antarctica
Chinstrap-Antarctic Peninsula
Fiordland-Southwest coasts of the South Island in New Zealand.
Snares- Snares Islands south of New Zealand
Macaroni-Antarctic Peninsula
Gentoo -Antarctic Peninsula
Erect-Crested-New Zealand sub-antarctic- mostly Antipodes and Bounty Islands
Royal-Macquarie Island, near Bishop and Clerk Islands in Australia
African-Southwest coast of Africa- Namibia to Port Elizabeth
Little- Australia and New Zealand
Yellow-Eyed-New Zealand
King- Antarctic Peninsula
Magellanic- Southern coasts-Argentina, Chile, and Falkland Islands.

Even if you don’t have replicas of all the different types of penguins you can still enjoy placing them around the map to find their locations.

5 More Hands-on Penguin Activities

If you want to continue the fun here are a few more great ideas for hands-on penguin-related projects that will help your child learn more about these unique creatures while feeling like they are just playing.

Follow these steps for How to Make an Easy Antarctica Diorama With Your Kids and highlight the two species that make their home in the Antarctica mainland.
These Quick and Easy Frozen Banana Penguins are just too cute and make a healthy delicious snack to partner with your mini unit.
How fun is this SALT AND ICE EXPERIMENT FOR KIDS: SAVE THE FROZEN PENGUINS for a simple STEM activity.
Create this Easy Penguin Sensory Bin and switch it up from ice to warm climate penguins by using different base materials.

Grab this free Printable for the Life Cycle of a Penguin to learn about how an egg turns into a fuzzy chick and then becomes one of the adult penguins we know and recognize.

How to Make an Egg Carton Bobblehead Penguin Preschool Craft

You will need:

Cardboard egg carton
Black craft paint
White craft paint
Pipe cleaner
Scissors
Google eyes
yellow craft foam
Hot glue.

The first thing you want to do is cut out 2 cups from a cardboard egg carton, preserving as much of the material as you can.

You can use scissors or a small straight-edged knife.

From the flat or slightly curved portion of the box cut out two small wings.

Paint both cups as well as your small wings black, leaving a small area in the front of both for white. Set aside to dry.

When you’re waiting for your paint to dry, you can cut out a beak and two little feet shapes from craft foam or use another scrap of cardboard from the egg carton.

Coil ½ of a pipe cleaner around a pen or paintbrush to create a spring.

When the paint is dry hot glue the “spring” inside the penguin’s head.

Hot glue the other end of the spring onto the top of the other egg carton cup. And press down holding in place until the glue sets.

Glue the feet so they are peeking out from the bottom.

Then add Googly eyes, beak, and wings to finish off your little penguin.

How fun is that little wobbly head?

Alphabet Letter N Is For Nest Handprint & Fun Nests Preschool Craft

January 12, 2024 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

N is for nest handprint and this opens the door for a wonderful and exciting bird unit study. Also, I have more alphabet letter fun on my page How to Homeschool Preschool.

This unit will keep your preschooler busy and entertained while they learn all about the world of birds.

You can study birds, their habits and diet.

And focus on birds in your area, as well as the types of nests that they build.

Alphabet Letter N Is For Nest Handprint & Fun Nests Preschool Craft

This is a wonderful zoology unit for preschoolers. You don’t even have to leave your backyard to study these creatures.

I have hands-on fun, fingerplays and tasty on-theme snacks.

Also, there are colorful storybooks as well as living science books.

Spread it out over a week.

Or do a couple of days each week to make a longer, low-stress unit for learning about the letter N.

Be sure and get out this week on a few nature walks. Try to locate different bird nests and birds in the area.

More How to Homeschool Preschool Letter of the Week Activities

Language Arts Focus Day 1

N-n-n-n is for nest, begin your day and each day of the study by repeating the sound for N. Too, share a few words that begin with it.

Letter/Sound Recognition N is for nest handprint – Letter N Song introduces not only the sound N makes but the fact that it is a consonant. And there are a plethora of words that begin with N in a catchy repetitive way.

Book- Take your child through a fun lesson on the different animals that utilize nests by simply reading a story and looking at pictures in A Nest is Noisy.

Craft/Activity- The CUTEST bird nest sensory bin.

Song/Fingerplay- You can learn the simple motions for Here is a Nest For a Robin in this video and teach them to your child to use throughout the week.

