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hands-on

Free Isaac Newton Lapbook for Kids Who Love Hands-on Science

August 18, 2026 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a free Isaac Newton lapbook. Also, look at my pages Homeschool Lapbooks – Powerful Tools For Mastery Learning for more lapbook ideas.

Learning about Newton is a wonderful way for kids to discover how curiosity and observation can lead to amazing discoveries. Creating an Isaac Newton lapbook gives kids a fun, hands-on way to organize everything they have learned.

Free Isaac Newton Lapbook for Kids Who Love Hands-on Science

Isaac Newton was an English mathematician and scientist who lived during the 1600s and 1700s. He made important discoveries in several areas, including physics, mathematics, astronomy, and light.

Studying Newton encourages kids to look at ordinary things and wonder why they happen.

After learning about Isaac Newton, a lapbook is a fantastic way for kids to put their knowledge together.

BOOKS ABOUT ISAAC NEWTON FOR KIDS

Too, we love living books when we can find them to add to our reading day and in preparing our lapbooks.

Grab one or two of these for reading or to use as a spine or main text in your study.

7 Books For Kids Who Love Learning About Sir Isaac Newton

He was one of the most important scientists of his times. Your children will love adding some of these books to their reading day.

Image for Newton's Rainbow: The Revolutionary Discoveries of a Young Scientist

Newton's Rainbow: The Revolutionary Discoveries of a Young Scientist

Famed for his supposed encounter with a falling apple that inspired his theory of gravity, Isaac Newton (1642–1727) grew from a quiet and curious boy into one of the most influential scientists of all time. Newton's Rainbow tells the story of young Isaac―always reading, questioning, observing, and inventing―and how he eventually made his way to Cambridge University, where he studied the work of earlier scientists and began building on their accomplishments. This colorful picture book biography celebrates Newton's discoveries that illuminated the mysteries of gravity, motion, and even rainbows, discoveries that gave mankind a new understanding of the natural world, discoveries that changed science forever.

Image for Isaac Newton

Isaac Newton

A biography of Isaac Newton.

Image for Isaac Newton: Greatest Genius of Science (Genius Scientists and Their Genius Ideas)

Isaac Newton: Greatest Genius of Science (Genius Scientists and Their Genius Ideas)

A biography of the seventeenth-century English scientist who formulated the theory of gravity.

Image for World History Biographies: Isaac Newton: The Scientist Who Changed Everything

World History Biographies: Isaac Newton: The Scientist Who Changed Everything

Born in England in 1643, Isaac Newton grew up in the age when Renaissance thinkers were challenging accepted ideas throughout Europe. Fascinated by all earthly science, Newton developed laws of motion and universal gravitation which also furthered our understanding of the movement of celestial bodies. This vibrant biography profiles the famed physicist as an acclaimed mathematician, astronomer, alchemist, philosopher, and inventor as well. Readers will discover the genius who inspired Alexander Pope to write.

Image for The Ocean Of Truth: The Story Of Sir Isaac Newton

The Ocean Of Truth: The Story Of Sir Isaac Newton

Sir Isaac Newton is one of history's most renowned scientists. He independently developed the mathematical technique known as Calculus, wrote a treatise on the properties of light and color that is still consulted by scientists, and worked out the mathematical details of the law of gravity. What is less well known is the depth of his Christian faith, and the amount of writing, speaking, and research he devoted to defenses of the tenets of Biblical belief. This book makes Newton come alive for readers.

Image for Isaac the Alchemist: Secrets of Isaac Newton, Reveal'd

Isaac the Alchemist: Secrets of Isaac Newton, Reveal'd

A surprising true story of Isaac Newton’s boyhood suggests an intellectual development owing as much to magic as science. Before Isaac Newton became the father of physics, an accomplished mathematician, or a leader of the scientific revolution, he was a boy living in an apothecary’s house, observing and experimenting, recording his observations of the world in a tiny notebook. As a young genius living in a time before science as we know it existed, Isaac studied the few books he could get his hands on, built handmade machines, and experimented with alchemy—a process of chemical reactions that seemed, at the time, to be magical. Mary Losure’s riveting narrative nonfiction account of Isaac’s early life traces his development as a thinker from his childhood, in friendly prose that will capture the attention of today’s budding scientists—as if by magic. Back matter includes an afterword, an author’s note, source notes, a bibliography, and an index.

Image for Isaac Newton and Physics for Kids: His Life and Ideas with 21 Activities (30) (For Kids series)

Isaac Newton and Physics for Kids: His Life and Ideas with 21 Activities (30) (For Kids series)

Isaac Newton and Physics for Kids paints a rich portrait of this brilliant and complex man, including 21 hands-on projects that explore the scientific concepts Newton developed and the times in which he lived. Readers will build a simple waterwheel, create a 17thcentury plague mask, track the phases of the moon, and test Newton’s Three Laws of Motion using coins, a skateboard, and a
model boat they construct themselves. The text includes a time line, online resources, and reading list for further study. And through it all, readers will learn how the son of a Woolsthorpe sheep farmer grew to become the most influential physicist in history.

