• Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Activity, Change, Progress

  • HOME
  • How to
    • Preschool
    • Kindergarten
    • Elementary
      • Geronimo Stilton Books
    • Middle School
    • High School
      • Science 
  • Planner
  • Lapbooks
    • Trioramas
    • History Games
    • LEGO
  • Shop
  • GET STARTED NOW!
    • Learning Styles
  • 7 Step Planner
    • Free Student Planner
    • Free Home Binder
  • Unit Studies
    • Creation to Ancients
      • Mesopotamia
    • Middle Ages to Reform
    • Exploring to Revolution
    • World Wars to Today
    • Science
  • Curriculum
    • More Unit Studies
    • Geography
    • Writing PreK to 12th
    • Free Art Curriculum
  • BootCamp
    • Resources
      • Ultimate Unit Study Planner

hands-on

Awesome Beach Crafts And Free Beach Comber Field Guide

August 4, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have some awesome beach crafts for all ages. And you’ll love this free printable beach comber field guide to use to explore the shore. Too, look at my page Seashore Beach Watching Unit Study and Seashore Lapbook for more fun ideas.

Crafts are the perfect blend of nature, art, and imagination. And summer time is a fun way to get creative while still learning.

Awesome Beach Crafts And Free Beach Comber Field Guide

Also, crafts help children with storytelling, inventing and with artistic expression, all using materials found right at their feet.

While crafting, parents can talk about the importance of keeping beaches clean.

For younger kids, gluing shells, threading beads, or shaping sand into sculptures all require focus and coordination.

FUN OCEAN BOOKS FOR KIDS

16 Ocean Books for Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

Choose a few of these ocean themed books to go along with your study of the Oceans. Whether you're looking for a spine for a unit study or literature, you'll love this roundup.

Image for The Burgess Seashore Book for Children in color

The Burgess Seashore Book for Children in color

Join Danny Meadow Mouse, Jimmy Skunk, and Reddy Fox as they explore the seashore and take a closer look at the habits and habitats of the creatures they find. Discover the Seahorse, Shrimp, Crab, Anemone, Gull, and so many more.

The Burgess Seashore Book for Children is a wonderful way to introduce young ones to the fascinating world beneath us and is a perfect compliment to earlier books in this series, the Bird, Animal, and Flower books.

This edition is complete and unabridged with all of the beautiful illustrations by W.H. Southwick and George Sutton

Image for Seaside Naturalist: Seaside Naturalist

Seaside Naturalist: Seaside Naturalist

Seaside Naturalist is an illustrated guide to marine plants and animals includes the characteristics of protozoa, arthropods, sponges, mollusks, reptiles, birds, fish, and mammals.

Image for The Big Book of the Blue (The Big Book Series)

The Big Book of the Blue (The Big Book Series)

The book opens by explaining how different types of animals are able to breathe and survive underwater, and the different families to which they belong. Subsequent pages are dedicated to specific creatures, including sea turtles, whales, sharks, stingrays, and seahorses, and show varied life in specific habitats, such as a coral reef or deep sea bed. The Big Book of the Blue also explores the underwater world thematically, looking at animals in danger, learning how to spot creatures at the beach, and discovering how to do our part to save sea life. Beautiful and filled with fascinating facts, young, curious readers won’t be able to tear their eyes away from the page.

Image for Scott O'Dell Set: Island of the Blue Dolphins + Zia

Scott O'Dell Set: Island of the Blue Dolphins + Zia

Island of the Blue Dolphins begins with a young girl named Karana who is living on the Island of the Blue Dolphins (fancy name, right?) with her younger brother, Ramo, and sister, Ulape. One day, a group of Russian hunters (Aleutians) land on the island to hunt for otter. This is when the trouble really begins.

Image for Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau (Underwater Picture Book for Kids)

Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau (Underwater Picture Book for Kids)

Once upon a time in France, a baby was born under the summer sun. His parents named him Jacques. As he grew, Jacques fell in love with the sea. He dreamed of breathing beneath the waves and swimming as gracefully as a fish. In fact, he longed to become a manfish. Jacques Cousteau grew up to become a champion of the seas and one of the best-known oceanographers in the world. In this lovely biography, now in paperback, poetic text and gorgeous paintings come together to create a portrait of Cousteau that is as magical as it is inspiring.

Image for Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas (Illustrated 1875 Edition):

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas (Illustrated 1875 Edition):

A beautiful edition with 110 images from the 1875 English edition. Use Amazon's Look inside feature to compare this edition with others. You'll be impressed by the differences. Don't be fooled by other versions that have no illustrations or contain very small print. Reading our edition will make you feel that you are traveling the seas with Captain Nemo himself.

Image for Swiss Family Robinson (Illustrated Classic): 200th Anniversary Collection

Swiss Family Robinson (Illustrated Classic): 200th Anniversary Collection

More than 100 original illustrations by Louis Rhead. You want to read this book with illustrations.

An introduction by W. D. Howells.

Nicely formatted text in an easy-to-read font.

A beautiful cover from the 1891 edition.

Image for Ocean: A Visual Encyclopedia

Ocean: A Visual Encyclopedia

Embark on a captivating tour of the waters that cover 70 percent of our planet! See our oceans come to life in mind-blowing detail. This is the ultimate children’s visual encyclopedia about the awe-inspiring blue planet! 

Image for Secrets of the Sea: The Story of Jeanne Power, Revolutionary Marine Scientist

Secrets of the Sea: The Story of Jeanne Power, Revolutionary Marine Scientist

How did a nineteenth-century dressmaker revolutionize science? Jeanne Power was creative: she wanted to learn about the creatures that swim beneath the ocean waves, so she built glass tanks and changed the way we study underwater life forever. Jeanne Power was groundbreaking: she solved mysteries of sea animals and published her findings at a time when few of women’s contributions to science were acknowledged. Jeanne Power was persistent: when records of her research were lost, she set to work repeating her studies. And when men tried to take credit for her achievements, she stood firm and insisted on the recognition due to her.