Snack- How sweet is this little bird in a nest? A light snack that is a wonderful way to kick off your bird study –Birdie Kix Snack.

Science Focus Day 2

By preschool, most children understand that birds build and live in nests, they might not know that many animals make their home in what is still called a nest.

This is a great opportunity to talk about using books videos and other resources to share different types of nests.

Letter/Sound Recognition- Grab a set of do-a-dots if you don’t already have them, they are useful for structured activities like the Letter N Dot Painting page but kids also love them for open-ended art.

Book- Birds, Nests, and Eggs is a wonderful book that makes a great field guide as well as a reference for home use.

Craft/Activity- Make a little tray of playdough, birds, and small twigs, leaves, and bits from the yard. Build different bird nests with playdough like a cup nest, cavity, and pendant Playdough is For The Birds.

Song/Fingerplay- Found a Feather to the tune of Oh My Darling Clementine.

Snack- This snack is a simple idea that can be gathered with a variety of things you have you your pantry.

Gather up some items that birds eat like nuts, seeds, and small fruits, (maybe gummy worms for fun) to create this Bird-themed snack.

Math Focus Day 3

Count eggs cut out of construction paper then practice adding or subtracting one or two.

Make piles of different amounts and teach your child more or less, cut eggs of different sizes out and have them order them from smallest to largest.

Letter/Sound Recognition- This Cardboard Roll Letter Match Puzzle for Kids is a wonderful hands-on activity that builds fine motor skills while children learn to identify letters.

You can put just one letter in uppercase and lowercase or put several letters they are familiar with to practice.

Book- This book, Nature Anatomy, will carry you through years until it falls apart from being a well-loved favorite resource.

For birds alone, the information is plentiful from the anatomy of a bird to many common types, feathers, bird calls, different nests, eggs, bird behavior, and a wide variety of species like water birds or birds of prey.

Craft/Activity–You just need a printer and a simple egg-shaped manipulative to use these Egg Counting Mats for counting and number recognition.

Song/Fingerplay- The Bird Song for Kids is a colorful way to introduce your preschooler to a variety of birds and the different things that make them birds.

Snack- Look at this little lineup of adorable Chocolate Strawberry Birds, and create a treat that is mostly healthy with a touch of sweet treat that fits perfectly with the theme.

History/Geography Focus Day 4

Birds and nests are a great landing spot for learning about habitats that fall under geography as well as science, you don’t have to focus on nests though.

Begin there talking about how birds build their nests among humans as well as further out in more nature-related environments then expand to other animal habitats.

Letter/Sound Recognition- Jack Hartmann is a treasure for preschool songs, covering such a wide variety including specific to each letter of the alphabet like The Letter N, even demonstrating how to write it in the air.

Book- Bird Builds a Nest is a science storybook telling the story of a little bird doing what birds do, building a strong and secure nest for her future baby

Craft/Activity- Handprint bird nest- See below for instructions.

As your child glues on the additional items for their nest talk about how birds gather items and build their nest as well as what they use them for.

Song/Fingerplay- If you are not already familiar with it The Green Grass Grows All Around is lively and repeats verses over and over building from a hole in the ground to a nest, the prettiest nest that you ever did see and beyond.

Snack- Owl Strawberries (in a nest) are just darling and are a healthy snack with just a bit of sweetness added to create a fun treat that they will love.

Alphabet Letter N Is For Nest Handprint Books and Resources

Add these fun books and resources to make learning fun for your preschooler.

A Nest Is Noisy (Family Treasure Nature Encylopedias)

Fans will rejoice at the first sight of A Nest Is Noisy," promises School Library Journal, and they're right. From the award-winning creators of An Egg Is Quiet, A Seed Is Sleepy, A Butterfly Is Patient, A Rock Is Lively, and A Beetle Is Shy comes this gorgeous and informative look at the fascinating world of nests, from those of tiny bee hummingbirds to those of orangutans high in the rainforest canopy. Poetic in voice and elegant in design, this carefully researched book introduces children to a captivating array of nest facts and will spark the imaginations of children whether in a classroom reading circle or on a parent's lap.

15 Colors Washable Markers

This dot markers set contains 15 basic colors: red, orange red, orange, yellow, emerald green, green sky blue, blue, violet purple, caramel, sepia, light gray and black. The variety of colors is that kids can create and use their imagination to paint.

