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Rainforest Crafts for Kindergarten: Make an Easy Paper Plate Monkey

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Rainforest crafts for kindergarten encourages creativity, fosters imagination, and strengthens fine motor skills. Crafts are part of kindergarten homeschool curriculum.

And learning about the rainforest with a unit study approach is one of the best ways to teach kindergarten aged children.

Rainforest crafts for kindergarteners introduces young children to one of the most important ecosystems in the world.

Rainforest Crafts for Kindergarten: Make an Easy Paper Plate Monkey

And a fun paper plate monkey craft encourages young children to understand the diversity of the rainforest.

Not only can you help your child understand the difference between plants and animals, but your child can use their sense of hearing.

Howler Monkey Facts

First, help your child know how the animals of the rainforest depend on the trees (canopy) and even the understory (layer of vegetation under the canopy) to survive.

The understory is where tree trunks, vines, and bushes grow. Animals who live here in this section can climb very well.

But the emergent layer or the layer above the canopy is bright and sunny and animals with good balance like howler monkeys live here.

Then, look at a few facts about the howler monkeys.

  • Howler monkeys are one of the loudest animals in the rainforest.
  • Their howls sound like a strong wind blowing through a tunnel. Have you child stand up and see how loud he or she can howl. Watch the video above and listen to the male howler monkey.
  • Monkeys live in the trees and eat only vegetation like fruit and flowers.

However, more than just the howler monkey makes its home in the Amazon Rainforest.

What Monkeys Live in the Amazon Rainforest

Squirrel monkeys also live there and are very intelligent animals.

Squirrel Monkey Facts

Look at a few fun facts about squirrel monkeys to share with your child.

  • They are not the same color all over which makes it harder for predators to see.
  • Long tails are used for balance.
  • Also, they have hands with thumbs and can grip branches and food.
  • Squirrel Monkeys live in large groups like 100 in a group and this way they can warn each other of predators.

However, besides the howler monkey and squirrel monkey there are many species which live in the rainforest.

Some other monkeys are

  • Pygmy marmoset
  • Gray woolly
  • Emperor tamarin
  • Peruvian spider
  • Dusky titi

Your child will love the book Fourteen Monkeys: A Rain Forest Rhyme.

In this book there is not only rhyming language to share with your child but it about the Manú National Park in Peru where an amazing fourteen different species of monkeys live together.

Add in some sweet lovable friends, and you can study the rainforest a couple of days or even extend it to a week.

Make a Rainforest Paper Plate Monkey

Next encourage your child to make this easy rainforest paper plate monkey.

We simply followed the instructions at the adorable paper plate monkey at Easy Peasy and Fun.

Look at this list of things we used.

  • two paper plates
  • beige paper
  • glue
  • scissors
  • pencil
  • black marker
Rainforest Crafts for Kindergarten: Make an Easy Paper Plate Monkey

This was such a fun and easy rainforest activity. We traced Mr. MunchKing’s hands on light brown paper.

Then we pained the paper plates.

And cut out the legs, arms and face on lighter paper we already had.

Following the instructions for the craft on Easy Peasy and Fun we outlined a face.

We cut out the ears and tails separately and glued on.

Mr. Munchking loved his craft.

More Rainforest Crafts

If you’re looking for more rainforest crafts for kindergarten, you’ll love my huge Amazon Rainforest Unit Study and Lapbooks.

Rainforest Crafts for Kindergarten: Make an Easy Paper Plate Monkey

Also look at:

Rainforest Crafts for Kindergarten: Make an Easy Paper Plate Monkey

Look at these other posts for Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum

Easy Fall Crafts for Middle School: DIY String Pumpkin Art

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If you’re wanting fall crafts for middle school for a fall unit study you’ll love this project. And look on my page homeschool middle school for more tips.

It may not quite be fall but pumpkin season seems to already be in full swing.

The stores have already begun to release all their fabulous pumpkin and pumpkin spice flavored goodies.

And the craft stores have had their decor out since summer.

Easy Fall Crafts for Middle School: DIY String Pumpkin Art

So, it feels like a great time to begin working pumpkins into a fall unit study. 

This art project adds some fun decor for the house which also works in fine motor skills and practical living skills (learning to use a hot glue gun, hammer and nails).

This is a fantastic activity for middle schoolers to do completely on their own with a bit of instruction.

But this activity can also be done by kids in upper elementary with a little more help.

Too, I was able to get all the supplies from Dollar Tree making this project a grand total of $3.75.

And I barely put a dent in the yarn and have plenty of nails left.

