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How to Make Salt Dough Bug Fossils & Fossil Definition Kids

April 26, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We’re learning how to make salt dough bug fossils and learning a fossil definition kids. Also, you’ll love my Amber – Freezing Gold Lapbook and Unit Study.

Sometimes it’s easier to explain a definition like what is a fossil when kids do a hands-on craft.

Learning about bugs in the spring too when bugs seem to be plentiful makes a fun study.

How to Make Salt Dough Bug Fossils & Fossil Definition Kids

When people think of fossils, we think of huge dinosaurs but smaller fossils like bugs can be fascinating.

For example, amber traps bugs like glue. And bugs don’t have bones but their hard shells can still fossilize.

Bug fossils can show tiny details like eyes, wings, and even hair.

BOOKS ABOUT FOSSILS

Next, look at these books about fossils and of course dinosaurs which go hand in hand with learning about fossils

15 Books for Kids Crazy About Fossils and Dinosaurs

Your dinosaur loving kids will love some of these books and resources for a fun dinosaur unit study.

Fossils Tell of Long Ago

What is a fossil? Sometimes it's the imprint of an ancient leaf in a rock. Or it could be the skeleton of a dinosaur that has turned to stone. With clear prose and beautifully detailed illustrations, award-winning author and illustrator Aliki describes the different ways fossils are formed and what they tell us about life on Earth long ago.

This is a clear and appealing science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom. It includes a find out more section with a glossary and activity guide so kids can create their own fossils for someone to find a million years from now.

Dinosaurs! (New & Updated)

Gail Gibbons presents the most recent and up-to-date theories about the history of dinosaurs and dinosaur discoveries. She discusses the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods and the non-bird dinosaurs that lived during each time. Each dinosaur is explored in just the right amount of detail for young paleontologists, as this book brings these magnificent creatures to life again

Digging Up Dinosaurs (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2)

How did those enormous dinosaur skeletons get inside the museum? Beloved author-illustrator Aliki’s simple, engaging text and colorful artwork bring the long-extinct creatures to life for young dinosaur enthusiasts.

Long ago, dinosaurs ruled the Earth. Then, suddenly, they died out. For thousands of years, no one knew these giant creatures had ever existed. Then people began finding fossils—bones and teeth and footprints that had turned to stone. Today, teams of experts work together to dig dinosaur fossils out of the ground, bone by fragile bone

How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?

A playful peek into the homes of dinosaur babies and their parents at bedtime!How do dinosaurs say good night?Brimming with humor and familiar good-night antics, here is a playful peek into the homes of dinosaur children and their parents at bedtime. Perfect for sharing and reading aloud, this is one nighttime book your own little dinosaur will want to read again and again.

Dinosaur Roar!

A celebratory edition of this much loved classic picture book, now twenty-five years old. This rollicking rhyming text is a joy to read aloud, and the charming and colourful pictures will appeal to the very youngest dinosaur fans. Originally published in 1994, Dinosaur Roar! by Henrietta and Paul Stickland is now seen as a modern classic, a book that every preschool child should have.In the back of the book is a wonderful pull-out poster showing the dinosaur characters.The book carries the endorsement of the Earth Sciences Department at the Natural History Museum.

Dinosaur Bones

With a lively rhyming text and vibrant paper collage illustrations, author-artist Bob Barner shakes the dust off the dinosaur bones found in museums and reminds us that they once belonged to
living, breathing creatures. Filled with fun dinosaur facts (a T. Rex skull can weigh up to 750 pounds!) and an informational "Dinometer," Dinosaur Bones is sure to make young dinosaur enthusiasts roar with delight.

Dinosaurs, Dinosaurs

A long time ago there were dinosaurs. Big dinosaurs and small dinosaurs. Dinosaurs with horns on their heads or spikes down their backs. Dinosaurs with long, long necks and long, long tails. Imaginatively and with a masterful use of color, shape and composition, Bryon Barton brings to life a unique and endearing vision of what the world may have looked like once upon a time.

A long time ago there was dinosaurs. Big dinosaurs and small dinosaurs. Dinosaurs with horns on their heads or spikes down their backs. Dinosaurs with long, long necks and long, long tails.Imaginatively and with a masterful use of color, shape and composition, Byron Barton brings to life unique and endearing vision of what the world may have looked like once up ona time.

Here We Go Digging for Dinosaur Bones

This STEM-friendly musical fossil dig will have dinosaur lovers singing along as they learn the science behind paleontology.