Birds, Nests & Eggs (Take Along Guides)

A fun, informative take-along guide that will help children identify 15 birds. Kid will also learn how and where birds build their homes and all about their young. Plus, the guide features activities that are fun and easy to do. There's also a seven-page scrapbook for drawings and notes.Invites young naturalists to spot wildlife. Safety tips are provided and interesting activities are suggested. Color illustrations enhance the presentation.

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

See the world in a whole new way! Acclaimed illustrator Julia Rothman combines art and science in this exciting and educational guide to the structure, function, and personality of the natural world. Explore the anatomy of a jellyfish, the inside of a volcano, monarch butterfly migration, how sunsets work, and much more. Rothman’s whimsical illustrations are paired with interactive activities that encourage curiosity and inspire you to look more closely at the world all around you.

Bird Builds a Nest: A First Science Storybook

It’s time for Bird to build her nest! Follow her as she pulls a worm out of the ground, lifts some twigs that are just the right size, and pushesthe twigs into place. Uh-oh — one of the twigs falls to the ground! But after a day of hard work, Bird’s nest is ready and waiting. Can you guess what it’s waiting for? Using simple, clear language and beautiful illustrations, this engaging story is the perfect introduction to physical forces for very young readers. A final spread with some simple questions promotes discussion with parents, teachers, or caregivers and encourages readers to think about the concepts introduced.

A Nest Full of Eggs (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 1)

Named a Best Children's Science Book of the Year by Science Books & Films, this picture book shows how the birds develop inside their eggs during the spring; how they mature into fledglings in the summer; how they learn to fly in the fall; and how they leave for warmer climates in winter—only to return when spring comes around again.

This is a clear and appealing science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom. It features rich vocabulary and beautiful spreads detailing different bird habitats and feather types. Both text and artwork were vetted for accuracy by Dr. Charles Walcott, Professor Emeritus of Neurobiology and Behavior and former director of the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology.

Language Arts Focus Day 5

Letter/Sound Recognition- Create a Letter N Smash by writing upper and lowercase N around a piece of colorful construction paper, rolling little balls of playdough, and placing them underneath each letter.

When they find a N and make its sound they can squish the ball flat.

Book- This sweet living science book follows a family of Robins from building their nest to laying eggs up to when they fly away and start the cycle all over again.

It gives a nice infographic about the bird’s development in the egg which is great to go with this N is for nest handprint.

Craft/Activity- Roll a paper bag down and scrunch it up all around to create a basic nest shape. Write lower and uppercase ends on small slips of paper cut into an egg shape.

You could also add a few other letters your child is familiar with for review.

Pull each “egg” out of the nest and make the sound as well as ask your child to identify the name of the letter.

They can also sort lowercase and uppercase into two piles.

Song/Fingerplay- Nightingale’s Nest is a silly song that reinforces a child’s recognition of the letter N as well as repeating the sound over and over.

Snack- Let’s end the unit with these Birds Nests Cookies that demonstrate what a bird’s nest looks like and how it protects the little eggs.

Of course, it is not too cute to eat, these are just delicious and not too hard to make.

Finally, look how to make these adorable N is for nest handprint paper plate birds nest.

N is for Nest Handprint Paper Plate Birds Nest

You will need:

Paper plate
Brown craft paint
White or blue construction paper
tan/brown construction paper
Glue stick

First, paint your child’s hand brown. Press it down into the center of the plate with the heel of the hand in the middle. Point the fingers outward toward the edges.

Repeat around the plate overlapping some with each handprint.

Allow the paint to dry.

While waiting you can cut a few egg shapes out of your colored construction paper.

Then, write lower and upper case N’s.

Next, cut small strips of brown/tan construction paper, and gather tiny twigs, string, etc..

Set out the completely dried paper plate nest with some of your N-labeled eggs. Add bits for the nest and let them glue them on to make a full comfy nest for the eggs.

This is good for building fine motor skills while you talk about how nests are built.

Letter E Is For Eagle Easy Preschool Eagle Study

January 11, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

E is for eagle, and you can take this high-flying preschool letter E unit in several different directions. Also, I have more alphabet letter fun on my page How to Homeschool Preschool.

You can focus just on eagles, cover birds of prey, and talk about the eagle as a symbol of America, or birds in general.

These amazing birds deserve a special unit study, and they work out perfectly when you are focusing on the letter E.