Then, we love hands-on activities to use along with creating the Isaac Newton lapbook.

Look at some of these to add to your day.

ISAAC NEWTON HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

  • Sir Isaac Newton’s First Law Of Motion Simple Experiment
  • 4 Weeks Free Physical Science Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas
  • How To Make A Newton’s Cradle With Popsicle Sticks | 5 Sir Isaac Newton Facts
  • Then grab some minibooks About Sir Isaac Newton and His Apple on my Apple Unit Study and Lapbook page.
  • 5 Facts About Inertia And Easy Coin Drop Inertia Experiment
  • How to Teach Science Through A Story – Middle & High School
Free Isaac Newton Lapbook for Kids Who Love Hands-on Science. I have a free Isaac Newton lapbook. Also, look at my pages Homeschool Lapbooks – Powerful Tools For Mastery Learning for more lapbook ideas. Learning about Newton is a wonderful way for kids to discover how curiosity and observation can lead to amazing discoveries. Creating an Isaac Newton lapbook gives kids a fun, hands-on way to organize everything they have learned.

Then, look at the minibooks included in this lapbook about Sir Isaac Newton.

MINIBOOKS INCLUDED IN THE ISAAC NEWTON LAPBOOK

  • Who is Newton
  • Think like Newton
  • His Discoveries
  • Did You Know
  • Newtons 3 Laws of Motion

Now, how to grab the freebie.

It’s a subscriber freebie.

HOW TO GET THE FREE ISAAC NEWTON LAPBOOK

1) CLICK HERE ON THIS LINK TO SIGN UP ON MY EMAIL LIST & TO GET THIS FREEBIE.

2) Grab the freebie instantly.

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

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Lapbooks Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, lapbook, lapbooking, lapbookresources, lapbooks, science, Sir Isaac Newton

5 Awesome National Park Educational Geography Games For Kids Who Love Games

August 17, 2026 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Educational geography games for kids are a fantastic way to teach geography, earth science, or just a healthy love of the outdoors. Too, look at my page Hands-On Simple And Best Homeschool Geography Ideas & Tips for more fun activities.

National Park board games are one of the easiest ways to sneak in learning while everyone’s having fun. They teach kids the names and locations of America’s parks, build strategy and math skills.

5 Awesome National Park Educational Geography Games For Kids Who Love Games

And often spark the “can we actually go there” conversation that turns into your next family road trip.

Whether a trip to a National Park is on the schedule in the near future or not, your family can appreciate the beauty of each unique park. Also, your kids can learn the work that went into the National Park Program to preserve these important places.

I have 5 games to share.

ACTIVITIES BEYOND THE GAME TABLE

But first, look at these fantastic extension ideas. They go beyond the game table to round out a national park unit.

  • Junior Ranger Program– Most parks offer free booklets kids complete during their visit to earn a badge. This pairs perfectly with the trivia and fact-based games above.
  • America the Beautiful Pass– If you’re planning park visits, the annual pass often pays for itself after just a few stops.
  • Plan a unit study around your next destination- Research the park’s geology, wildlife, and history before you go. Then, then let the trip serve as the “final exam.”
  • Keep a park journal- have kids sketch, press leaves, or write a short entry at each park, building a travel scrapbook over the years.
  • National Parks of the USA– a great resource full of beautiful photos and loads of great information on the major national parks that is a must-have on your bookshelf.
  • Start Local- You don’t need Yellowstone to get started. Go to a nearby national monument, seashore, or historic site counts too, and they make a great low-stakes first trip.

I also have to give honorable mention to the game Tinderblox.

5 Awesome National Park Educational Geography Games For Kids Who Love Games

While it’s not as educational as the other games listed for learning about the parks, Tinderblox is a fun one that fits the theme to take along on a camping trip to one of those parks.

It’s cute, compact, easy to learn, and can be played by 2-6 players. Too, fine motor skills are being strengthened.

5 Awesome National Park Educational Geography Games For Kids Who Love Games

Next, look at a few more activities to bring homeschool geography to life.

EDUCATIONAL GEOGRAPHY GAMES FOR KIDS

  • 11 AWESOME Ways to Learn Geography (Other Than Labeling a Map)
  • 18+ Fun and Interactive Ways to Learn Geography With Kids
  • Navigating the Perfect Present: 22 Gifts for Geography Lovers
  • Fun Outdoor Activities For Middle Schoolers Geocaching and Nature Study
  • Hands-on Geography: Longitude/Latitude Mapmaking Activity
  • How to Make An Embroidered African Map Fun Geography Craft
  • How to Create a Fun Yosemite National Park Camping Curriculum | DIY Firestarter
  • Best Books To Use For Survival Skills Curriculum & Unit Study

5 National Park Geography Games For Kids

These national park board games are educational and help kids learn about national parks while encouraging family time.