Image for Ocean Anatomy: The Curious Parts & Pieces of the World under the Sea

Ocean Anatomy: The Curious Parts & Pieces of the World under the Sea

Follow Rothman’s inquisitive mind and perceptive eye along shorelines, across the open ocean, and below the waves for an artistic exploration of the watery universe. Through her drawings, discover how the world’s oceans formed, why the sea is salty, and the forces behind oceanic phenomena such as rogue waves. Colorful anatomical profiles of sea creatures from crustacean to cetacean, surveys of seafaring vessels and lighthouses, and the impact of plastic and warming water temperatures are just part of this compendium of curiosities that will entertain and educate readers of all ages. 

Image for The Fascinating Ocean Book for Kids: 500 Incredible Facts!

The Fascinating Ocean Book for Kids: 500 Incredible Facts!

Do you know a kid who’s captivated by what goes on beneath the ocean’s surface? This amazing entry into ocean books for kids is packed with hundreds of incredible facts for hours of underwater exploration. Pages of full-color pictures feature life in and around the sea including fish, dolphins, and shipwrecks!

Image for All About Bioluminescence: Deep Sea Animals

All About Bioluminescence: Deep Sea Animals

Dive into the mesmerizing world of bioluminescence with "All About Bioluminescence." In this captivating book, readers embark on a journey through the depths of the ocean to discover the extraordinary glow-in-the-dark creatures that inhabit its mysterious realm. From the enchanting sea angel to the infamous anglerfish, each page is filled with stunning illustrations and fascinating facts about these luminous beings.With a focus on deep-sea dwellers, readers will uncover the secrets behind bioluminescence and learn how these creatures use light to communicate, camouflage, and lure prey. But the adventure doesn't stop there! "All About Bioluminescence" also includes hands-on activities like a glow stick experiment, allowing readers to experience the magic of bioluminescence firsthand.

Image for Treasure Island (Dover Thrift Editions: Classic Novels)

Treasure Island (Dover Thrift Editions: Classic Novels)

One of the most enduringly popular adventure tales, Treasure Island began in 1881 as a serialized adventure entitled "The Sea-Cook"in the periodical Young Folks. Completed during a stay at Davos, Switzerland, where Stevenson had gone for his health, it was published in 1883 in the form we know today.Set in the eighteenth century, Treasure Island spins a heady tale of piracy, a mysterious treasure map, and a host of sinister characters charged with diabolical intentions. Seen through the eyes of Jim Hawkins, the cabin boy of the Hispaniola, the action-packed adventure tells of a perilous sea journey across the Spanish Main, a mutiny led by the infamous Long John Silver, and a lethal scramble for buried treasure on an exotic isle.

Image for Oceans and Seas!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids

Oceans and Seas!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids

In Oceans and Seas! With 25 Science Projects for Kids readers ages 7 though 10 dive into the underwater world of some of the most amazing landscapes on Earth. On this amazing underwater adventure, kids experience the ocean’s tropical reefs and spot crabs, sea sponges, and thousands of kinds of fish darting in its crags and folds. They’ll meet a giant squid with eyes the size of dinner plates and an mbrella-like bioluminescent jellyfish.

Image for Discover the Oceans: The World's Largest Ecosystem (Discover Your World)

Discover the Oceans: The World's Largest Ecosystem (Discover Your World)

From both a historical and scientific point of view, above and below the surface, this engaging guide brings the world’s oceans to life through fun facts, illustrations, and in-depth information. Interactive activities appear throughout, ranging from making solar stills and simple fishing spears to experimenting with a homemade diving bell and figuring out how much water it really takes to survive. With the oceans being the least explored environment on Earth, this reference illuminates some of the most incredible and surprising plants and animals as well as how to survive and navigate these vast expanses.

Image for Pagoo

Pagoo

An intricate study of tide pool life is presented in text and pictures through the story of Pagoo, a her-mit crab.

Next, look at some of these crafts for multiple ages.

AWESOME CRAFTS

  • Exciting Scavenger Hunt: Activities Elementary Kids Will Love
  • Create Your Own Easy Sand Dollar Edible Cookies
  • Discover the Fun: How to Make Beach Sand Slime at Home
  • Free Art Lessons For 4th Grade & How To Make Easy Beach Glass Art
  • How to Make an Ocean-Inspired Sea Shell Necklace | 8 Summer Beach Crafts
  • 11 Awesome Beach Theme STEM Activities | Quick Sunscreen Painting Experiment
  • How To Make Your Own Edible Beach Sand And Shells: A Creative And Delicious Recipe
  • Seashore Beach Watching Unit Study and Seashore Lapbook
  • 10 Edible Beach Crafts For Teens and Make Edible Beach Glass
  • How to Dissolve a Seashell – Beach Hands-on Fun Activity
Awesome Beach Crafts And Free Beach Comber Field Guide

Next, grab this fun printable guide.

HOW TO GET THE FREE FIELD GUIDE

Now, how to grab the freebie.  It’s a subscriber freebie.

That means when you sign up to follow me, you get my emails in your inbox and you get this freebie.

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: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: beach, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, ocean, science, seashore

Fun Apple Crafts And How To Make Apple Butter & Pretzel Truffles

August 2, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have some fun apple crafts to add to your apple study. Also, you’ll love some facts on my page Apple Lapbook and Apple Unit Study.

And you’ll making this fun apple butter and pretzel chocolate covered truffles with your children. It’s such a fun treat to add to your apple study.

Plus fun apple crafts help young children understand seasonal changes.

Fun Apple Crafts And How To Make Apple Butter & Pretzel Truffles

And apples can be made with paper, paint, felt, or just use real apple. There’s lots of room for imagination.

It’s easy to fold into other school subjects. Look below at my posts for activities for other subjects like math, geography, and history.

Today, you can some fun easy cooking or a delicious snack idea to end your day of learning.