If you have any of the items lying around already you can make yours cheaper or even free.

Pumpkin Unit Study Ideas

You can easily turn this into more than just an art project by giving your middle schooler a few other activities to do before or after completing their string pumpkin art.

  • Research the different varieties of pumpkin.
  • List 10 pumpkin facts.
  • Complete the journal prompt – One night while I was walking in the pumpkin patch . . .
  • Research a recipe for pumpkin pie and bake it.
  • Find out which state grows the most pumpkins.
  • Find out how Native Americans cooked pumpkin compared to the colonists.
  • Weigh, measure, and compare a variety of pumpkins.
  • Make a pumpkin catapult – large or small.
Easy Fall Crafts for Middle School: DIY String Pumpkin Art

I know those ideas will get you started and use the beautiful book Farm Anatomy as a science reference to learn about pumpkins.

Easy Fall Crafts for Middle School: DIY String Pumpkin Art

Here is a beautiful page from Farm Anatomy to research the different varieties of squash.

Pumpkin Art Supplies

Next, look at the easy supplies you need to make this diy string pumpkin art.

  • ½” to ¾” nails
  • Orange yarn
  • Green yarn
  • Small piece of stick
  • Glue gun/sticks
  • Scrap board
  • Hammer

Again, some of these supplies you may already have.

Easy Fall Crafts for Middle School: DIY String Pumpkin Art

Here is how you make your own pumpkin string art:

DIY Pumpkin String Art

First, choose whether to make your pumpkin art horizontal or vertical.

This depends on your piece of scrap wood.

Then lightly draw out the shape with a pencil.

This piece of wood was in the craft section at Dollar Tree and they have several sizes and shapes to choose from.

Easy Fall Crafts for Middle School: DIY String Pumpkin Art

Once you are satisfied with the general shape of the pumpkin you can begin to place the nails.

You can either guesstimate the space as you go or make little dots that are roughly the same distance all the way around.

You know where you will start and end with the nails when you do it this way.

Easy Fall Crafts for Middle School: DIY String Pumpkin Art

Tap the nails into place, knocking them in about halfway because you want them secure.

Continue all the way around until you have the outline of your pumpkin completed.

Easy Fall Crafts for Middle School: DIY String Pumpkin Art

Knot one end of the orange yarn around one of the nails.

Then wrap it all the way around the outside of the nails to make an outline.

Your child can do this once or twice to create a thicker outline.

Easy Fall Crafts for Middle School: DIY String Pumpkin Art

This next part is fun and easy.

We are going to fill in the pumpkin.

So all you have to do is crisscross vertically and horizontally around the pumpkin until you have filled it in completely.

Each nail should allow for the yarn to wrap around at least 5-6 times.

Tie the end of the yarn around a nail and cut off the excess.

Press your yarn down so that it is against the wood to show your nail heads.

This adds more texture and contrast to your art piece.

Easy Fall Crafts for Middle School: DIY String Pumpkin Art

Once your pumpkin is filled in you can add your details like the vine.

Wrap green yarn once around the top center nail head.

And then twist it around the top and sides of the pumpkin.

Secure it down at the loops with a bit of hot glue.

Easy Fall Crafts for Middle School: DIY String Pumpkin Art

Hot glue a small piece of a stick/limb from the yard to the top to make the stem.

You could also use a wine cork piece or another small bit of scrap wood.

Easy Fall Crafts for Middle School: DIY String Pumpkin Art

To make a hanger, flip your piece over.

And hot glue a small length of yarn to either corner.

Easy Fall Crafts for Middle School: DIY String Pumpkin Art

Make several of these to hang around the house for fall.

Also, this makes a great family night or co-op activity. Start with pumpkin and build your ideas out from there.

Other Fall Unit Study Resources

Look at some of these other fall unit study activities:

This was so fun to create. You’re ready to ring in the fall season.

I guarantee you and your kids are going to want to come up with more shapes to make for all the seasons and favorite themes.

Don’t forget to check at Dollar Tree. They carry a ton of yarn and wood pieces in the craft section now.

Easy Fall Crafts for Middle School: DIY String Pumpkin Art

Kids Fun Glue and Watercolor Fall Pumpkin Unit Study

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Your kids will love this glue and watercolor pumpkin to include in a pumpkin unit study. Too, you can add this activity to my huge fall unit study.

Besides loving unit studies, I love watercolor as a medium for art.

I put the two together to give you a start for your own pumpkin unit study. 