Letter E Is For Eagle Easy Preschool Eagle Study

Whether you gather your books from a visit to the library or on Amazon I have some great suggestions for you as well as crafts and activities that don’t require very many specific supplies.

For the most part, you can do these lessons with what you likely already have on hand.

Adding a few videos and a couple of printouts makes it a very low stress but highly educational preschool study.

It’s worth investing in fantastic plastic figurines with this as they will find their use through the years in small-world play, sensory bins, and even dioramas as your child gets older.

More How to Homeschool Preschool Letter of the Week Activities

Language Arts Focus Day 1

E-E- E is for Eagle, don’t forget to practice that sound throughout the day as you play in sensory bins, make crafts, and yummy snacks.

Letter/Sound Recognition – Create a sensory bin with any base you have on hand -beads, rice, or shredded paper. Place items in the bin that start with Ee including letter tiles as well.

Raid the toy box or print items from free images. Have your child roll the die and count out the number of items that start with e or the letter e that matches. This also helps with beginning math skills.

Book- Is a Bald Eagle Really Bald focuses on the Bald Eagle as the national symbol, its meaning on our Great seal, as well as facts about how eagles live in the wild.

Craft/Activity- Create this cute E is for Eagle Handprint Craft, I just love sweet little handprint keepsake crafts to remember how small they were.

Song/Fingerplay- This Powerful Bald Eagle song is not your typical catchy children’s song (it is catchy though).

But I think it’s fantastic that it focuses on teaching about the bald eagle from the colors to their unique characteristics.

Snack- These Bald Eagle Snacks are so cute and look like a lot of fun to make, they look complicated but it’s really just coating marshmallows in melted chocolate and adding a few items.

Science Focus Day 2

Zoology is one of the first sciences children learn.

Today focuses on what habitat eagles live in (around lakes and reservoirs with lots of fish and forests around).

And they learn what eagles eat (fish, rabbits, waterfowl, rodents, and other small creatures), and their life cycle.

You could also research and see what other types of eagles beyond the well-known bald eagle like the golden eagle, black eagle, and harpy eagle.

Letter/Sound Recognition- Go on a letter E hunt, finding objects that start with the letter E around the house or in books. Here is a list of 50 items to help give you ideas. Remember to make the sound each time you find something!

Book- Bailey the Bald Eagle and the Great Flight centers around fears and how to face and overcome them.

Reading stories like this helps to teach your child how to verbalize feelings, encourages empathy, and is healthy for social-emotional growth.

Craft/Activity- How about some Life Cycle of an Eagle Coloring Pages, while I prefer hands-on activities to worksheets they are great occasionally like this one that demonstrates the life cycle and coloring pages are great if your child enjoys them.

Song/Fingerplay- A funny little rap The Bald Eagle hip hops its way through facts about the eagle, sounds, and how they build their giant nests, and is perfect for a little dancing.

Snack- Create your mix of “eagle food”.

Toss together fish (Swedish fish candy or goldfish), snakes (gummy worms), and rabbits (Annie’s Organic grahams or fruit snacks) as you talk about the things that eagles eat.

Math Focus Day 3

Count eggs, count bald eagle toys, or any other small items you have on hand.

Use a tape measure to measure how large an eagle nest is (up to 9 feet wide) and their wingspan to introduce your child to using new math tools.

Count eggs, count bald eagle toys, or any other small items you have on hand.

Letter/Sound Recognition- As I said, I like hands-on activities for preschoolers, but worksheets can have their place from time to time. This Find the Letter E Worksheet can be circled, marked with a dot marker, or colored over.

It doesn’t require a lot of writing that little hands are not ready to do just yet, just a simple seek-and-find.

Book- A great science reference series is “The Big Book of’ Series”.

Look at this gorgeous large layout on Bald Eagles in The Big Book of Birds.

This volume will get lots of use even when class is not in session because the illustrations are bright and pretty, also there is so much to look at for littles.

Craft/Activity- Grab these free Eagle Number Puzzles print and laminate and let your child match the number, the number of eagles, and if they are ready for it the third part with the number written out as a word.

Song/Fingerplay- This Letter E Song by ABC Mouse lists many words that start with E and the images that go with them to help commit the words to memory in a fun melody.

Snack- Take your pick of either an Eagle Marshmallow Pop or Eagle Quesadilla for a fun on-theme treat to enjoy together.