BOOKS ABOUT APPLES FOR KIDS

First, look at these apple books.

8 Fun Learning About Apples Books and Resources

You will of course need a few great books that not only teach but that your kids will enjoy, a fun game or two, and maybe a few other items to make a fun apple unit.

Image for Apples (New & Updated Edition)

Apples (New & Updated Edition)

Discover the well-loved tradition of growing and picking apples - a fruit that has been in existence for about two million years. Explore the history of the apple but also the way that families and farmers grow and care for apple trees today, from planting to selling, to turning them into delicious treats and using them for classic games like "bobbing for apples" .

Image for How Do Apples Grow?

How Do Apples Grow?

This is a clear and appealing environmental science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom.

Questions addressed in this book include:

  • Did you know that when you bite into an apple, you're eating part of a flower?
  • Why do apple trees need bees to make apples?
  • How does the tree feed the growing apples and make them ready to eat?

Read and find out in the proven winner How Do Apples Grow!

Image for My Little Golden Book About Johnny Appleseed

My Little Golden Book About Johnny Appleseed

In this simple yet lively book, preschoolers will be introduced to John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed. Lyrical text and bright, appealing artwork capture the essence of this important American and early conservationist who traveled the country planting apple trees. Little ones will enjoy engaging anecdotes about Johnny Appleseed, beginning with the young John, who liked to walk barefoot in the cool, quiet woods.

Image for Ten Apples Up On Top!

Ten Apples Up On Top!

Don't let the apples drop! Three animal friends practice balancing apples on their heads in this hilarious introduction to counting, illustrated by Roy Mckie. The sturdy board book teaches all about numbers, with a dose of signature Seuss charm. Kids will learn to count to ten--and want to start all over again!

Image for SmartGames Apple Twist Travel Puzzle Game with 60 Challenges

SmartGames Apple Twist Travel Puzzle Game with 60 Challenges

  • An "apple" game board with five twisting levels to create different puzzles!
  • Includes 60 challenges and is great for on the go fun.
  • Helps develop Spatial Insight, Problem Solving, Planning and Logic Skills
  • All SmartGames are made with the highest quality materials to ensure long product life
  • Set Includes twisting apple game board, 3 caterpillar puzzle pieces and challenge booklet
Image for How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World (Dragonfly Books)

How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World (Dragonfly Books)

Bake a delicious apple pie--and take a trip with this culinary global adventure!An apple pie is easy to make...if the market is open. But if the market is closed, the world becomes your grocery store. This picture book takes readers around the globe to gather ingredients for a delicious apple pie. First hop a steamboat to Italy for the finest semolina wheat. Then hitch a ride to England and hijack a cow for the freshest possible milk. And, oh yes! Don't forget to go apple picking in Vermont! A simple recipe for apple pie is included.

Image for LeapFrog Tad's Fridge Phonics Magnetic Letter Set

LeapFrog Tad's Fridge Phonics Magnetic Letter Set

Choose a level and push the letter tiles into the letter slot to reinforce letter names, phonics and word skills
Magnetic back makes it great for fridge play in the kitchen
26 magnetic letter tiles stick to the fridge and help kids learn the shape of each letter
Three photo tiles can be customized with your own photos for a unique, personalized play experience.

Image for Food Anatomy: The Curious Parts & Pieces of Our Edible World

Food Anatomy: The Curious Parts & Pieces of Our Edible World

Get your recommended daily allowance of facts and fun with Food Anatomy, the third book in Julia Rothman’s best-selling Anatomy series. She starts with an illustrated history of food and ends with a global tour of street eats. Along the way, Rothman serves up a hilarious primer on short-order egg lingo and a mouthwatering menu of how people around the planet serve fried potatoes — and what we dip them in. Award-winning food journalist Rachel Wharton lends her expertise to this light-hearted exploration of everything food that bursts with little-known facts and delightful drawings. Everyday diners and seasoned foodies alike are sure to eat it up. 

Next, look at these apple craft ideas for multiple ages.

It’s a great way to teach your children together while learning about weather changes.

FUN APPLE CRAFTS

  • Alphabet Letter A is for Apple Craft for Preschool | Fun Apple Study
  • 10 Fall Apple Crafts and Make a Caramel Apple Craft on a Stick
  • 8 Facts About Johnny Appleseed and Sweet Johnny Appleseed Cookies
  • Apple Themed Back to School Crafts & Fun Calming Apple Jar Craft
  • Free Homeschool Volcano Unit Study and Fun Apple Volcano
  • Fun Apple Lapbook and Hands-on Unit Study for Multiple Ages
  • Apples Unit How to Make a Fall Kids Garland Apple Craft
  • Dried Apple Crafts: Hands-on Fun Shrunken Head Apple Craft for Kids
  • Kids Fun Hands-on Apple Unit Make Dried Apple Slices
Fun Apple Crafts And How To Make Apple Butter & Pretzel Truffles

Finally, look at how to make this fun apple butter and pretzel truffles recipe.

APPLE BUTTER AND PRETZEL TRUFFLES RECIPE

You will need:

Equipment:

  • Piping Bags
  • Microwave safe bowls
  • Spoons
  • Semi Sphere Mold

And a list of ingredients:

  • 9 Ounces Red Melting Chocolate
  • 2 Ounces Green Melting Chocolate
  • Apple Butter
  • Pretzels Sticks
  • Pretzels Bows
Fun Apple Crafts And How To Make Apple Butter & Pretzel Truffles

Clean and dry the mold, then set it aside for later.

Melt the red chocolate melts in the microwave, in a microwave safe bowl in 30 second increments until its liquid and smooth. Stirring in between each time.

Using a spoon pour the melted chocolate into the semi spheres of the mold.

Fun Apple Crafts And How To Make Apple Butter & Pretzel Truffles

Next use the back of the spoon to the spread the chocolate around, going up to the top edges of each semi spheres.