Kids Fun Glue and Watercolor Fall Pumpkin Unit Study

Watercolor is forgiving. And whether child or adult, you don’t need to be an artist to make wonderful images to display.

If you are hesitant but want to give it a try, then, today’s tutorial is the place to start.

This fall watercolor painting goes great with a pumpkin unit study.

And besides the simple tutorial I have some great ideas for you to create your own study.

Pumpkin Art

This dramatic pumpkin watercolor painting is great on its own as a simple art project.

One easy way to create contrast and drama in a simple watercolor picture is to make the outlines black and raised.

We do this with school glue colored with black craft paint.

The other way to make the watercolor stand out is to cover the entire page and leave no white space.

We are doing both of these today.

First, to make your own pumpkin unit study, always start with a couple of books that draw in your kids.

The Anatomy Series by Julia Rothman is great for so many studies.

They are worth the investment

Here is a beautiful page from Farm Anatomy to research the different varieties of squash.

Kids Fun Glue and Watercolor Fall Pumpkin Unit Study

They make for great art inspiration as well.

For younger children Pumpkin Jack is a great read aloud, but also teaches about the life cycle of a pumpkin.

Hands-on Activities for a Pumpkin Unit Study

  • Make a pumpkin watercolor
  • Pumpkin Experiments
  • Taste pumpkin in different ways-fresh, canned, seeds, pie, muffins,etc..
  • Bake a pumpkin pie
  • Roast pumpkin seeds

  • Use pumpkin seeds as manipulatives for math.
  • Measure, weigh, and compare pumpkins.
  • Label the parts of a pumpkin-stem, ribs, pulp, tendrils
  • Visit a pumpkin patch and talk to the farmer.
  • Test the density of pumpkins and seeds

  • Draw the pumpkin life cycle
  • Write a poem about a pumpkin
  • Give pumpkin related journaling prompts
  • Make a list of questions for your child to research online or in books
  • Create a fall bucket list – great writing practice

In addition, have your child research about pumpkins. Look at these questions below.

Research Facts about Pumpkins

  • How many different things can be made from pumpkins?
  • What state produces the most pumpkins?
  • How long do pumpkins take to reach maturity?
  • What vitamins do pumpkins contain?

Finally, gather up all your items and enjoy your delicious pumpkin themed unit study.

Begin with this fun watercolor painting.

How to Do A Pumpkin Watercolor Painting

You will need:

Kids Fun Glue and Watercolor Fall Pumpkin Unit Study

You can create any pumpkin design you like- an entire patch, a side view of a large pumpkin, or a close up view of the top of a pumpkin.

Today, I’m giving you step by step directions for the top view.

Start by drawing your design in pencil until you like the general shape. 

I started with a stem.

Easy Fall Art

Then drew the ribs of the pumpkin starting from the stem and working my way out all the way to the edge of the page.

Keep the curve moving in the same direction all the way around.

Kids Fun Glue and Watercolor Fall Pumpkin Unit Study

Now we are going to create a dramatic black outline and give it some texture.

You want to start with a bottle of glue that is no more than ⅔ of the way full.

This is a great way to use up those partial bottles.

Add black paint and shake the glue and paint up. If need be use a craft stick to stir it a bit more.

Kids Fun Glue and Watercolor Fall Pumpkin Unit Study

Once it is mixed well trace the drawing you made in pencil with the black paint, allow it to dry completely.

Kids Fun Glue and Watercolor Fall Pumpkin Unit Study

Once the glue is dry, lightly spritz the tray of watercolors as well as the entire page with water.

This is a trick I learned that helps the color spread better easier and allows you to layer color. This will create some dimension.

Next, mix orange watercolor and a little brown, black, or red with it.

This will make it a little darker than the rest of the pumpkin.

Go along each of the ribs with this darker color to create shading.

Make sure you do it on the same side of the ribs all the way around so it looks like the light is coming from one direction.

Kids Fun Glue and Watercolor Fall Pumpkin Unit Study

Fill in the rest of your pumpkin with color, adding water as needed.

Once the painting is dry add some more watercolor with less water to deepen the color.

Kids Fun Glue and Watercolor Fall Pumpkin Unit Study

Dry the remaining of your painting and it’s ready to share.

Kids Fun Glue and Watercolor Fall Pumpkin Unit Study

What do you think? Are you read to get started on a fall themed unit study?

Kids Fun Glue and Watercolor Fall Pumpkin Unit Study

Other Fall Unit Study Resources

Kids Fun Pumpkin Catapult STEM Challenge for Medieval Unit Study

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

Your kids will love making this fun pumpkin catapult stem challenge where you’re doing a fall unit study or medieval unit study.