History/Geography Focus Day 4

The bald eagle is the national symbol for the U.S. Help your child locate Washington DC on a map and where it is to wherever you are.

Letter/Sound Recognition- Most of us have a basket of those oversized LEGOs for preschoolers in the house already, print a few letters and let your child work on building the Letter E with a familiar toy.

Book- The Bald Eagle American Symbols is another good book to have at hand that focuses on the bald eagle as our national symbol through the eyes of Bill the bird keeper.

Craft/Activity- Make a Paper Plate Bald Eagle for your preschooler to fly around, see the directions below.

Song/Fingerplay- I love the idea of learning signs for words that begin with the Letter E E.

Not only is it great for building finger muscles as they form the words and learn sign language, but using a multi-sensory approach when learning is very successful.

Check out this Letter E Signing f or Babies (great for preschool).

Snack- You have to enjoy a deviled egg or whatever your preschooler’s favorite choice of egg is for a snack or breakfast.

Not only can you practice making the e-e-e-egg sound but you can talk about how eagles lay eggs like other birds.

Books about E is for Eagle

14 Fun Resources for Studying about Eagles

Add some of these fun activities, books and resources to learn about eagles.

1. Eagle and Birds of Prey: Discover the World of Birds of Prey―How They Grow, Fly, Live, and Hunt

Eyewitness: Eagles and Birds of Prey is a guide to birds of prey of all shapes and sizes. From majestic falcons to soaring vultures, you'll get a bird's eye view of their amazing world. Learn about their styles of flight and their hunting techniques. Explore the preying and feeding habits, from specialist feeders to scavengers.

2. Science Comics: Birds of Prey: Terrifying Talons

Every volume of Science Comics offers a complete introduction to a particular topic―dinosaurs, the solar system, volcanoes, bats, robots, and more. Whether you're a fourth grader doing a natural science unit at school or a thirty-year-old with a secret passion for airplanes, these graphic novels are for you!

3. Big Book of Birds (The Big Book Series)

Following up the hugely successful The Big Book of Bugs, The Big Book of Beasts, and The Big Book of the Blue, The Big Book of Birds is a fact-filled tour of the world’s most wonderful winged creatures. Yuval Zommer’s distinctive illustrations show off some of the most colorful, flamboyant, impressive, and wacky birds of the sky. Picture-book charm pairs with informative nonfiction to make a beautiful, large-format title for parents to share with young children and for older children to read by themselves.

4. EAGLE 300 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle

HIGH-QUALITY JIGSAW PUZZLE: The stunning, lifelike image is mounted on premium chipboard. Random cut pieces are thick and sturdy – they come fully separated with cleanly cut edges (dust-free!) that fit together snugly and hold up to repetitive use.

Makes amazing wall décor. Glue it, then mount the masterpiece!

5 PCS Birds of Prey Figurines

This set brings you some of the most amazing birds of prey from around the world!

5 Piece Set includes Bald Eagle, Falcon, Hawk, Owl, and Vulture.

6. Supertoob: USA,Figure Playsets

Use birds of prey figurines including a Bald Eagle to make a diorama or sensory bin, they are also great used for art inspiration. My eagle came from the USA Safari Toob.

7. Thunder Birds: Nature’s Flying Predators

Acclaimed naturalist and illustrator Jim Arnosky helps birds and imaginations take glorious flight in this breathtaking nonfiction picture book with six giant gatefolds.
Arnosky will draw out kids' inner explorer as he explains why there are no feathers on a vulture's head, which bird is the deep-diving champ, what makes an owls's wings perfectly silent in flight, and much more.
Readers can use this gorgeously illustrated book to bring the wilderness right into their rooms-or as a guide on their next expedition.

8. 100 Facts Birds of Prey- Hawks, Eagles, Ornithology, Educational Projects, Fun Activities, Quizzes and More!

Flip through 100 fascinating facts covering everything from hunting prey to patrolling airports, then test your knowledge with fun quizzes. Each page is packed with activities, projects and mind-blowing facts for a truly engaging experience. With stunning photographs and beautiful illustrations, this fun-filled book is sure to challenge young readers and prepare them for academic success.

Simulated Bald Eagle Figurines Plastic Eagle

Your child will love these to use in sensory bins or dioramas or just as a model to paint or play with.

Is a Bald Eagle Really Bald?