Image for Trekking The National Parks
Photo Credit: https://www.amazon.com/

Trekking The National Parks

This is the game most homeschool families discover first, and for good reason. Up to five players take on the role of adventurers traveling across a map of the United States, collecting Park Cards and trail stones as they go. The board is dotted with real park locations, so kids naturally start absorbing where places like Acadia, Kobuk Valley, and the Virgin Islands actually are.

It plays a bit like Ticket to Ride, blending light strategy with a dash of luck, and the box includes real facts and photographs about each park. Because it's approachable for kids as young as six or seven but still has enough strategy to keep teens engaged, it works well for mixed-age homeschool groups or co-ops.

Homeschool Extension: Pull out a blank U.S. map after playing and have kids label the parks they collected during the game.

Image for Games Parks Base Camp

Games Parks Base Camp

PARKS is a more strategic, more visually impressive example of games on this list. Each player manages two hikers moving along a trail, gathering resources like water and wood, snapping "photographs," and visiting parks to score points. The artwork is drawn from the Fifty-Nine Parks Print Series, so the cards double as a gorgeous art appreciation lesson. It's a worker-placement game underneath the pretty exterior, which means older kids get real practice with planning ahead and resource management. It also has a solo mode, which is handy for an independent study afternoon or a homeschooler who wants to play without waiting for siblings.

Homeschool Extension: Use the park cards as writing prompts; have kids pick a card and research one fact about that park to share at dinner.

Image for Monopoly: National Parks Edition

Monopoly: National Parks Edition

Put into a familiar format with a fresh coat of paint, this version swaps Boardwalk and Park Place for more than 20 real national parks. Kids build their park empire, collecting rent, managing money, and making trades, all while getting repeated exposure to park names and imagery. Because the mechanics are already so well known, it's an easy pick for a rainy afternoon when you want the learning to feel effortless. It's also a natural fit for practicing money math counting bills, making change, and calculating rent are all built right into the gameplay.

Homeschool Extension: Have younger kids act as the "banker" for a session to practice addition and subtraction with real stakes.

Image for National Parks Trivia Cards

National Parks Trivia Cards

Trivia cards designed to pair with a Trivial Pursuit board (sold by the National Park Foundation) are a simple, inexpensive way to layer real facts into game night. You don't need the full board to use them; they work just as well as a stand-alone quiz deck for car rides, morning circle time, or a five-minute knowledge check before a unit study. The questions cover history, wildlife, geography, and park trivia that even adults will find themselves learning from.

Homeschool Extension: Turn missed questions into a running "park research list", the next unit study topic practically writes itself.

Image for YAHTZEE National Parks Travel Edition

YAHTZEE National Parks Travel Edition

For a lighter game that's easy to toss in a backpack or car door pocket, this travel-sized edition of the classic dice game swaps in national park theming and artwork. It's a great choice for practicing probability, addition, and quick mental math, and the compact size makes it perfect for road trips to the parks themselves. Younger kids can play a simplified version while older siblings tackle full scoring.

Homeschool Extension: Talk through the odds of rolling a Yahtzee before each turn, an easy, low-pressure intro to probability.

 

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: games, geography, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, homeschool, homeschool geography, homeschoolgeography, national parks

Make a Colorful Picasso Craft Self-Portrait Collage with Your Kids

July 29, 2026 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We are making a fun Picasso craft self-portrait collage using scrap paper, patterned scrapbook paper, old flyers, and packaging. Also, look at my page Free Art Units for more ideas.

If you’re looking for an art project that encourages creativity while introducing children to one of history’s most famous artists, a Picasso self-portrait collage is the perfect activity.

Make a Colorful Picasso Craft Self-Portrait Collage with Your Kids

We’re using bold colors, silly facial features, and unexpected shapes to make artwork inspired by Pablo Picasso’s unique style.

This hands-on craft also provides a wonderful opportunity to learn about art history, self-expression, and the Cubist movement in a fun and age-appropriate way.

Pablo Picasso was one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. He was born on October 25, 1881, in Málaga, Spain. His father was an art teacher, and Picasso began drawing and painting at a very young age. In fact, many stories say he could draw before he could even talk!

By the time he was a teenager, Picasso was already creating artwork that amazed professional artists.

Throughout his long life, he experimented with many different styles of art and created over 20,000 works, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics, prints, and stage designs.

Too, look at some books about Picasso.