I Dreamt I Was a Dinosaur

If you could be a dinosaur, which would you be? Would you roar like the ferocious T-Rex? Or soar overhead like the pterodactyl? In this playful early-learning book, Stella Blackstone s lyrical, rhyming text takes readers on an unforgettable Jurassic journey, while fabric artist Clare Beaton recreates the prehistoric world of dinosaurs using a colorful array of felt, sequins, beads and buttons.

T Is for Terrible: A Picture Book

I am Tyrannosaurus Rex.

I am a dinosaur,

otherwise known as

a terrible lizard.

Tyrannosaurus rex is a terrible dinosaur; of this, everyone is certain. But is this dinosaur really so terrible? He IS very big and very hungry. True, he might even eat his neighbors for lunch. But from his point of view, he can't help it. After all, he's not a vegetarian . . .

The Shy Stegosaurus of Cricket Creek

Meet George. He's strong, as a giant dinosaur should be, strong enough to wreck a plane! (Of course he thinks it's his old enemy, the flying Pteranodon.) He's loyal. He'll do anything to help Joan and Joey save their mother's ranch at Cricket Creek, even chase a bank robber. He's shy. He's so shy he gets Joan and Joey into hilarious, dinosaur sized trouble!

The Magic School Bus in the Time of Dinosaurs

The classroom is decorated as Dinosaur Land, but Ms. Frizzle-inspired by an archeological dig-craves a more authentic experience. The Magic School Bus turns into a time machine and transports the class back millions of years to an adventure where they learn about dinosaurs, their habitats and diets, and even a Maiasaura nesting ground.

Fossils (A True Book: Earth Science)

Fossils are one of the most important tools we have for learning about long-extinct wildlife.

A True Book: Earth Science series presents fascinating facts and fun activities that will engage the budding earth scientist, while exploring the fields of geology, meteorology, ecology, and more. This series includes an age appropriate (grades 3-5) introduction to curriculum-relevant subjects and a robust resource section that encourages independent study. In the 4.6 billion years since Earth was formed, many plant and animal species have come and gone. Readers will discover how fossils are formed, how paleontologists search for them, and what kinds of information they can provide.

Paleontological Fossils Sample- Paleontology Trilobite Fossil, Scientific Amber Specimen

A box of ten fossils: A box of this paleontological fossil sample contains ten of fossils, including sea clam fossils, trilobites, ichthyodonts, porphyrites, copal amber, graptolites, nematodes, phylloceras, corals, and spirals. Fossil specimen of algae.

Ancient Fossils TOOB - Figurines: Dino Footprint, Giant Crab, Ammonite, Raptor Claw, T-Rex Tooth, Frog Skeleton, Sea Scorpion & More

Step into Prehistory: This Toob contains 10 expertly hand-painted mini figurines of ancient fossils, including a Dinosaur Footprint, Giant Crab, Ammonite, Raptor Claw, Fossilized Frog, Trilobite, T-Rex Tooth, Fossilized Fish, Dinosaur Skin, and a Sea Scorpion.

Next, look at more activities to include with this one.

MORE FOSSIL ACTIVITIES FOR FOSSIL DEFINITIONS KIDS

  • Fun Facts About Mold Fossils & 4 Types of Fossil Activities For Kids
  • Make Fun Edible Fossils and Free Magic School Bus Fossils Worksheet
  • Science Fiction for Middle School Fun Jurassic Park Quick Unit Study (DIY Insect in Amber)

ACTIVITIES ABOUT BUGS AND INSECTS

  • Bugs Facts For Kids And Free Paper Bug Bracelets
  • Free Ant Study
  • Fascinating and Fun Honey Bees Unit Study and Lapbook for Kids
  • 4 Cicada Insect Fun Facts For Kids | How to Make A Cicada Clothespin Craft
  • Free Kids Insect Unit Study
  • How to Make a Fun Ladybug Watercolor Labeled Picture
  • Free Butterfly Unit Study For Kids and Fun Sponge Stamping
  • Fun and Easy Hands-on Life Cycle Butterfly Activity for Kids
  • 8 Insect Fun Facts About Texas For Kids | Easy Dragonfly Craft
How to Make Salt Dough Bug Fossils & Fossil Definition Kids

FOSSIL DEFINITION KIDS

In addition, learn what is fossil definition. A simple definition of what is a bug fossil can be easy to explain.

A bug fossil is the preserved remains or impression of an ancient insect or arthropod. For example, think about spiders and centipedes.

And there are two main ways bugs can become fossils like sedimentary rock fossils and amber fossils

Finally, look at how to make salt dough bug fossils.

HOW TO MAKE SALT DOUGH BUG FOSSILS

First, look at this list of supplies.