Place the mold in the freezer for 8 minutes.

Take the mold out of the freezer and add more chocolate to each sphere following the same steps as before.

Be sure to get enough chocolate on the side to make them stronger. Put the mold back in the freezer for 6 minutes.

Crush the pretzel bows into small pieces.

Fun Apple Crafts And How To Make Apple Butter & Pretzel Truffles

Using clean hands or a knife, break the pretzel sticks to less than a half inch tall, and place them to them side for later. 

FUN APPLE BUTTER PRETZEL TRUFFLES

Lay the mold with the hardened chocolate on a flat surface and spoon in the apple butter into each sphere.

Fun Apple Crafts And How To Make Apple Butter & Pretzel Truffles

Fill each section a third of the way.

Fun Apple Crafts And How To Make Apple Butter & Pretzel Truffles

Next add the small pretzel bow pieces on top of the apple butter.

Fun Apple Crafts And How To Make Apple Butter & Pretzel Truffles

Add enough pieces to cover the entire area inside the spheres.

Fun Apple Crafts And How To Make Apple Butter & Pretzel Truffles

Next if need reheat the red melting chocolate, then pour some over each open section to close up the semi spheres. Be sure to spread the chocolate over all the edges so the spheres are completely closed and nothing will leak out.

Fun Apple Crafts And How To Make Apple Butter & Pretzel Truffles

Place the mold back in the freezer for 8-10 minutes.

Take the mold out of the freezer, place it on a flat surface sphere side up, and gently push the truffles out of the mold.

Fun Apple Crafts And How To Make Apple Butter & Pretzel Truffles

Melt the green chocolate melts following the same instructions as above, put the green chocolate in a piping bag, and cut a small hole at the tip of the piping bag.

Pipe a leaf on top of the truffle, to pipe the leaf make tear drop shape. Putting the thicker side at the top of the truffle and thin it out as you go down the side til you make a point.

Quickly add the mini pretzel stick on top of the leaf while it’s still wet. If the stick doesn’t stay, pipe a little bit of green chocolate around it to hold it up. Let the chocolate dry.

Serve and Enjoy!

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

How To Make A LEGO Map Of The Mesopotamian Civilization

July 30, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

A LEGO map of the Mesopotamian civilization is a fantastic use of creativity for a kid who loves building but maybe not so much history. Also, look at my page Ancient Mesopotamia Fun Facts For Kids Who Love History for more hands-on history ideas.

too, look at my Ancient Civilizations page and my page From Simple to Spectacular: Easy LEGO Ideas for Everyone for more LEGO ideas.

Combining hands-on play with history lessons is one of the best ways to make learning come alive in your homeschool. This project works well for a wide range of ages.

How To Make A LEGO Map Of The Mesopotamian Civilization

Younger kids will love simply building rivers and stacking bricks into temples.

Older kids can research major cities, recreate specific buildings (like ziggurats), or add historical labels and write-ups to go with their map.

It’s a great addition to any ancient history curriculum, or even as a stand-alone unit study.

Instead of just reading about it, your kids can build the region.

And bring it to life, and better understand the geography, culture, and innovations of the people who lived there thousands of years ago. They will probably remember building LEGO maps with you for years to come.

ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA BOOKS FOR KIDS

Next, look at a few books I’ve rounded up for your study of Ancient Mesopotamia.

7 Books to Read About Ancient Mesopotamia

Mesopotamia is a region situated within the Tigris–Euphrates River system, in the northern part of the Fertile Crescent. Today, Mesopotamia occupies modern Iraq.  In the broader sense, the historical region included present-day Iraq and parts of present-day Iran, Kuwait, Syria, and Turkey.

Image for Gilgamesh the King (The Gilgamesh Trilogy)

Gilgamesh the King (The Gilgamesh Trilogy)

Gilgamesh, half-god and half-man, in his loneliness and isolation becomes a cruel tyrant over the citizens of Uruk. To impress them forever he orders a great wall to be built, driving his people to exhaustion and despair so that they cry to the Sun God for help.

Image for The Golden Bull: A Mesopotamian Adventure

The Golden Bull: A Mesopotamian Adventure

5,000 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia during a terrible drought, Jomar and Zefa's father must send his children away to the city of Ur because he can no longer feed them. At fourteen, Jomar is old enough to apprentice with Sidah, a master goldsmith for the temple of the moongod, but there is no place for Zefa in Sidah's household. Zefa, a talented but untrained musician, is forced to play her music and sing for alms on the streets of Ur.

Image for Science in Ancient Mesopotamia

Science in Ancient Mesopotamia

Describes the enormous accomplishments of the Sumerians and Babylonians of ancient Mesopotamia in every scientific area, a heritage which affects our own everyday lives

Image for Ancient Mesopotamia: The Sumerians, Babylonians, And Assyrians

Ancient Mesopotamia: The Sumerians, Babylonians, And Assyrians

Explores Sumerian, Babylonian, and Assyrian cultures, discussing social structure, lifestyles, and the military in these societies.

Image for Lugalbanda: The Boy Who Got Caught Up in a War: An Epic Tale From Ancient Iraq

Lugalbanda: The Boy Who Got Caught Up in a War: An Epic Tale From Ancient Iraq

Lugalbanda woke with a jolt. He opened his eyes and what did he see but the terrible Anzu bird beating its wings in its nest high above. . . . Did he quake? Did he quail? No. Lugalbanda the Brave sat and stared, and into his head came a brilliant idea.

Image for Mesopotamia (A True Book)

Mesopotamia (A True Book)

Presents the history of ancient Mesopotamia, describing the different groups of people who lived there, and their government, cities, everyday life, religion, and writing.

Image for You Wouldn't Want to Be a Sumerian Slave!

You Wouldn't Want to Be a Sumerian Slave!

Invites readers them to become the main character. Each book uses humorous illustrations to depict the sometimes dark and horrific side of life during important eras in history.