This pumpkin catapult stem challenge will incorporate science, technology, engineering, math, and history into one fun activity.

This is a cool activity that will definitely earn you a lot of cool mom points.

A medieval times unit study is the perfect time to try out this hands-on activity to teach weaponry that was used during the period as well as those STEM skills.

Kids Fun Pumpkin Catapult Stem Challenge for Medieval Unit Study

You don’t have to make yours as large as this one, but I found this pack of huge craft sticks at Hobby Lobby.

So, I thought they would put a fun twist to it.

Instead of using little marshmallow pumpkins, we were able to launch larger decor pumpkins (they are just inexpensive stuffed ones from Dollar Tree).

Also, if your child enjoys history, consider adding the Kingfisher History Encyclopedia and Usborne Encyclopedia of World History.

They both contain wonderful illustrations and information that is easy for children to understand.

And they are a great addition to round out any unit study. 

Medieval Catapult Facts

Before, after, or during your activity give your child some of the research questions below to find in books or online.

  • What are the 4 Types of catapults? trebuchet, mangonel, onager, and ballista.
  • What were catapults used for in Medieval Times? Siege, vaulting things over castle walls
  • What time period is considered Medieval/Middle ages? 500 to 1400-1500 CE
  • What event marked the beginning of the Middle Ages?  The fall of Rome 476 AD
  • What is the hierarchy of feudal society during this time? Monarchs, Lords/Ladies (Nobles), Knights, and Peasants/Serfs

Vocabulary Words for Medieval Unit Study

Then, here are a few vocabulary words for this unit.

Kids Fun Pumpkin Catapult Stem Challenge for Medieval Unit Study
  • Projectile
  • Force 
  • Fulcrum 
  • Lever
  • Peasant
  • Vassal
  • Furlong
  • Squire
  • Clergy
  • Plunder
  • Troubadour
  • Guild

Catapult Science

Next, learn about some of the science of the catapult.

When you draw back the craft/popsicle stick, potential(resting) energy is being built up.

After you release it, it becomes kinetic (moving) energy.

Finally, gravity pulls the launched object back down.

This stem activity shows Newton’s three laws of motion.

Newtons 3 Laws of Motion

  1. Newton’s law of inertia– An object in motion stays in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an external force.  
  2. Newton’s law of force and acceleration– When an external force acts on an object, it produces an acceleration (change in velocity) in the object in the direction of the force.
  3. Newton’s third law- The law of action and reaction states that every action has an equal and opposite reaction.

You can try using different objects with different sizes and weights.

Change the thickness of the fulcrum to achieve different results.

And add a measuring tape or yard stick to figure out the various distance. Then, record your information.  

Here is how to put together your own pumpkin catapult stem challenge. You will need:

  • Jumbo craft sticks
  • Rubber bands
  • A large metal or plastic lid 
  • E6000 or hot glue
  • Pumpkins
Kids Fun Pumpkin Catapult Stem Challenge for Medieval Unit Study

If you want to add these fun knights and horses you can grab these Safari Toobs.

They are also great to use in diorama, sensory bins, as models for drawing, and in dramatic small world play.

How to Make a Medieval Catapult

You can paint or use markers to color your popsicle sticks if you like as your first step or keep them natural like this one.

Just be sure to let them dry thoroughly before putting it together.

Starting by making a stack of craft sticks.

I ended up using 14 of the jumbo sticks to create more leverage for the catapult, placing rubber bands securely on each end about 1 ½” from the end.

Kids Fun Pumpkin Catapult Stem Challenge for Medieval Unit Study

Stack two jumbo craft sticks and place a rubber band only over one end, 1 – ½” away from the end.

Kids Fun Pumpkin Catapult Stem Challenge for Medieval Unit Study

Open the two craft sticks that are banded at one end and slip the large stack of sticks through, pushing them about ¾ of the way up close to the rubber band.

Kids Fun Pumpkin Catapult Stem Challenge for Medieval Unit Study

Next, take a larger rubber band and crisscross it over a few times where your two stacks of sticks intersect.

Kids Fun Pumpkin Catapult Stem Challenge for Medieval Unit Study

Use hot glue or something like e6000 (which will take longer to set) to affix your lid to the end of the top craft stick. 

Kids Fun Pumpkin Catapult Stem Challenge for Medieval Unit Study

Press it in place firmly and let it dry all the way. Be sure that you use plenty of glue so that it is very secure to the craft stick.