  • 1 Cup flour
  • ½ Cup salt
  • ½ Cup water
  • Bowl
  • Spoon
  • Round biscuit cutter (or a cup)
  • Rolling pin
  • Parchment paper
  • Small cooking sheet
  • Plastic bugs
  • Paint (optional)
How to Make Salt Dough Bug Fossils & Fossil Definition Kids

Preheat oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Add flour and salt to the bowl, and stir to combine.

How to Make Salt Dough Bug Fossils & Fossil Definition Kids

Pour the water into the flour and salt mixture.

How to Make Salt Dough Bug Fossils & Fossil Definition Kids

Stir until a dough ball forms.

Knead the dough with your hands until the salt dough is completely incorporated.

How to Make Salt Dough Bug Fossils & Fossil Definition Kids

Place a piece of parchment paper on a flat surface. Use the rolling pin to roll the dough out.

How to Make Salt Dough Bug Fossils & Fossil Definition Kids

Use the round biscuit cutter or a cup to make round cutouts.

How to Make Salt Dough Bug Fossils & Fossil Definition Kids

Remove the extra dough.

Leaving just the cutouts on the parchment paper.

How to Make Salt Dough Bug Fossils & Fossil Definition Kids

Carefully press a plastic bug into the salt dough, then gently remove the bug.

How to Make Salt Dough Bug Fossils & Fossil Definition Kids

Repeat the step above until all the salt dough cutouts have a fossil imprinted.

Carefully place the parchment paper onto the cooking sheet.

Bake for 1 hour. Carefully flip the salt dough cutouts over and continue to bake for an additional hour.

Let the salt dough fossil cool completely before handling. Paint salt dough fossils (if you choose to).

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: bug, elementary science, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschoolscience, insects, life science, science

Fun Moon Facts For Kids And Free Moon Phases Printable

April 25, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have some fun moon facts for kids and a free moon phases printable. Also, look at my page Exploring Space and Astronomy Free Unit Study for Multiple Ages for more ideas.

Because the moon can appear to have a different shape every night, it makes for a fascinating study for any age.

And the moon goes through something called lunar phases and we’re learning about them today.

Fun Moon Facts For Kids And Free Moon Phases Printable

The moon is earth’s only satellite.

Too, it doesn’t have any light of its own but reflects the sun’s light.

Too, the moon doesn’t change shapes. It looks different depending on how the sunlight hits it.

Also, look at these fun moon books to include while learning fun moon facts for kids.

BOOKS ABOUT THE MOON FOR KIDS

12 Resources and Books For Studying About the Moon and Galileo

If you want to focus on the moon in your astronomy and space unit study, add one of these fun resources to your day.

1. Who Was Galileo?

Like Michelangelo, Galileo is another Renaissance great known just by his first name--a name that is synonymous with scientific achievement. Born in Pisa, Italy, in the sixteenth century, Galileo contributed to the era's great rebirth of knowledge. He invented a telescope to observe the heavens. From there, not even the sky was the limit!

2. The Moon Book (New & Updated Edition)

This newly revised edition, available in time for the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, incorporates new, up-to-date information based on recent discoveries, and includes an updated map of the moon's surface. Thoroughly vetted by an astrophysics expert, The Moon Book is a perfect introduction to lunar phases, orbit, the history of space exploration, and more.

3. Galileo and the Magic Numbers

Sixteenth century Italy produced a genius who marked the world with his studies and hypotheses about mathematical, physical and astronomical truths. His father, musician Vincenzio Galilei said, “Truth is not found behind a man’s reputation. Truth appears only when the answers to questions are searched out by a free mind. This is not the easy path in life but it is the most rewarding.” Galileo challenged divine law and the physics of Aristotle, and questioned everything in search of truths. And it was through this quest for truth that he was able to establish a structure for modern science.

4. Moon: A Peek-Through Picture Book

It’s the perfect light nonfiction book for young stargazers—and an ideal bedtime book, ending with a giant moon hovering over a sleepy town hunkered down for bed.

5. Moon Lamp

Novelty Moon Lighting: Realistic Colorful Star Galaxy printed 🌌 Moon Lamp with advanced 3D technology. Now decorate your bedroom, hall, office or desk with our Space Theme gorgeous Galaxy Lamp. Your guests will definitely admire the beauty of this lively moon light.

6. Refracting Telescope for Kids Beginners

Quality Optics: 400mm(f/5.7) focal length and 70mm aperture, fully coated optics glass lens with high transmission coatings creates stunning images and protect your eyes. Perfect telescope for astronomers to explore stars and moon.

7. Jupiter (Planets in Our Solar System)

Everything about Jupiter is big! Its size is big. Even its storms are big! Get the big and small facts about this gas giant that can be seen glowing in the night sky.