Now let’s jump right into this ancient history lesson. Mesopotamia, meaning “land between the rivers,” was located between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers in what is now modern-day Iraq and parts of Syria and Turkey.

It’s where humans first formed cities, developed written language, built temples, and created legal codes.

HISTORY OF ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA

Mesopotamia wasn’t just “the place between rivers”, it was a place of innovation, culture, and power that shaped the course of human history.

Let’s explore what made this region so important and what life might have looked like thousands of years ago.

Water was important to civilization here. The Tigris and Euphrates rivers flooded each year, depositing rich silt that made the land incredibly fertile. This allowed people to grow barley, wheat, dates, onions, and more.

But too much water, or not enough, could ruin everything. That’s why Mesopotamians invented irrigation systems with canals, ditches, and levees to control water flow.

These early engineering feats turned dry land into farmland and allowed cities to flourish.

How To Make A LEGO Map Of The Mesopotamian Civilization

Instead of one big country, Mesopotamia was made up of city-states—independent cities with their own rulers and gods. Each city-state had a ziggurat (a step-like temple), its own military, and farmland.

Some of the most famous Mesopotamian city-states include:

  • Ur – An important Sumerian city
  • Uruk – Known for the legendary King Gilgamesh
  • Lagash and Eridu – Among the earliest settlements

As cities grew, so did the need for leadership and order. Kings were seen as representatives of the gods and were responsible for keeping the gods happy through temple building and offerings.

One of the most famous rulers was Hammurabi, who created a written legal code known as Hammurabi’s Code. It included over 200 laws, many starting with, “If a man…”

LEARNING MADE EASY: ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA UNIT STUDY OUTLINE

Additionally, grab my unit study outline to guide you in your study.

How To Make A LEGO Map Of The Mesopotamian Civilization
  • Learning Made Easy: Ancient Mesopotamia Unit Study Outline

    Learning Made Easy: Ancient Mesopotamia Unit Study Outline

    $2.75
    Add to cart

My Mesopotamia Unit Study Outline is a handy tool to help you teach or for child led learning.

There are many advantages to a unit study outline instead of a fully fleshed out study.

For example, look at the topics covered in this outline.

  • Introduction
  • Geography and Environment
  • Ancient Mesopotamian Civilizations
  • Agriculture and Irrigation
  • Writing and Communication
  • Religion and Beliefs
  • Science and Technology
  • Trade and Commerce
  • Arts and Crafts
  • Exploration and Legacy
  • Culminating Activity

Next, look at these other activities.

ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIAN ACTIVITIES

  • Ancient Mesopotamian Ziggurat Activity
  • How to Make Unleavened Bread Ancient Mesopotamia Bread Recipe
  • Some fabulous Ancient Mesopotamia STEM Ideas!
  • The creativity in this Hands-on Ancient Babylon: Hanging Gardens Fun Activity will appeal to kids who love to make things with their own hands.
  • Here are some fun and free Ancient Mesopotamian Cards you can use in many ways beyond learning facts like using it as a memory game.
  • Find out more about Ancient Mesopotamia (Hands-on History): and Cook Sebetu Rolls.
  • Create this Hands-on Ancient Mesopotamia: Easy STEM Irrigation Activity
  • Hands-on Geography Mesopotamia: Fun Salt Dough Map

HOW TO MAKE A LEGO MAP OF THE MESOPOTAMIAN CIVILIZATION

You will need:

  • LEGO baseplate -green or tan
  • Assorted LEGO bricks (greens, blues, browns, tans, grays)
  • A printed or digital map of Ancient Mesopotamia for reference
How To Make A LEGO Map Of The Mesopotamian Civilization

Start with a green baseplate for the fertile areas.

How To Make A LEGO Map Of The Mesopotamian Civilization

Then, use blue bricks or pieces to create the Nile River, Tigris, and Euphrates, the Persian Gulf and Mediterranean Sea.

Use flat pieces if you have them and leave space for placing deserts, farmland,etc…

How To Make A LEGO Map Of The Mesopotamian Civilization

Use beige bricks to show the surrounding deserts. This highlights how the Fertile Crescent stood out from the dry land around it.

Layer dark brown bricks in a small mountain form to represent the Zagros Mountains.

How To Make A LEGO Map Of The Mesopotamian Civilization

Add in farmland with brown tiles and LEGO greenery.

How To Make A LEGO Map Of The Mesopotamian Civilization

Build ziggurats by stacking tan pieces, the Mesopotamia version of a pyramid.

How To Make A LEGO Map Of The Mesopotamian Civilization

Finally, use sticky notes or cardstock to create handwritten labels for the rivers, cities, and modern-day countries.

How To Make A LEGO Map Of The Mesopotamian Civilization

You can also include:

  • Boats on the rivers
  • Minifigures or plastic ancient Egypt figures
  • Farms and irrigation canals
  • Brick pyramids or ziggurats
  • Animals like sheep and goats

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: ancient civilizations, Ancient HIstory, crafts, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, homeschool, homeschoolhistory, mesopotamia

Easy Van Gogh Art Beautiful Starry Night Fork Painting

July 29, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have an easy Van Gogh art craft for you today. This fun Starry Night craft is not only creative but gets your child excited to learn about famous artists. And look at my page Free Art Unit & Curriculum Grades 1 – 8  for more ideas

Did I mention it’s low mess and requires just a few ingredients?

And the lesson is based on one of Van Gogh’s most iconic paintings in the world, Starry Night.

Easy Van Gogh Art Beautiful Starry Night Fork Painting

And using a plastic fork is a fun twist on art. Kids can drag their forks through painting to create the swirls and follow the textured pattern.

Too, you can teach art history in a fun way. For example, kids can learn how Van Gogh used movement and color to express emotion. They are gently introduced to art history.

And your child doesn’t have to follow exactly the craft I have below.

Van Gogh’s painting are about how he felt too. Some art may have brighter bold colors and others not so much.