Kids Fun Pumpkin Catapult Stem Challenge for Medieval Unit Study

To launch you just need to press down on the back and release, 

Let the launching fun begin!

Kids Fun Pumpkin Catapult Stem Challenge for Medieval Unit Study

You are ready to lay siege and launch objects over castle walls ( or at least over the ottoman) in a battle for riches and power.

Add a few more items to your study to really give it some hands-on fun like this 3d Puzzle Castle or these knight decorations to kick off a new Medieval unit study.

Other Fall Unit Study Resources

Fun Upcycled T Shirt Library Tote Back to School Kids Craft

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This upcycled t shirt library tote back to school kids craft is so fun and sassy. And learning how to homeschool means we love visiting the library.

It is almost time for public school to ring back into session and for homeschoolers to come out of hiding.

If you are like most homeschooling moms, you make weekly runs to the library for chapter books ,reference books, read aloud books, audio books, and maybe even DVDS.

Fun Upcycled T Shirt Library Tote Back to School Kids Craft

 A good way to deal with that is to let everyone carry their own pile, but we aren’t going to run out and buy a bunch of tote bags are we?

Nope, not today. Today we are going to upcycle something you already have around the house.

Not only is this school craft idea inexpensive and easy but it’s cute and washable too.

When it gets dirty just toss it in the wash along with your next load and it’s ready to work again.

23 Favorite Read Aloud Books for Our Library Tote

From t-shirt to upcycled library tote makes a great co-op activity too.

Invite everyone to bring a favorite old t-shirt, supply some scissors, the directions, and everyone ends up with a great school craft idea to take home.

First, I’m sharing 23 favorite read aloud books for your newly created upcycled t-shirt turned library tote. I know you’ll find a favorite or two for your family.

23 Favorite Read Aloud Stories

You'll love adding some of these favorite read aloud stories to your homeschool day.

Read aloud books are such a fun way to bond as a family.

Fun Upcycled T Shirt Library Tote Back to School Kids Craft

Reading together improves comprehension and vocabulary in children.

Also, they can improve processing skills, increases their attention span, reduces stress, builds listening, communication skills and visualization.

How to Upcycle a T-Shirt

Now, let’s make this adorable library tote and you only need a few things to make this.

  • a t-shirt
  • fabric scissors
  • a bowl to use as a pattern for cutting
  • fabric chalk

Yes, just things that you already have in your house.

Grab your t-shirt and start by cutting off the sleeves, just inside the seam.

Fun Upcycled T Shirt Library Tote Back to School Kids Craft

And try to cut as evenly as you can but it’s handmade so if the edges are a bit rough it’s okay.

If younger children are helping or making their own, you will definitely have some uneven cuts and knots but that is the charm of their very own DIY project.

Fun Upcycled T Shirt Library Tote Back to School Kids Craft

Next, use a large bowl to draw a half circle around the neckline to make the opening larger.

You want the shoulder area to be somewhere between 3”-5” on each side to make it sturdy and comfortable handles.

The handles can be held with hands or looped over your shoulder.

Fun Upcycled T Shirt Library Tote Back to School Kids Craft

Cut this circle out of both sides of the shirt.

Too, you want to make sure you have a good pair of fabric scissors.

I like these, for most of our crafts because they work well, are comfortable, and are not too expensive.

Measure a line up about 3” from the bottom all the way across and mark it with chalk. The chalk line disappears with just a bit of wiping.

Now cut strips on both sides of the fabric up to this line all the way across the bottom of the shirt.

Make the strips about ¾” wide.

Fun Upcycled T Shirt Library Tote Back to School Kids Craft

Then, grab your first set of fringes and knot it, repeat with the second set of fringes. Continue all the way across the bottom.

Be sure to tie each knot tightly and securely to make sure that the bottom of your bag is sturdy enough to carry a pile of books.

Fun Upcycled T Shirt Library Tote Back to School Kids Craft

Other Back to School Craft Ideas

Alternatively, if you don’t want to have your knots showing you can turn the shirt inside out first and make your knots and then turn it inside right so they are hidden inside.

I like the fringe and didn’t want the bulk inside the bag taking up precious book space.

That’s it, your old t-shirt is ready to go live its best new life as a library tote.

Fun Upcycled T Shirt Library Tote Back to School Kids Craft

This bag is also great to tote whatever you need at a farmers markets, on nature walks, to the beach, co-op meetings, grocery shopping, or on road trips. 

Fun Upcycled T Shirt Library Tote Back to School Kids Craft

Finally, look at more fun activities.

More Back to School Craft Ideas