8. Galileo Galilei (Genius Series)

Astronomer, physicist, and philosopher Galileo Galilei was referred to as "The Father of Modern Science," because of his groundbreaking research. Making observations about nature, and using mathematics to back them up, he proved the Copernican Theory true: the Sun, not the Earth, is the center of the universe. Join Galileo on his pioneering journey to see why his work had such long-lasting implications, and why the Catholic Church even condemned him for heresy.

9. What the Moon is Like

Imagine that you're walking on the moon. What is it like? For thousands of years people looked up at the moon and wondered about it. Now we know what the moon is like. There is no air on the moon and nothing grows, but there are towering mountains and deep craters—and much more.

Colder than the desert, the hotter than the desert, the moon is an amazing place to explore.

10. A Kite for Moon

What would it be like if the moon was your friend? Find out as you walk alongside a little boy who journeys through life to achieve his dream of becoming an astronaut. And then blast off with your little one as you zoom to the moon together!

The story begins when a little boy, who is flying his kite, notices a sad Moon. He sends up kites to her, writing notes promising he will come see her someday. This promise propels him through years of studying, learning, and training to become an astronaut. Until … he finally goes up, up, up in a big rocket ship with a fiery tail.

A Kite for Moon:

  • Features over 20 gorgeous illustrations by award-winning artist Matt Phelan
  • Is the perfect storybook for children ages 4 to 8
  • Celebrates every child’s fascination with space

11. Large Massive Meteorite Specimen

You could also grab these meteorite specimens (artificial) to let your child use for impact craters!

Moon! Earth's Best Friend (Our Universe, 3)

Meet Moon! She's more than just a rock―she’s Earth’s rock, her best friend she can always count on. Moon never turns her back on her friend (literally: she's always facing Earth with the same side!). These two will stick together forever. With characteristic humor and charm, Stacy McAnulty channels the voice of Moon in this next celestial "autobiography" in the Our Universe series. Rich with kid-friendly facts and beautifully brought to life by Stevie Lewis, this is an equally charming and irresistible companion to Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years and Sun! One in a Billion.

Next, look at these facts about the moon.

FUN MOON FACTS FOR KIDS

  1. There’s no wind or weather on the Moon.
  2. The lunar phases are new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, last quarter, and waning crescent.
  3. The full cycle takes about 29.5 days. This is known as a lunar month.
  4. The Moon rotates on its axis at the same rate that it orbits Earth.
  5. And the moon’s gravitational pull tugs on Earth’s oceans, causing the water to rise and fall. This is why we have high tide and low tide.
  6. The first human to walk the moon was Neil Armstrong, who famously said: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
  7. The moon has no atmosphere.
  8. There is no air to breathe.
  9. Temperature can vary from boiling hot to freezing cold.
  10. Astronauts foot prints can last a long time because there is no wind or rain to erase them.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE FREE MOON PHASES PRINTABLE

  • 10 page download
  • Phases of the moon cycle
  • Cut/Paste phases of the moon cycle
  • 3 pages phases of the moon cards
  • 3 pages phases of the moon flash card

These pages are perfect to motivate the self-learner or to use with my large Exploring Space and Astronomy Free Unit Study for Multiple Ages.

Fun Moon Facts For Kids And Free Moon Phases Printable

Also, look at more learning about the moon activities.

MORE LEARNING ABOUT THE MOON ACTIVITIES

  • Free Moon Journal For Homeschool Science
  • Galileo Discovery of Jupiter Moons and Fun Hands-On Moon Crater Experiment
  • Geronimo Stilton Theme Mouse in Space Fun Puffy Moon Craft (Glow in the Dark)
  • 10 Moon Craft Ideas and Wrapped Crescent Moon Craft For Kids
  • 5 Facts About The Moon Landing and Make Fun Astronaut Ice Cream

HOW TO GET THE FREE PHASES OF THE MOON PRINTABLE

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: elementary science, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, homeschoolscience, moon, science

Easy Van Gogh Crafts And Awesome Printable Quick Study

April 24, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I’m sharing some Vincent Van Gogh crafts and quick printable study about Van Gogh. Too, look at my page Free Art Units and Curriculum Grades 1 – 8 for more art ideas.

When you think of a tortured artist, Vincent Van Gogh comes to mind.

Just a note, you decide how to handle the balance between mental illness and a brilliant creative mind.

Sometimes young kids do not understand the tortured mind, so focus on his beautiful work.

Easy Van Gogh Crafts And Awesome Printable Quick Study

With older children, it’s important to discuss his feelings of loneliness and self-doubt.