BOOKS ABOUT PICASSO FOR KIDS

We prefer living books when we can find them.

Add one or two to your home library.

5 Books About Pablo Picasso For Kids Who Love To Read And Be Read To

Add one or two of these fun books about the famous artist Pablo Picasso.

Image for Pablo Picasso: Breaking All the Rules: Breaking All the Rules

Pablo Picasso: Breaking All the Rules: Breaking All the Rules

Simon Packard didn't always want to do his artist report on Pablo Picasso, but after his twin brother Stephen does a report on Monet-Simon's favorite artist-Simon chooses Picasso by default! Throughout, there are reproductions of Pablo Picasso's masterpieces as well as Simon's own drawings, and wonderful nuggets of info that will appeal to kids.

Image for Picasso and the Girl with a Ponytail: An Art History Book For Kids

Picasso and the Girl with a Ponytail: An Art History Book For Kids

  • gorgeous illustrations and reproductions of works by the artists
  • a fun and educational story
  • a perfect choice for homeschool supplies
Image for Just Behave, Pablo Picasso!

Just Behave, Pablo Picasso!

Pablo Picasso may have been one of the most famous artists of the 20th century, but that doesn't mean he painted what people wanted him to paint! In fact, some people hated his paintings, and called them "ugly!" and "terrible!" -- something many kids can relate to. But Picasso didn't listen to all those people, and kept on working the way he wanted to work, until he created something so new, so different... that people didn't know what to say!

Image for Pablo Picasso

Pablo Picasso

Examples of Picasso's paintings are reproduced in color and explained in easy-to-read text

Image for Who Was Pablo Picasso?

Who Was Pablo Picasso?

Over a long, turbulent life, Picasso continually discovered new ways of seeing the world and translating it into art. A restless genius he went through a blue period, a rose period, and a Cubist phase. He made collages, sculptures out of everyday objects, and beautiful ceramic plates. True Kelley's engaging biography is a wonderful introduction to modern art.

Then look at fun facts about Picasso’s life.

FUN FACTS ABOUT THE LIFE OF PICASSO THE ARTIST

Picasso lived until 1973, leaving behind an incredible artistic legacy that continues to inspire artists around the world. Here are 7 fun facts about Picasso.

  1. Picasso completed his first painting when he was only about 9 years old.
  2. He created more than 20,000 works of art during his lifetime.
  3. Besides painting, he enjoyed making sculptures, pottery, prints, and even designing theater sets.
  4. His full birth name contained more than 20 names, making it one of the longest names of any famous artist.
  5. He lived in both Spain and France during his life.
  6. Many museums around the world display his artwork today.
  7. His paintings remain some of the most recognizable works in art history.

WHAT IS CUBISM

Picasso is best known for helping create the art movement called Cubism around 1907 with another artist named Georges Braque.

Cubism changed the way people think about art. Instead of painting things exactly as they appeared, Cubist artists broke them into simple geometric shapes like squares, triangles, circles, and rectangles. They often show several different viewpoints at the same time.

Imagine looking at someone’s face from the front and the side at once- that’s exactly the kind of creative thinking that Cubism encouraged. Faces might have one eye higher than the other, noses pointing sideways, or colorful sections that don’t match real life.

Children naturally enjoy this style because there are no strict rules. Every portrait becomes wonderfully unique.

Make a Colorful Picasso Craft Self-Portrait Collage with Your Kids

One of the best things about studying Picasso is that kids learn that there isn’t just one “correct” way to make art. Picasso believed creativity was more important than perfection.

His most famous quote is “Every child is an artist.”

LEARNING ABOUT SELF PORTRAITS

A self-portrait is simply a picture an artist creates of themselves.

Creating abstract self-portraits also helps children to:

  • Practice creative thinking
  • Learn about shapes and colors
  • Build fine motor skills while cutting and gluing
  • Develop confidence in their artistic abilities
  • Express their own personalities through art 

Throughout history, artists have painted self-portraits to show how they looked, how they felt, or even to experiment with new artistic styles.

When making a Picasso-inspired self-portrait collage, children can think about their favorite colors, their eye color, their hairstyle, their personality, and fun patterns and designs that represent who they are.

Unlike realistic portraits, Picasso portraits celebrate imagination. One eye can be blue while the other is green. Hair can be purple, orange, or rainbow-colored. Faces can be divided into colorful sections using paper shapes.