A bald eagle doesn't sound like an attractive bird. But it's pictured on the Great Seal of the United States and on the dollar bill. Why was this bird chosen as a national symbol?

Bailey the Bald Eagle and the Great Flight

Bailey is a bald eagle who comes from a long lineage of high flyers, with her grandfather even holding the world record for being the highest flyer. So, it comes as a bit of a surprise to her family when she is scared of heights. This fear keeps her down every day, literally, but it also helps her meet some amazing friends she never would have otherwise. This story is about how we are all afraid of something, but it's how we overcome those fears that matters most.

My Little Book of Bald Eagles

This is a delightful story about a new family of bald eagles. From newborn's first lessons in life to the first solo flight, this beautifully illustrated book is ideal for introducing young children to the wonders of nature.

Harpy Eagle (Apex Predators of the Amazon Rain Forest)

It's early morning in the Amazon rain forest. A large monkey is climbing through the branches of a tall tree. Suddenly, there's a flash of white and black feathers. An enormous harpy eagle swoops between the leafy branches and snatches the monkey from the tree. Then the giant predator carries its prey high into the treetops and begins to eat. Filled with information perfectly suited to the abilities and interests of its primary-grade audience, this colorful, fact-filled book gives readers a chance not only to learn all about harpy eagles and their Amazon rain forest home, but also to develop their powers of observation and critical thinking. Built-in activities, such as figuring out how the bird's body is adapted for hunting, and investigating how much weight the eagle can carry in its talons, give readers a chance to gain insights beyond the facts and figures.

Wild Life Realistic Harpy Eagle Figurine -

This Harpy Eagle Figurine would make an amazing addition to your dioramas, sensory bins, trays

Language Arts Focus Day 5

Letter/Sound Recognition- Place Post-it notes with lowercase and uppercase e’s all over the floor. Include a few others with different letters.

Have your child hop on all the E and make the sound as they do.

Book- My Little Book of Bald Eagles is a great book for 3-5-year-olds. It tells the story of a newborn eaglet through his very first solo flight.

Craft/Activity- Watch this short video All About Bald Eagles for Kids. They will learn all kinds of fascinating facts and see real videos of them in action.

Song/Fingerplay–This song heavily focuses on the letter sound. The repetitiveness will help it stick in your child’s mind- Letter E.

Snack- Sometimes you just need a quick and easy snack without a lot of prep. Make this Bacon and Egg Treat in the microwave quickly with just 3 items to reinforce e is for egg.

Finally, look how to make this adorable eagle craft.

Paper Plate Bald Eagle

You will need:

3 paper plates
Brown craft paint
Yellow craft paint
Scissors
Glue
Google Eye

First, cut one paper plate in half to create two wings.

Cut a thin bell shape with a flared-out tail at the end of the second one using the majority of the plate.

Also, the ruffled edge of the plate as the tail to give it a little extra fun texture.

Use the third plate to cut out a head with a beak.

Or if you prefer you can cut the beak out separately and have your child glue it on later.

Now to get the look of the bald eagle. Have your child paint just the ruffled part of the head brown.

And the same for the body with the tail.

It will be the reverse. Have them paint the smooth part of the plate brown and leave the ruffled part white. They will then paint the wing entirely brown except for just the tips.

Paint the beak yellow and glue on a googly eye.

Glue the wings together in the center and spread them out in any formation you like.

Glue the head to the body.

Now attach the two parts.

You may want to use hot glue for this final part so it will dry faster and stay together better. A glue stick may not hold all the weight together.

W Is For Winter Craft Easy Snowman Oobleck Activity

January 10, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

W is for winter and there is so much to learn about for this delightful season and the letter W. Also, I have more alphabet letter fun on my page How to Homeschool Preschool.

You can dive headfirst into snow, ice, snowmen, icicles, snowflakes, frost, and more with the theme as you learn all about W.

I have a great collection of ideas for you to make a full and wonderful study.

W Is For Winter Craft Easy Snowman Oobleck Activity

There is a fun melting snowman oobleck activity, books, songs, and even adorable winter-themed snack ideas.

I kept the oobleck simple, needing just a couple of simple supplies.

But I can promise this activity is going to keep them busy no matter what the weather is outside.

So, bundle up and let get chilly with these fun hands-on activities.