In addition, unlike other artists he did not start art early. He explored other careers.

Vincent Willem van Gogh was born on March 30, 1853, in Zundert, a small village in the Netherlands.

His father encouraged his interest in the natural world. Van Gogh spent a majority of time in the countryside.

VINCENT VAN GOGH BOOKS FOR KIDS

Next, look at some of these books to use alongside this fun study.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Also, look at these van Gogh crafts.

VAN GOGH CRAFTS

  • How To Make Sunflower Craft Like Van Gogh For Young Crafters
  • In the Style of van Gogh: Remembrance Day Painting 
  • Van Gogh Art Activity: Kids’ Clay Famous Artist Project 
  • Starry Night Ornaments
  • Van Gogh Coloring Pages
  • Van Gogh’s Room
  • Vincent Van Gogh Art History Lesson
  • Van Gogh Art Project for Preschoolers
  • Paint a Stunning Van Gogh Masterpiece Using Forks
Easy Van Gogh Crafts And Awesome Printable Quick Study

Next, look at more art curriculum and units.

ART FOR KIDS

  • Claude Monet Facts For Kids And Free Water Lily Masterpiece
  • Ancient Rome Art Projects | How to Make Edible Roman Roads
  • How to Make a Triorama Teaching the Primary Colors with Dollar Tree Supplies
  • Frida Kahlo Art Made Simple: Free Easy Art Printable
  • Arts And Crafts For Kids Inspired By Georgia O’Keeffe | Free Printable
  • Colorful Picasso Craft Ideas To Make: Free Printable for Little Hands

Finally, look at this study.

ABOUT THE VINCENT VAN GOGH FOR KIDS STUDY GUIDE

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

This quick study covers Van Gogh’s life, artistic techniques, and famous works with interactive activities, painting exercises, and a fun quiz.

HOW TO GET THE VAN GOGH QUICK STUDY

You can download the printable quick study of Van Gogh now!

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Downloads are INSTANT. When you pay, you will receive an email with a download link INSTANTLY. Depending on your internet connection, the email could be just 30 seconds or so, or a bit longer. The point is it will be soon, not a week later,etc.

Easy Van Gogh Crafts And Awesome Printable Quick Study
  • Quick And Easy Study: Vincent Van Gogh For Kids

    Quick And Easy Study: Vincent Van Gogh For Kids

    $4.00
    Add to cart

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

Fun Math Activities for Spring: How to Make Flower Bead Counters

April 22, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I can’t wait to share with you these amazing math activities for spring. Also, look at my page 4 Weeks Free Spring Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas.

When the weather is just too pretty to be cooped up inside but there is still learning to do you can take it outside, for at least some of your lessons.

The other thing to do is to gather up some of the beautiful spring things and bring them in to use.

Fun Math Activities for Spring: How to Make Flower Bead Counters

You can use nature as your manipulatives.

Take gardening to a new level, learn graphing through tracking the birds in your backyard, and so much more.

Now for those days you can’t get outdoors because of rain, heat, or bugs I have a spring-themed math activity you will love for inside.

First, look at some of these books to go with these fun math activities for spring.

BOOKS ABOUT SPRING

I prefer living books when I can find them.

10 Books About Spring for Multiple Ages

I’ve listed books for all ages in this list. Some you can read aloud and others be read anytime.

That's What Happens When It's Spring!

When is it spring?" a child wonders. "Come, I'll show you," Mommy answers. Out in the flower bed tiny green knobs are peeping out of the ground. "That will be a tulip and this a crocus!" Mommy says. That's what happens when it's spring! The signs, sounds, colors, and special feelings of spring come alive as they are experienced through the eyes of a youngster.

Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring

As days stretch longer, animals creep out from their warm dens, and green begins to grow again, everyone knows―spring is on its way!Join a boy and his dog as they explore nature and take a stroll through the countryside, greeting all the signs of the coming season. In a series of conversations with everything from the melting brook to chirping birds, they say goodbye to winter and welcome the lushness of spring.

The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady

This beautifully packaged facsimile of Edith Holden’s original diary is filled with a naturalist’s masterful paintings and delightful observations chronicling the English countryside throughout 1906. As one of the few true records of the time in print, the handwritten thoughts and paintings contained in The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady transport readers to a more refined, romantic, and simpler time. Capitalizing on the current Downton Abbey–inspired appetite for Edwardian-era ephemera, fashions, and society, this reproduction brings readers back to a time in which propriety, civility, and an appreciation for the natural world reigned. This souvenir of a bygone era serves not only as a calming touchstone, but a reminder that as long as we choose to see it, we are still surrounded by beauty and grace. Presented to retain the charm and beauty of the original volume filled with Holden’s hand-drawn illustrations of the English countryside’s flora and fauna through the changing seasons of the year, as well as handwritten notes, observations, and quotations, The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady makes a lovely addition to any home’s library or side table.