PICASSO CRAFT IDEAS AND RESOURCES

  • Picasso Art for Kids – Playdough Faces – Messy Little Monster
  • Colorful Picasso Craft Ideas To Make: Free Printable for Little Hands
  • Picasso Inspired Cardboard Art Project
  • Free Meet The Masters Famous Artist Activity Sheets
  • Cubism Painted Flowers
  • Life of Pablo Picasso for Kids | Art History
  • How to Make a Spanish Flamenco Craft & Spanish Craft Ideas
  • Free Spain Lapbook for Kids Who Love Hands-on History

TAKE IT BEYOND AN ART LESSON

  • Locate Spain on a world map and learn about its culture.
  • Compare realistic portraits with Cubist portraits.
  • Look for geometric shapes hidden in everyday objects.
  • Practice drawing faces using only circles, triangles, rectangles, and squares.
  • Create a family portrait using Picasso’s abstract style.
  • Visit a virtual art museum to view famous Picasso paintings.
  • Keep an art journal inspired by different famous artists.
  • Learn new vocabulary words like portrait, collage, abstract, Cubism, artist, and geometric.
  • Read a children’s biography about Pablo Picasso.

PICASSO CRAFT SELF-PORTRAIT COLLAGE WITH KIDS

Let’s truly turn trash into treasure with this self-portrait collage by gathering up colorful packaging, mail flyers, and more to create color and patterns.

You will need:

  • Colorful scrap paper
  • Pattern cardstock
  • Old magazines
  • Coupons
  • Mailers/Flyers
  • Food packages
  • Scissors
  • Glue stick
Make a Colorful Picasso Craft Self-Portrait Collage with Your Kids

Start with a solid colored background.

Make a Colorful Picasso Craft Self-Portrait Collage with Your Kids

Cut out a head and neck shape. We tried first with patterned paper, but the features got lost in it so we went back to a solid color.

Make a Colorful Picasso Craft Self-Portrait Collage with Your Kids

Next, cut out hair, using your paper head as a guide for size.

Make a Colorful Picasso Craft Self-Portrait Collage with Your Kids

Now for the really fun part: use your patterned papers and mail scraps to cut out features like eyes, nose, eyebrows, earrings, and hair, etc.

Make a Colorful Picasso Craft Self-Portrait Collage with Your Kids

Encourage your child to add as much fun detail as they can, adding in accessories, makeup, exaggerated features or whatever they want to make it stand out.

Make a Colorful Picasso Craft Self-Portrait Collage with Your Kids

Mix them up, use odd colors and patterns, put eyebrows askew; you will notice pepperoni pizza lips and strawberry earrings on ours.

Make a Colorful Picasso Craft Self-Portrait Collage with Your Kids

Lay out your design and then glue everything into place once you are happy with it.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: art, art crafts, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, Picasso

Free Lapbook Chile For Kids Who Love Hands-On Learning

July 24, 2026 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a free lapbook Chile about the country. Also, look at my pages Homeschool Lapbooks – Powerful Tools For Mastery Learning for more lapbook ideas. And look at my page South America Unit Study Resources for more ideas about South America.

A lapbook is a fold-out project filled with mini-books, flaps, pockets, maps, and interactive pieces that organize information about a specific topic.

Free Lapbook Chile For Kids Who Love Hands-On Learning

Chile stretches over 2,600 miles along the western coast of South America. It is a diverse country with sandy deserts, icy glaciers, and even penguins. It is one of the longest countries in the world.

Too, Chile is home to Easter Island. This island is famous for its giant stone statues called Moai.

BOOKS ABOUT CHILE THE COUNTRY FOR KIDS

Next, add some of these books to your reading for the day or use as a read aloud while your child works on this lapbook.

We prefer living books when we can find them.

6 Books About The Country of Chile for Kids

Add a book or two to your reading day or add to your home library.

Image for Pablo Neruda: Poet of the People

Pablo Neruda: Poet of the People

Once there was a little boy named Neftalí who loved wild things wildly and quiet things quietly. From the moment he could talk, he surrounded himself with words. Neftalí discovered the magic between the pages of books. When he was sixteen, he began publishing his poems as Pablo Neruda.

Pablo wrote poems about the things he loved―things made by his friends in the café, things found at the marketplace, and things he saw in nature. He wrote about the people of Chile and their stories of struggle. Because above all things and above all words, Pablo Neruda loved people.

Image for Mariana and the Merchild: A Folk Tale from Chile

Mariana and the Merchild: A Folk Tale from Chile

A childless old woman is given a merbaby to raise until the child can safely return to the sea.

Image for Chile: The Complete History for Kids: A Journey Across Mountains, Deserts, Heroes, and Hope

Chile: The Complete History for Kids: A Journey Across Mountains, Deserts, Heroes, and Hope

Chile: The Complete History for Kids invites young readers on a vivid journey through one of the most breathtaking and surprising countries on Earth. From ancient Mapuche families who learned to live between forests and rivers, to brave leaders who shaped a new nation, to modern Chile filled with creativity and resilience, this book brings history to life in a way kids can truly enjoy.Every chapter turns big events into clear, meaningful stories. Children will meet heroes who fought for freedom, explorers who crossed towering mountains, families who rebuilt after powerful earthquakes, and communities who stood together to make their voices heard. With a friendly storytelling style, fun facts, and quizzes to test what they’ve learned, this book transforms history into an adventure that sparks curiosity on every page.