Oobleck is a wonderful sensory activity that preschoolers love, a non-Newtonian fluid because it has properties that are both liquid and solid.

If you hit it fast or keep it rolling in your hand it almost seems solid like a playdough but stops the movement and it quickly liquifies.

More How to Homeschool Preschool Letter of the Week Activities

Language Arts Focus Day 1

W-w-w winter. Practice that sound a little each day as well as show it so they learn to recognize it. Because in life they will encounter it in many ways including environmental print.

I like to show letters in various fonts and settings. What other words start with W besides winter? Wet, wiggle, warm, white, wood, wool, and wind.

Letter/Sound Recognition- Grab a little snowflake punch to work on building muscles in little hands and let your child create this simple W is for Winter Craft.

Book- Over and Under The Snow is a precious story of what happens above and below a winter blanket of snow that has wonderful illustrations and simple text.

Craft/Activity-Learn How to Make an Adorable Toilet Roll Snowman for Winter Crafts for a fun wintery friend, maybe a whole gang of snowmen to decorate your home.

Song/Fingerplay- Learn the letter W with Jack Hartmann, a favorite.

Snack-easy and adorable try a cup of this Deconstructed Snowman Popcorn treat, you won’t even need any real snow to make this kind of snowman.

Science Focus Day 2

The science of winter is fascinating, from snowflakes to learning why some places don’t get snow. Break out a globe and show your child the equator.

This is a great time to explain that places closer to the equator are more consistently warm and don’t get snow like places that are farther away from it.

Letter/Sound Recognition- Name recognition and learning to spell it is one of the first literacy activities for preschoolers, help them put together this Name Snowman for some fun practice.

Book- The Snowy Day is a classic winter read about a boy waking up to find that it snowed during the night and his adventures in the snow.

Kids love the bright illustrations and the simple magic of a snowy day.

Craft/Activity- Raid your pantry for some aluminum foil and create this Stunning Sparkly Icicle Craft, it is fun, easy, and creates a lovely decoration for the house. Your preschooler can create one or a long strand.

Song/Fingerplay- I found not one, not two but three cute snowman fingerplays on this library website.

Snack- How cute and easy are these Baked Snowflake Tortillas, kids in Texas, Florida, and other places that don’t get snow will be tickled with this treat.

Math Focus Day 3

Count items, compare piles, ask which is less and which has more. Count the points on a snowflake. Work math naturally into your day.

Letter/Sound Recognition- This Snowy Letter Hunt activity can be practiced with all W’s or use all the letters your child is familiar with for review.

Book- Sneezy the Snowman.

Craft/Activity- Make Snowman Oobleck, and turn it into a math activity by counting buttons, eyes, “sticks”, and hats.

Cut the buttons out in different sizes and have them sorted and ordered by the size of each button, which one is the largest? Smallest?

Song/Fingerplay- Little Snowflake is easy to learn with simple lyrics that are displayed in the video so you can learn it with your little one quickly.

Snack- Aren’t these Marshmallow Snowman S’Mores just the cutest thing? It feels like a pretty simple snack that can be made.

History/Geography Focus Day 4

Point out places where it snows on a map like Antarctica, Canada, and Michigan. Look at my free lapbook and Arctic Unit Study.

Letter/Sound Recognition- These Hot Cocoa Letter mats are great for practicing letters with playdough, dry-erase markers, pipe cleaners, or marshmallows.

Book- Learn about Animals in Winter

Craft/Activity-Snowballs and Snow Plow Sensory Tray is a great segue into talking about city workers who clear the roads in the winter, an important community helper that happens to be a very important part of social studies for preschoolers.

Song/Fingerplay- Dance around to I’m a Little Snowman and use hand motions as they sing.

Snack-Make up a batch of Snowman Poop for a giggle, kids will love it.

W is For Winter Themed Books

W is for Winter Preschool Theme

Teach your child the sound of the Letter W and add in these fun books and resources about winter.

Over and Under the Snow

Part of the acclaimed nature book series that includes Over and Under the Pond, Over and Under the Rainforest, and Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt, this volume takes readers on a cross country ski trip through the winter woods to discover the secret world of animals living under the snow. Over the snow, the world is hushed and white. But under the snow lies a secret world of squirrels and snow hares, bears and bullfrogs, and many other animals making their winter home under the snow. This beloved nonfiction picture book reveals the tunnels and caves formed beneath the snow but over the ground, where many kinds of animals live through the winter, safe and warm, awake and busy, but hidden beneath the snow.