Benny's Animals and How He Put Them in Order

Two boys, with the help of a professor at the museum, learn to divide their animal pictures into the proper groups.

The Tune is in the Tree

Annie Jo was a little girl like any other little girl. She was just about as big, too, as any other little girl her age. She had pigtails and for best occasions a plaid silk dress. Her father was an aviator (so the birds had a special feeling for him), and when he was delayed one day, and her mother went to hunt for him, and Mrs. Bunch, the sitter, sprained her ankle, the birds took charge of Annie Jo.Miss Ruby, the hummingbird, who understood magic, made her two and a half inches high. She learned to fly and visited the Robins, the Warblers, and the Thrushes. The perfidious Mrs. Cowbird was causing trouble as usual, laying her eggs in other birds' nests. (Mrs. Cowbird is a notable villainness.) And Annie Jo lost her plaid silk dress in a very curious way. But she got another one in time for Mrs. Oriole's ball, which occurred on the day Annie Jo returned to her normal size and home.

Springtime with Geraldine Woolkins (The Geraldine Woolkins Series)

Geraldine Woolkins has at last become a middle mouse, but navigating the waters of middle-mouse life isn’t easy. Her younger brother irritates her, her sparrow friend Penelope neglects her, and an elder mouse friend is becoming forgetful, making the entire Woolkins family anxious.

Everything is changing. And when Geraldine discovers that the best treasures of spring—fragrant spring flowers, a pond created by spring rainstorms—will one day disappear, she is heartbroken. Does nothing last forever? Does everything good change or fade?

Ten more stories follow the Woolkins mouse family—Papa, Mama, Geraldine, and Button—from April, a time of blossoming, to June, the month of long days.

How plants grow...

A simple introduction to botany.

Wicked Plants: The Weed That Killed Lincoln's Mother and Other Botanical Atrocities

A tree that sheds poison daggers; a glistening red seed that stops the heart; a shrub that causes paralysis; a vine that strangles; and a leaf that triggered a war. In Wicked Plants, Stewart takes on over two hundred of Mother Nature’s most appalling creations. It’s an A to Z of plants that kill, maim, intoxicate, and otherwise offend. You’ll learn which plants to avoid (like exploding shrubs), which plants make themselves exceedingly unwelcome (like the vine that ate the South), and which ones have been killing for centuries (like the weed that killed Abraham Lincoln's mother). Menacing botanical illustrations and splendidly ghastly drawings create a fascinating portrait of the evildoers that may be lurking in your own backyard. Drawing on history, medicine, science, and legend, this compendium of bloodcurdling botany will entertain, alarm, and enlighten even the most intrepid gardeners and nature lovers.

Trees, Leaves, Flowers and Seeds: A Visual Encyclopedia of the Plant Kingdom (DK Our World in Pictures)

Have you ever wondered which plants eat insects? Or how cacti store water? How about which flowers look like bees? Or where is the tallest tree in the world? If you find yourself seeking the answers to these quirky questions and so many more, then Trees, Leaves, Flowers & Seeds may be the book for you! Explore the incredible world of plants, from the smallest seeds to the tallest trees, whilst you discover all about the weirdest, smelliest and deadliest flowers on our planet, with this engaging encyclopedia for children aged 9-12. 

Flower Fairies of the Spring

First published in the 1920s, Cicely Mary Barker’s original Flower Fairies books have been loved for generations. Like the pre-Raphaelite painters whom she so admired, Barker believed in re-creating the beauty of nature in art and drawing from life. Her Flower Fairies watercolors have a unique combination of naturalism and fantasy that no imitators have matched. Now newly rejacketed in the style of bestseller Fairyopolis, this new edition makes a perfect gift for a new generation of Flower Fairy fans. The book features poems and full-color illustrations of over 20 flowers and their guardian fairies.

Next, look at these hands-on spring math activities.

OUTDOOR MEASUREMENT

First, look at these ideas for measurement outdoors.

Tree Circumference:

Garden Area:

  • Divide the garden into sections for different plants and calculate the area of each section. My How to Plan And Start an Easy Gardening Unit Study for Kids incorporates figuring out square space for a garden along with crafts, books, and science activities.

  • Use the area to determine how much soil, mulch, or fertilizer is needed.

Plant Height Estimation and Measurement:

  • Estimate the height of various spring plants using visual comparisons in the yard or even with printable or silk flowers.