Image for All Paws To Chile: Blotch

All Paws To Chile: Blotch

Ever since Isabel told me all about Chile my belly has been rumbling…I wish I could go to Chile. But how can I get there? It is impossible for dogs to fly.

Embark on a journey over air and land in Monica Lizama’s exciting new children’s story, All Paws to Chile, a tale positively bursting with globe-trotting adventures!

Image for Nick and Aya Travel to Chile

Nick and Aya Travel to Chile

In Nick and Aya Travel to Chile, young readers join siblings Nick and Aya and their parents, Kate and George, on an exciting adventure stretching from the bustling streets of Santiago to the deserts of the far north, the volcanoes and forests of southern Chile, the wild landscapes of Patagonia, and even the mysterious islands of the Pacific Ocean.

Along the way, children will:

  • Explore famous landmarks and hidden corners of Chile
  • Learn about wildlife such as sea lions, huemuls, guanacos, king salmon, condors, penguins, and native insects
  • Discover deserts, volcanoes, geysers, forests, rivers, glaciers, mountains, fjords, islands, and oceans
  • Experience Chilean culture through local foods, colorful murals, traditional music, fishing communities, and regional traditions
Image for Ladybug Launch: Inspired by a True Story of Chinitas in Space

Ladybug Launch: Inspired by a True Story of Chinitas in Space

Based on a true story, this out-of-this-world picture book follows the exciting scientific journey of a chica and a chinita with sky-high aspirations—perfect for fans of Mae Among the Stars and What Miss Mitchell Saw.Natalia is a chica, an ambitious girl with dreams of becoming a scientist. Luna is a chinita, an adventurous ladybug that dreams of visiting the stars. But neither dream is easy to reach. Ladybugs are meant to munch on garden pests. And no one from Natalia’s family has ever been to college. Still, both Natalia and Luna want más.Then Natalia’s all-girl class designs an experiment. If astronauts want to live in outer space, they’ll need to grow food. Could chinitas go along to keep the pests away? The girls are eager to find out, and Luna is hungry to help. If their theory is correct, it’s a project worthy of NASA itself—and the stuff all dreams are made of.This inspiring picture book is based on the real story of Chilean high school girls who convinced NASA to send ladybugs to space!

CHILE LAPBOOK MINIBOOKS

  • Did You Know . . .
  • Fun Facts About Chile
  • Discover Chile Where is Chile
  • Easter Island
  • The Huge Hand
  • Ojos Del Salado
Free Lapbook Chile For Kids Who Love Hands-On Learning

Also, look at more South America hands-on activities.

  • Easy And Fun Rainstick South America Craft For Kids
  • 9 Free South America Country Reports for Kids Notebooking Pages
  • Free South America Printable Lapbook and Fun Hands-on Unit Study Ideas
  • Appreciating the Culture of South America Through Dance
  • Negrinho From Brazil–South America Unit Study
  • South America Geography Salt Dough Map + Printable Pennants
  • Humboldt Who? Hands On to Understand Ocean Currents & Their Effect On The Galapagos Islands
  • How To Make A Blue-Footed Booby Bird Craft
  • Fun Chocolate Unit Study and DIY Chocolate Candy Bar Activity
  • How to Make Paper Mache Mountains to Celebrate Chimborazo Day

Now, how to grab the freebie.

It’s a subscriber freebie.

HOW TO GET THE FREE CHILE LAPBOOK

1) CLICK HERE ON THIS LINK TO SIGN UP ON MY EMAIL LIST & TO GET THIS FREEBIE.

2) Grab the freebie instantly.

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

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Lapbooks Tagged With: Chile the country, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, lapbook, lapbooking, lapbookresources, south america

How to Make a Fun Paper Plate & Cup Sombrero Mexico Craft

July 22, 2026 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

A fun Mexico craft is a great way to include some hands-on fun in your study of other countries and cultures. Also, look at my page Mexico Unit Study and Make a Fun Easy Floral Headband.

If you’re looking for a fun way to teach your children about countries around the world, this paper plate & cup sombrero Mexico craft is the perfect addition to your homeschool lessons.

How to Make a Fun Paper Plate & Cup Sombrero Mexico Craft

Kids love creating wearable crafts. And this simple project uses inexpensive supplies. For example, we used paper plates, paper cups, markers, and colorful pom-poms to introduce them to the rich culture and history of Mexico.

As your children decorate their sombreros, take time to explore the fascinating traditions, geography, food, music, and history of one of North America’s most colorful countries.