BOOKS ABOUT VAN GOGH FOR KIDS

First, look at these books.

3 Books About Vincent Van Gogh and His Art for Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

Add some of these books about Vincent Van Gogh and his life and art to your home library or unit study.

Image for Exploring Landscape Art with Children (Come Look With Me)

Exploring Landscape Art with Children (Come Look With Me)

In COME LOOK WITH ME: EXPLORING LANDSCAPE ART WITH CHILDREN art educator Gladys S. Blizzard introduces boys and girls to 12 magnificent landscape paintings. Through these carefully selected works and a thought-provoking text, the author guides students toward an imaginative new way of looking at art.This book is suited both for family reading and for sharing with a small group. Each full-color reproduction is accompanied by a brief biological sketch of the artist and a series of open-ended questions designed to make the most of a child's natural curiosity.

Image for Babar's Museum of Art [BABARS MUSEUM OF ART]

Babar's Museum of Art [BABARS MUSEUM OF ART]

Abrams is pleased to introduce its new line of stationery to be published simultaneously with the all-new book Babar's Museum of Art by Laurent de Brunhoff. Featuring elephant-inspired versions of some of the best-known paintings in the world, our note card set and journal will appeal to Babar fans and art lovers of all ages. This adorable journal features full-color elephant paintings from Babar's Museum of Art on both the front and back covers and end papers.

Image for Vincent van Gogh (Revised Edition) (Getting to Know the World's Greatest Artists)

Vincent van Gogh (Revised Edition) (Getting to Know the World's Greatest Artists)

Meet Artist Vincent van Gogh!

Getting to Know the World's Greatest Artists series combines a delightful mix of full-color historical reproductions, photos, and hilarious cartoon-style illustrations that bring to life the works of renowned artists, combining poignant anecdotes with important factual information for readers (Ages 8-9).This book provides an entertaining and humorous introduction to the famous artist, Vincent van Gogh. Full-color reproductions of the actual paintings are enhanced by Venezia's clever illustrations and story line.

Next, look at these other Van Gogh inspired crafts.

CRAFTS FOR KIDS INSPIRED BY VAN GOGH

  • Easy Van Gogh Crafts And Awesome Printable Quick Study
  • Look at more Paint a Stunning Van Gogh Masterpiece Using Forks
  • How To Make Sunflower Craft Like Van Gogh For Young Crafters
  • 10 Van Gogh Projects for Kids
Easy Van Gogh Art Beautiful Starry Night Fork Painting

Also, look at this fun Van Gogh study you’ll love.

VAN GOGH PRINTABLE QUICK STUDY

This artist study has over 50 pages, and includes:

  • Vincent van Gogh biography
  • Style
  • Techniques
  • Closer look at famous paintings
  • Wheat Field with Cypresses (1889)
  • The Starry Night (1889)
  • Portrait of the Postman Joseph Roulin (1888)
  • Use of Color & emotion
  • Letters to Theo
  • Value of his art over time
  • Post-impressionist Art
  • Van Gogh vs. Monet
  • Self Portraits
  • Create Art Like van Gogh
  • van Gogh Quiz
Easy Van Gogh Art Beautiful Starry Night Fork Painting
  • Quick And Easy Study: Vincent Van Gogh For Kids

    Quick And Easy Study: Vincent Van Gogh For Kids

    $4.00
    Add to cart

Finally, look at how to make this fun Starry Night craft.

STARRY NIGHT FORK PAINTING

First, look at this list of supplies.

  • Blue construction paper (dark or royal blue works well as the background)
  • Paint:
    • 2 Shades of blue
    • 2 Shades of yellow
    • Black
  • Plastic fork
  • Paper plate or tray for paint
  • Paper towel or wipes for cleanup

First, start with a sheet of blue construction paper to represent the night sky.

Prep the paint by pouring out small amounts of each color onto a paper plate.

Easy Van Gogh Art Beautiful Starry Night Fork Painting

Then paint the sky.  

Easy Van Gogh Art Beautiful Starry Night Fork Painting

Dip the fork into light blue paint and drag it across the paper in a spiral to form the swirling wind patterns.

Easy Van Gogh Art Beautiful Starry Night Fork Painting

Then, add yellow highlights to layer texture and movement like Van Gogh’s sky.

Easy Van Gogh Art Beautiful Starry Night Fork Painting

Next, add the stars and moon. Dip the fork into yellow paint and stamp or swirl it in a circular motion to create stars and a glowing moon.

Easy Van Gogh Art Beautiful Starry Night Fork Painting

Add smaller strokes of a different shade of yellow around them to mimic radiating light.

Now, create the town. Use light blue and yellow in alternating horizontal and vertical short strokes for the lights.

Then drag black horizontally across to suggest buildings.

Easy Van Gogh Art Beautiful Starry Night Fork Painting

Next, paint the town and lands cape.  Use black paint and your fork to create the tall tower/castle on the left. Make jagged, upward strokes for texture.

Easy Van Gogh Art Beautiful Starry Night Fork Painting

Then drag the fork horizontally across the bottom to build the dark rolling hills and reflections.

Easy Van Gogh Art Beautiful Starry Night Fork Painting

 Keep layering strokes of different colors with the fork to give your painting texture, motion, and contrast. Add dark blue streaks to empty parts of the sky to suggest brush strokes.

Let dry completely.

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

Cheetah Craft for Kids: Easy Steps to Create an Adorable Mask

July 28, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

If you are taking a virtual trip to the Serengeti grab a cheetah craft for kids or two and make it a fun hands-on experience that your children won’t forget. Also, look at my Free Africa Unit Study for more hands-on ideas.

I am bringing you a roundup of fun ideas from and a tutorial for an adorable cheetah mask.

Use them to create a simple mini unit or just a single day of cheetah fun and learning.

Cheetah Craft for Kids: Easy Steps to Create an Adorable Mask

This simple craft brings in a science element.