  • Measure the actual height using a ruler, yardstick, or measuring tape using the ones in the yard or even with printable or silk flowers. For the littles gardeners check out this FREE Flower Height Measurement Printable for Preschoolers.

  • Track the growth of plants over time and create a growth chart.

Flower Spacing Measurement:

  • Measure the distance between flowers in a garden bed to ensure proper spacing for growth.

  • Use different spacing measurements for different types of flowers.

  • Calculate the total number of flowers that can fit in a given area based on spacing requirements.

Then, look at patterns in nature of another math lesson.

NATURE PATTERNING

Discuss the mathematical principles behind the patterns observed.

Leaf Patterning:

  • Collect leaves of different shapes, sizes, and colors.

  • Arrange the leaves in patterns based on their attributes.

  • Create symmetrical patterns, repeating patterns, or growing patterns.

  • Use the leaves to create nature-themed artwork or collages.

Flower Arrangement:

  • Arrange flowers in vases or containers to create symmetrical or asymmetrical arrangements.

  • Explore different color combinations and flower varieties.

  • Discuss the mathematical concepts of symmetry, balance, and proportion in flower arrangements.

Natural Pattern Hunt:

  • Go on a nature walk and search for patterns in the environment.

  • Look for patterns in flower petals, leaf veins, tree bark, insect wings, and other natural elements.

  • Take photographs or draw sketches of the patterns found.

SPRING DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Analyze the data to determine the most popular spring flowers.

Bird Count Tracking:

  • Observe and identify different bird species in a specific area, use something like this Free Printable Bird Watch Tally Sheet.

  • Keep a daily record of the number of birds seen for each species.Create a bar graph or pie chart to represent the data.

  • Analyze the data to identify trends in bird populations or migration patterns.

Plant Growth Monitoring:

  • Choose a few plants to monitor and measure their height or number of leaves regularly.

  • Record the data in a table or chart.

  • Calculate the average growth rate of the plants.

  • Graph the data to visualize the growth patterns.

Fun Math Activities for Spring: How to Make Flower Bead Counters

Spring Flower Survey:

  • Conduct a survey to find out people’s favorite spring flowers.
  • Collect data from classmates, family members, or community members.
  • Organize the data in a table or chart.
  • Create a bar graph or pie chart to represent the results.

Finally, look at how to make these fun flower bead counting.

HOW TO MAKE FLOWER BEAD COUNTING

You will need:

  • Felt or craft foam
  • Pipe cleaners
  • Beads
  • Permanent marker
  • Small bucket or plant pot
  • Hot glue gun
Fun Math Activities for Spring: How to Make Flower Bead Counters

First, cut the pipe cleaners in half.

Fun Math Activities for Spring: How to Make Flower Bead Counters

Trace and cut out flower shapes, keep to simple basic shapes unless you are feeling extra creative today.

Fun Math Activities for Spring: How to Make Flower Bead Counters

Use a permanent marker to number each flower.

Fun Math Activities for Spring: How to Make Flower Bead Counters

Hot glue pipe cleaners to the back of each flower, if they are a little heavy you can bend the pipe cleaner a bit to give more support to the back.

Fun Math Activities for Spring: How to Make Flower Bead Counters

Add a handful of pony beads inside the bucket.

Fun Math Activities for Spring: How to Make Flower Bead Counters

Place flowers in the bucket, this gives an adorable display but also makes storage and the beads help hold the flowers in place.

Fun Math Activities for Spring: How to Make Flower Bead Counters

To use the flower counters your child simply slides the corresponding number of beads onto the stem.

Variations:

Children can lay flowers out in numerical order.

  • For younger children you can make 2 of each flower in various colors and they can match the colors or numbers.
  • For older children you can use two flower numbers to create addition, subtraction, or multiplication problems.

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

Daily Math Activity with the Free Math Quest Calendar

April 21, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Learning math can get a bad wrap. But doing a math activity daily has benefits when getting your child to love math.

Incorporating daily math activities can build confidence and lay the foundation for essential life skills. Besides, short, daily activities help reinforce what kids are learning.

Even just 10–15 minutes a day can make a huge difference over time.

Daily Math Activity with the Free Math Quest Calendar

Daily exposure helps kids see mistakes as part of the learning process, not something to fear.

Besides, math teaches more than just numbers. It builds critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Activities can help kids learn to analyze, predict, and strategize.

Too, look at some of these math living books.

MATH BOOKS FOR KIDS

Reading books about math help to teach concepts that are not easy to understand.

8+ Living Math Books About Counting, Addition and Subtraction

A living book or story brings math to life. Books like these have a way of explaining math concepts in a story form so young children understand them. Add one or two to your library.