Hands-on learning helps children remember what they’ve learned. This is a wonderful activity for elementary-aged students or anyone studying world geography.

Mexico is the southern neighbor of the United States. It is known for its beautiful beaches, ancient civilizations, delicious cuisine, lively music, and colorful celebrations. It is one of the largest countries in North America.

Also, it is home to more than 130 million people.

BOOKS FOR KIDS ABOUT MEXICO

Next, I’ve gathered a few books about Mexico to go with this craft.

10 Mexico Books & Resources For Kids Who Love Reading and Being Read To

Add some of these books to your home library about Mexico. Also, use them for a homeschool unit study.

Image for The Underdogs: A Novel of the Mexican Revolution (Penguin Classics)

The Underdogs: A Novel of the Mexican Revolution (Penguin Classics)

The Underdogs is the first great novel about the first great revolution of the twentieth century. Demetrio Macias, a poor, illiterate Indian, must join the rebels to save his family. Courageous and charismatic, he earns a generalship in Pancho Villa’s army, only to become discouraged with the cause after it becomes hopelessly factionalized. At once a spare, moving depiction of the limits of political idealism, an authentic representation of Mexico’s peasant life, and a timeless portrait of revolution, The Underdogs is an iconic novel of the Latin American experience and a powerful novel about the disillusionment of war.

Image for Stories from Mexico

Stories from Mexico

Tales from Mexican folklore including The Palace of Canela, In Through the Window, The Coyote and the Sheep, The Cu Bird, and SenÄor Coyote and Juan's Maguey.

Image for Adelita

Adelita

Hace mucho tiempo—a long time ago—there lived a beautiful young woman named Adelita. So begins the age-old tale of a kindhearted young woman, her jealous stepmother, two hateful stepsisters, and a young man in search of a wife. The young man, Javier, falls madly in love with beautiful Adelita, but she disappears from his fiesta at midnight, leaving him with only one clue to her hidden identity: a beautiful rebozo—shawl. With the rebozo in place of a glass slipper, this favorite fairy tale takes a delightful twist. Tomie dePaola's exquisite paintings, filled with the folk art of Mexico, make this a Cinderella story like no other.

Image for Hill Of Fire (I Can Read, Book 3) (I Can Read Level 3)

Hill Of Fire (I Can Read, Book 3) (I Can Read Level 3)

Every day is the same for Pablo's father. Then one afternoon the ground growls, hisses smoke, and swallows up his plow. A volcano is erupting in the middle of his cornfield!

Image for Mexico in Story and Pictures

Mexico in Story and Pictures

Image for Imagine

Imagine

Have you ever imagined what you might be when you grow up? When he was very young, Juan Felipe Herrera picked chamomile flowers in windy fields and let tadpoles swim across his hands in a creek. He slept outside and learned to say good-bye to his amiguitoseach time his family moved to a new town. He went to school and taught himself to read and write English and filled paper pads with rivers of ink as he walked down the street after school. And when he grew up, he became the United States Poet Laureate and read his poems aloud on the steps of the Library of Congress. If he could do all of that . . . what could you do? With this illustrated poem of endless possibility, Juan Felipe Herrera and Lauren Castillo breathe magic into the hopes and dreams of readers searching
for their place in life.

Image for Old Ramon

Old Ramon

Fun novel combining Mexico and California cultures where a young boy learns about life and growing up.

Image for The Princess and the Warrior: A Tale of Two Volcanoes

The Princess and the Warrior: A Tale of Two Volcanoes

In the picture book Princess and the Warrior: A Tale of Two Volcanoes, award-winning author and illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh brings a cherished Mexican legend to life.A Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor BookALA/ALSC Notable Children’s Book! “A palette of earthy, evocative colors .

. . A genuine triumph.” ―Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)“Use this Aztec legend to inspire readers while teaching a bit about dramatic irony.” —School Library Journal Izta was the most beautiful princess in the land, and suitors traveled from far and wide to woo her. Even though she was the daughter of the emperor, Izta had no desire to marry a man of wealth and power. Instead, she fell in love with Popoca, a brave warrior who fought in her father’s army—and a man who did not offer her riches but a promise to stay by her side forever. The emperor did not want his daughter to marry a mere warrior, but he recognized Popoca’s bravery. He offered Popoca a deal: If the warrior could defeat their enemy, Jaguar Claw, then the emperor would permit Popoca and Izta to wed. But Jaguar Claw had a plan to thwart the warrior. Would all be lost? Today two majestic volcanoes—Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl—stand overlooking Mexico City. They have been admired and revered for countless generations and have formed the basis of many origin and creation myths.