The Snowy Day

The magic and wonder of winter’s first snowfall is perfectly captured in Ezra Jack Keat’s Caldecott Medal - winning picture book. This celebrated classic has been shared by generations of readers and listeners, a must-have for every child’s bookshelf and a perfect gift for the holiday season.

Sneezy the Snowman

B-R-R-R-R! AH-CHOO! Sneezy the Snowman is cold, cold, cold. To warm up, he drinks cocoa, sits in a hot tub, stands near a warm fire–and melts! But the children know just what to do to build him up again–and make him feel “just right”. Hilarity chills the air with playful mixed-media illustrations by Stephen Gilpin as Sneezy attempts to warm himself with some silly results.

Animals in Winter (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science)

Have you ever seen a butterfly in the snow? Probably not. Butterflies can't survive cold weather, so when winter comes, many butterflies fly to warmer places. They migrate Woodchucks don't like cold weather either, but they don't migrate; they hibernate. Woodchucks sleep in their dens all winter long. How do these and other animals handle the cold and snow of winter?

There Was a Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow!

The old lady is swallowing everything from snow to a pipe, some coal, a hat, and more! With rollicking, rhyming text and funny illustrations, this lively version will appeal to young readers with every turn of the page. And this time, there's a surprise at the end no reader will be able to guess!

Language Arts Focus Day 5

Letter/Sound Recognition- Draw W’s and several other letters on a piece of paper and give your child some small objects.

I found these snowflakes at Dollar Tree sold as table scatter decor. Have your child locate and cover up each W with their object. You could also print out some small wintery images and cut them into squares for your child to use.

Book- Remember the There was an old lady who swallowed a fly?

There are dozens and dozens of new variations out there that kids adore for the ridiculous items she swallows, There Was a Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow, is perfect for this winter unit.

Craft/Activity- You can make these Fun Paper Cup Snowman Game Matching Upper and Lowercase Alphabet Letters in as many or as few letters as you want to practice.

Song/Fingerplay- Wonderful W is very fun and engaging.

Snack-You could make this Winter Wonderland Snack Mix with whatever white dry treats you have on hand.

Easy Snowman Oobleck Activity

You will need:

1 cup water
2 cups cornstarch
Craft foam
Scissors
Glitter-optional
Shallow container
Bowl
Spatula for mixing

First, in a large bowl mix water and cornstarch until combined.

You might want to get in there with your hands and mix it up well.

Grab some craft foam and cut out whatever items you like for your snowman like buttons, eyes, limbs for arms, hats, scarves, etc.

Make different items so your child has a choice of hats, arm positions, eyes, etc..

I couldn’t resist adding a little detail to the hat and carrots.

Now pour the mixture into a shallow container, these large ones at Dollar Tree are perfectly sized and come with a lid to cover it up when done playing.

Sprinkle on a little glitter if desired.

Set up the melting snowman items all around him as an invitation to play and let your preschooler’s imagination go crazy.

hands-on

5 Layers of Mighty Mount Kilimanjaro

Geronimo Stilton Books 1-20

Geronimo Stilton Book List Activities

Mighty Mount Kilimanjaro Resources

How To Make A Mountain Volcano

Geronimo Stilton | Mighty Mount Kilimanjaro Craft

Books About Penguins

Where Do Penguins Live

5 More Hands-on Penguin Activities

How to Make an Egg Carton Bobblehead Penguin Preschool Craft

More How to Homeschool Preschool Letter of the Week Activities

Language Arts Focus Day 1

Science Focus Day 2

Math Focus Day 3

History/Geography Focus Day 4

Language Arts Focus Day 5

N is for Nest Handprint Paper Plate Birds Nest

More How to Homeschool Preschool Letter of the Week Activities

Language Arts Focus Day 1

Science Focus Day 2

Math Focus Day 3

History/Geography Focus Day 4

Books about E is for Eagle

Language Arts Focus Day 5

Paper Plate Bald Eagle

More How to Homeschool Preschool Letter of the Week Activities

Language Arts Focus Day 1

Science Focus Day 2

Math Focus Day 3

History/Geography Focus Day 4

W is For Winter Themed Books

Language Arts Focus Day 5

Easy Snowman Oobleck Activity

Footer

Categories

Archives