Sir Cumference Series 12 Books Set (Book #1 - Book #12)

This Sir Cumference Series 12 Books Set includes: 1. Sir Cumference and the First Round Table 9781570911521 2. Sir Cumference and the Dragon of Pi 9781570911644 3. Sir Cumference and the Great Knight of Angleland 9781570911699 4. Sir Cumference and the Sword in the Cone 9781570916014 5. Sir Cumference and the Isle of Immeter 9780439025805 6. Sir Cumference and All the King's Tens 9781570917288 7. Sir Cumference
and the Viking's Map 9781570917929 8. Sir Cumference and the Off-the-Charts Dessert 9781570911996 9. Sir Cumference and the Roundabout Battle 9781570917660 10. Sir Cumference and the Fracton Faire 9781570917721 11. Sir Cumference Gets Decima's Point 9781570918452 12. Sir Cumference and the 100 PerCent Goose Chase 9781623543211

12 Ways to Get to 11 (Aladdin Picture Books)

Eve Merriam and Bernie Karlin take young readers on a counting adventure as they demonstrate twelve witty and imaginative ways to get to eleven.

The Hershey's Kisses Addition Book

Illustrations featuring Hershey's Kisses demonstrate the basic rules of addition.

Panda Math: Learning About Subtraction from Hua Mei and Mei Sheng

Learn about subtraction with the San Diego Zoo’s famous baby pandas Hua Mei was the first giant panda cub born in the United States that survived more than a few days. She was born at the San Diego Zoo, and four years later her mother had another baby, Mei Sheng. Hua Mei and her brother, Mei Sheng, spend their days climbing on logs, lounging in trees, and eating bamboo. A lot of things the pandas do can be thought of in terms of subtraction. Young readers follow the famous cubs as they grow from tiny infants to big, bouncing pandas and learn about subtraction along the way.

Sea Sums

With an appealing abundance of plants and animals, the shallows of an ocean coral reef offer a natural background for an under-the-sea arithmetic party. Creatures from stingrays to clams, crabs to sea urchins, and more disappear and reappear to provide young mathematicians with a fascinating array of equations--and a mini ecology lesson about life on a coral reef. Full color.

Ten Sly Piranhas

Ten sly piranhas are swimming in a river, but one at a time they disappear, until there is only one left.  Now that this proud overeater is the only surviving piranha, he is confident that he can eat anybody.  But while he may be the cleverest fish in the river, he is no match for the giant crocodile lurking on the bank.  Children will love learning to count backward in this crafty tale about one very hungry piranha.

88 pounds of tomatoes (Hello math reader)

Two friends plan a party to use all the tomatoes they expect to get from their Wonder Plant.

Anno's Magic Seeds

A wizard gives Jack two magic seeds with the instructions to eat one, which will feed him for one full year, and plant the other, which will produce two more seeds and allow the cycle to continue, but Jack has his own idea, in a fantasy introduction to numbers and counting.

Also, look at these other fun math activities

MATH ACTIVITIES

  • Free First Grade Math Games & Printable Ice Cream Math
  • Math Made Easy: Engaging Addition For Kindergarten Dice Activities
  • How to Create a Kindergarten Math Game With Popsicle Sticks
  • Ancient Egyptian Mathematics: Build a LEGO Math Calculator
  • 8 Ancient China Activities For Kids | How To Make An Abacus
  • Fun Mr Mcgregor’s Vegetable Garden Simple Frugal Math Activity
  • 15 Hands-On Nature Math Ideas to Make Learning Come to Life
  • Creating Fun Red Eyed Tree Frog Manipulatives for Rain Forest Math
  • 7 Fun Geometry Hands On Activities For High School
  • Hands-On Middle School Math: Everyday Math Scavenger Hunt (Printable)
  • How to Teach Limits: Hands-on Middle School Math
  • Hands-On Math: Factoring and Balancing Chemical Equations
  • Hands-On Math: Fun and Easy Snowflake Geometry
  • 21 Hands-On Math Activities for Elementary and Middle School
  • Making Math Count for Middleschool When You’re Not the Math Mom
  • 25 Creative and Tasty Edible Math Activities that Keeps Learning Fun
  • Ancient Greece Unit Study Play Stomachion Like Archimedes {Explore Geometry}
  • Hands-On Middle School Math: The Pythagorean Theorem
  • 201 Maths Activity Book: Fun Activities and Math Exercises
Daily Math Activity with the Free Math Quest Calendar

Finally, download this free math activity calendar.

HOW TO GET THE FREE DAILY MATH QUEST CALENDAR

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: Math Based Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, homeschool math, math

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