Too there is an opportunity for building fine motor skills, art, and even geography as you find the places cheetahs live in the wild on a map.

A cheetah is a big wild cat that lives in Africa.

Cheetahs have spots all over their fur, small heads, and long, lean legs made for running. They use their speed to chase and catch their food, like antelopes or hares.

BOOKS ABOUT AFRICA FOR CHILDREN

13 Resources for Children Studying About Africa

Add one or two of these books to your study about the art of Africa.

Image for Africa For Kids: People, Places and Cultures - Children Explore The World Books

Africa For Kids: People, Places and Cultures - Children Explore The World Books

Africa For Kids: People, Places, Culture gives children not only a peek into the land and its people but the artwork of even simple everyday items like weaving and serving plates.

Image for Africa Coloring Book For Kids!

Africa Coloring Book For Kids!

Here is a coloring book filled with African souvenirs to color that is soothing and a great springboard for discussion.

Image for African Patterns Scrapbook Paper

African Patterns Scrapbook Paper

I found this beautiful book of African Patterned Scrapbook paper that can be used for many craft projects.

Image for Africa, Amazing Africa: Country by Country

Africa, Amazing Africa: Country by Country

Atinuke’s first non-fiction title is a major publishing event: a celebration of all 55 countries on the African continent! Her beautifully-written text captures Africa’s unique mix of the modern and the traditional, as she explores its geography, its peoples, its animals, its history, its resources and its cultural diversity. The book divides Africa into five sections: South, East, West, Central and North, each with its own introduction. This is followed by a page per country, containing a delightful mix of friendly, informative text and colourful illustrations.

Image for Africa Is Not a Country

Africa Is Not a Country

Enter into the daily life of children in the many countries of modern Africa. Countering stereotypes, Africa Is Not a Country celebrates the extraordinary diversity of this vibrant continent as experienced by children at home, at school, at work, and at play.

Image for The Water Princess

The Water Princess

With its wide sky and warm earth, Princess Gie Gie’s kingdom is a beautiful land. But clean drinking water is scarce in her small African village. And try as she might, Gie Gie cannot bring the water closer; she cannot make it run clearer. Every morning, she rises before the sun to make the long journey to the well. Instead of a crown, she wears a heavy pot on her head to collect the water. After the voyage home, after boiling the water to drink and clean with, Gie Gie thinks of the trip that tomorrow will bring. And she dreams. She dreams of a day when her village will have cool, crystal-clear water of its own.

Image for Ashanti to Zulu: African Traditions (Picture Puffin Books)

Ashanti to Zulu: African Traditions (Picture Puffin Books)

Artists Leo and Diane Dillon won their second consecutive Caldecott Medal for this stunning ABC of African culture. "Another virtuoso performance. . . . Such an astute blend of aesthetics and information is admirable, the child's eye will be rewarded many times over."

Image for When Stars Are Scattered

When Stars Are Scattered

Omar and his brother Hassan, two Somali boys, have spent a long time in the Dadaab refugee camp. Separated from their mother, they are looked after by a friendly stranger. Life in the camp isn't always easy. The hunger is constant . . . but there's football to look forward to, and now there's a chance Omar will get to go to school . . .With a heart-wrenching fairytale ending, this incredible true story is brought to life by Victoria's stunning illustrations. This book perfectly depicts life in a refugee camp for 8-12 year olds.

Image for The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, Young Reader's Edition

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, Young Reader's Edition

When a terrible drought struck William Kamkwamba's tiny village in Malawi, his family lost all of the season's crops, leaving them with nothing to eat and nothing to sell. William began to explore science books in his village library, looking for a solution. There, he came up with the idea that would change his family's life forever: he could build a windmill. Made out of scrap metal and old bicycle parts, William's windmill brought electricity to his home and helped his family pump the water they needed to farm the land. Retold for a younger audience, this exciting memoir shows how, even in a desperate situation, one boy's brilliant idea can light up the world. Complete with photographs, illustrations, and an epilogue that will bring readers up to date on William's story, this is the perfect edition to read and share with the whole family.

Image for Things Fall Apart

Things Fall Apart

Things Fall Apart is the first of three novels in Chinua Achebe's critically acclaimed African Trilogy. It is a classic narrative about Africa's cataclysmic encounter with Europe as it establishes a colonial presence on the continent. Told through the fictional experiences of Okonkwo, a wealthy and fearless Igbo warrior of Umuofia in the late 1800s, Things Fall Apart explores one man's futile resistance to the devaluing of his Igbo traditions by British political andreligious forces and his despair as his community capitulates to the powerful new order. With more than 20 million copies sold and translated into fifty-seven languages, Things Fall Apart provides one of the most illuminating and permanent monuments to African experience. Achebe does not only capture life in a pre-colonial African village, he conveys the tragedy of the loss of that world while broadening our understanding of our contemporary realities.

Image for Wildlife of East Africa (Princeton Pocket Guides, 3)

Wildlife of East Africa (Princeton Pocket Guides, 3)

Those looking for a concise yet informative, visually breathtaking yet affordable East African safari need look no further than this spectacular field guide. Featuring full-color photos of 475 common species of bird, mammal, snake, lizard, insect, tree, and flower, Wildlife of East Africa takes us on an exquisite one-volume tour through the living splendor of the main national parks and game reserves of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Many of the species included--from pelicans to plovers, ostriches to elephants, from the daintiest of antelopes to cattlelike giants, from leopards to lions, baboons to gorillas, chameleons to crocodiles, acacias to aloes--also inhabit neighboring countries. The selection was based on the personal experiences of the authors, wildlife experts who have been leading safaris in the region for more than twenty years.

Image for Facing the Lion: Growing Up Maasai on the African Savanna

Facing the Lion: Growing Up Maasai on the African Savanna

Heads up: this is a great book but there is a rite of passage and has a part about circumcision.

Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton gives American kids a firsthand look at growing up in Kenya as a member of a tribe of nomads whose livelihood centers on the raising and grazing of cattle. Readers share Lekuton's first encounter with a lion, the epitome of bravery in the warrior tradition. They follow his mischievous antics as a young Maasai cattle herder, coming-of-age initiation, boarding school escapades, soccer success, and journey to America for college. Lekuton's riveting text combines exotic details of nomadic life with the universal experience and emotions of a growing boy.

Image for The Bitter Side of Sweet

The Bitter Side of Sweet

Fifteen-year-old Amadou counts the things that matter. For two years what has mattered are the number of cacao pods he and his younger brother, Seydou, can chop down in a day. The higher the number the safer they are. The higher the number the closer they are to paying off their debt and returning home. Maybe. The problem is Amadou doesn’t know how much he and Seydou owe, and the bosses won’t tell him. The boys only wanted to make money to help their impoverished family, instead they were tricked into forced labor on a plantation in the Ivory Coast. With no hope of escape, all they can do is try their best to stay alive—until Khadija comes into their lives. She’s the first girl who’s ever come to camp, and she’s a wild thing. She fights bravely every day, attempting escape again and again, reminding Amadou what it means to be free. But finally, the bosses break her, and what happens next to the brother he has always tried to protect almost breaks Amadou. The three band together as family and try just once more to escape.

Here are fun facts, books, videos, and more crafts to make it a great experience for you and your preschooler.

6 FUN CHEETAH FACTS FOR KIDS

  1. Cheetahs can go from 0 to 60 mph in 3 seconds and run up to 70 miles per hour.
  2. They don’t roar like lions—they chirp and purr to communicate.
  3. No two cheetahs have the same spots, just like people don’t have the same fingerprints.
  4. Cheetahs can see very well during the day, which helps them hunt.
  5. In the wild cheetahs live in Africa, especially in countries like Kenya and Namibia.
  6. Baby cheetahs are called cubs. Cubs are born with fluffy, silver-colored fur on their backs called a mantle. It helps them blend in with the grass to stay safe from predators like lions or hyenas.

WHAT DO CHEETAHS LOOK LIKE

  • Spotted fur – Their golden-yellow coat is covered in black spots, like polka dots.
  • Small head and big eyes – Their eyes help them see far away.
  • Tear lines – They have black lines from their eyes to their mouth, kind of like football players. These help keep the sun out of their eyes.
  • Long tail – It helps them balance when they run really fast and turn quickly.
Cheetah Craft for Kids: Easy Steps to Create an Adorable Mask

Then, look at these fun cheetah crafts and resources.

CHEETAH CRAFTS AND RESOURCES

  • Make a simple Cardboard Tube Cheetah Craft.
  •  Run Like a Cheetah Game- Set up a safe space outside and let your child see how fast they can run,  time them with a stopwatch for extra fun.
  • Interesting Facts For Kids About Africa | Cute Handprint Cheetah
  • Animal Movement Game-Pretend to be animals: crawl like a cheetah sneaking, pounce like a cub, and race like a cheetah on the run.
  • Visit a local zoo if you are able and see a cheetah, observe its movements and habits.
  • Watch the 5 minute video Cheetahs For Kids: Learn All About Cheetahs.
  • I always have resources on hand that can be used for more than one topic like the wonderful books An Anthology of Intriguing Animals and Wildlife Anatomy.
  • Cheetah figurines like this family are wonderful for dioramas, sensory bins, block play, and so much more.
  • Turn an old CD or DVD into this cute C for Cheetah Craft with Printable Template – Animal Crafts

EASY STEPS TO CREATE AN ADORABLE MASK

You will need:

  • Paper plate
  • Yellow tissue
  • Black tissue
  • School glue
  • Foam brush
  • Jumbo craft stick
  • scissors
Cheetah Craft for Kids: Easy Steps to Create an Adorable Mask

First, flip the plate so that it is upside down, “paint” the entire backside with glue, you can water it down a bit to make it easier to spread.

Cheetah Craft for Kids: Easy Steps to Create an Adorable Mask

Press yellow tissue paper into the glue, add more glue as needed.

Cheetah Craft for Kids: Easy Steps to Create an Adorable Mask

Allow to dry and then tear or cut the paper off around the edges.

While you are waiting for the glue to dry, tear black tissue paper into small irregular circle shapes, set aside.

Cheetah Craft for Kids: Easy Steps to Create an Adorable Mask

Use a black marker to draw the nose, mouth, and tear lines. This is a great time to talk about the purpose of the black tear lines-which is to cut down on glare and help them see better in the sun.

Cheetah Craft for Kids: Easy Steps to Create an Adorable Mask

Dab glue around the plate and press the black tissue dots into the glue, leaving the eye area clear.

Cheetah Craft for Kids: Easy Steps to Create an Adorable Mask

Measure your child’s face and eyes and cut out the eyeholes accordingly.

Cheetah Craft for Kids: Easy Steps to Create an Adorable Mask

Trace the eyes thickly with black marker to make them stand out.

Cheetah Craft for Kids: Easy Steps to Create an Adorable Mask

Finally, create ears by cutting a half oval of yellow tissue paper and a smaller one from black tissue paper.

Cheetah Craft for Kids: Easy Steps to Create an Adorable Mask

Glue the black onto the yellow and adhere it to the inside of the plate with glue.

Cheetah Craft for Kids: Easy Steps to Create an Adorable Mask

You can either staple string to hold the mask on but we really enjoy being able to hold it up and take it down easily.

Cheetah Craft for Kids: Easy Steps to Create an Adorable Mask

So, I tape a jumbo craft stick to the bottom so the child can simply hold it up.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: cheetah, crafts, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, life science, science

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 39
  • Page 40
  • Page 41
  • Page 42
  • Page 43
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 224
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Footer

Privacy Policy | About Me | Reviews | Contact | Advertise

Categories

Archives

Tina Robertson is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2026 · 5 TNT LLC · Log in · Privacy Policy