Image for Growing Up In Aztec Times (Growing Up In series)

Growing Up In Aztec Times (Growing Up In series)

Describes the daily life of the Aztecs, discussing life in the city, life in the country, education, food and drink, and other aspects.

Image for The Tale of Rabbit and Coyote

The Tale of Rabbit and Coyote

Poor Coyote! What’s he doing, hanging upside down in the farmer’s house, next to a pot of boiling water? How’d he wind up underneath the jicara tree, getting bonked by rock-hard fruit? Who tricked him into whacking a wasps’ nest with a stick? And why is he always howling at the moon? Because of Rabbit, that’s why! Longtime collaborators Tony Johnston and Tomie dePaola look to the folklore of Oaxaca, Mexico, for this nutty, naughty tale of trickery and hijinks. Written with sly humor and illustrated in the vibrant golds, blues, and reds of the Southwest, this is a story with a flavor as distinctive as chile peppers.

Mexico has 31 states and one federal district (Mexico City); the official language spoken here is Spanish. 

This variety of environments makes Mexico one of the world’s most biologically diverse countries.

  • Tall mountain ranges
  • Dense jungles
  • Vast deserts
  • Tropical beaches
  • Volcanoes
  • Rainforests

It is a fascinating place to learn more about, and that is just what we are going to do today, ending in a fun and easy paper plate and cup sombrero Mexico craft.

A QUICK HISTORY OF MEXICO

Long before Europeans arrived, Mexico was home to incredible civilizations such as the Maya and the Aztecs. These cultures built enormous cities, developed advanced calendars, studied astronomy, and created beautiful art and architecture that still amazes historians today.

In the early 1500s, Spanish explorer Hernan Cortes arrived in Mexico. Spain ruled the country for nearly 300 years before Mexico gained its independence on September 16, 1810, a day that is still celebrated every year as Mexican Independence Day.

Today, Mexico blends Indigenous traditions with Spanish influences, creating a rich culture filled with unique foods, music, festivals, and art.

HISTORY OF THE SOMBRERO

The word sombrero comes from the Spanish word “sombra,” meaning shade.

Originally, a sombrero wasn’t designed as a costume piece. It was practical clothing worn by farmers, ranchers, horse riders, and laborers who spent long hours working under the hot Mexican sun.

The hat’s extra-wide brim helped protect the wearer’s face, neck, shoulders, and eyes from harsh sunlight and heat.

Different regions of Mexico developed their own styles of sombreros. Some were made from woven straw for cooler comfort, while others were crafted from felt or leather for durability.

How to Make a Fun Paper Plate & Cup Sombrero Mexico Craft

Wide-brimmed hats have existed for centuries in many parts of the world, but the Mexican sombrero became especially popular during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Many historians believe wealthy Spanish horsemen inspired some early designs, but Mexican craftsmen adapted the hats for everyday workers. Ranchers, known as charros, often wore beautifully decorated sombreros while riding horses.

Charro sombreros became works of art featuring intricate embroidery, silver trim, decorative stitching, and rich colors

Today, these elegant hats remain part of traditional Mexican dress and are commonly worn during charreadas (Mexican rodeos), parades, and cultural celebrations.

MEXICO CRAFT IDEAS

  • Paper Bag Mariachi Craft – Our Kid Things
  • Mexico Unit Study and Make a Fun Easy Floral Headband
  • Mexican Talavera Vase Craft
  • Easy Mexican Crafts: How to Make a Taco Craft
  • Free Lapbook Mexico For Kids Who Love Hands-On Learning
  • Frida Kahlo Art Made Simple: Free Easy Art Printable
  • Fun Chocolate Unit Study and DIY Chocolate Candy Bar Activity

PAPER PLATE SOMBRERO

You will need:

  • Paper plate
  • paper /styrofoam cup
  • Markers
  • School glue
  • Colorful pom poms
How to Make a Fun Paper Plate & Cup Sombrero Mexico Craft

Allow your child to decorate the paper plate, curved side up, with markers, giving it an elaborate stitched and designed look.

Now they can do the same with the cup, adding a design near the hat band or anywhere they like, using markers.

How to Make a Fun Paper Plate & Cup Sombrero Mexico Craft

Roll the rim of the cup in a puddle of school glue

How to Make a Fun Paper Plate & Cup Sombrero Mexico Craft

Press the cup firmly into place in the center of the hat. You can set something a little heavier on top while it dries to keep it in place.

How to Make a Fun Paper Plate & Cup Sombrero Mexico Craft

Finally, add the little pom pom embellishment.

How to Make a Fun Paper Plate & Cup Sombrero Mexico Craft

You can either make dots of glue around the brim and press into place or use a Q-tip to add a generous puddle of glue and place your pompom.

How to Make a Fun Paper Plate & Cup Sombrero Mexico Craft

Allow glue to dry completely.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, Mexico

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