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How to Make a Chalk Pastel Bird Nest Easy Drawing

August 27, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

How to make a chalk pastel bird nest easy drawing. Also, you’ll love this Free Bird Unit Study and Lapbook And Fun Edible Bird Nests.

.A chalk pastel bird nest easy drawing project gives your child some creative freedom in recreating some of the most common types of bird nests as they learn about them.

While they are a bit messy, they are wonderful for creating soft and hard lines as well as blurring, they are very forgiving.

How to Make a Chalk Pastel Bird Nest Easy Drawing

They can be made from natural materials like sticks, twigs, hay, grass, and leaves but they will also use scraps of string, cloth, paper, and plastic bits that humans leave out.

There are many different types of nests but most fit into 1 of 5 categories -cupped (or half-cupped), cavity, pendant, scrape, and burrow and these are the ones we are going to explore here.

Types of Bird Nests

  • Cup- a cup-style nest is the most seen, it is a cup-shaped build that offers eggs some protection and still allows momma bird to sit on her eggs. They are usually built on the fork of tree branches but will also be built on the ground, in bushes, and even in porches and barns. Tiniest cup nest belongs to the hummingbird at about 1”.
  • Cavity- Just as the name implies this Nest is made inside the cavity of trees, bird’s houses, and in the cavities of building structures such as chimneys. There are roughly 85 different bird species that use this method like woodpeckers, wood ducks, and owls. Some birds create their own cavity while others use already-formed openings.
  • Pendant/Suspended cup- This type of nest resembles a hanging sack. It can either have a cuplike structure or a tunnel shape with openings throughout.  Weavers, Orioles, Sunbirds, Swallows, and Martins are the most common tenants of this style.
  • Scrape/Ground- Killdeer, Ostrich, and the arctic Tern as well as a few other birds find that making their nest by using or making hollow depressions in the ground.  They use little or no nesting materials, commonly it would be down feathers, grass, and weeds.
  • Burrow- Some birds use a burrow for a nest like the puffin, kingfishers, kiwi, and the burrowing owl. They prefer it for maintaining an even temperature as well as protection from predators and weather. They often use a hole that was dug and abandoned by other animal species.
How to Make a Chalk Pastel Bird Nest Easy Drawing

No Nest –Emperor and King penguins do not make nests at all, rather they hold the egg on top of their feet.

Next, look at these fun resources and books for learning about birds.

17 Books, Resources, and Activities About Birds

You'll love these fun resources if you're studying about birds. Besides, you can study about birds anytime of the year.

So, add one or two of these to your unit study, nature journaling, or just fun for the day.

1. A Place for Birds

In simple yet compelling language, Melissa Stewart showcases twelve North American birds, from the familiar eastern bluebird to the rare Kirtland's warbler. Her clear narrative shows the threats these birds face, and informative sidebars describe a wide variety of efforts to save them. In addition, remarkable full-color illustrations vividly and accurately depict the birds within the ecosystems that support their survival. Range maps and additional bird facts are also included.

2. Feathers: Not Just for Flying

Young naturalists explore sixteen birds in this elegant introduction to the many, remarkable uses of feathers. A concise main text highlights how feathers are not just for flying. More curious readers are invited to dig deeper with informative sidebars that underscore how feathers of all shapes and sizes help birds with warming or cooling, protect them from the sun, help them swim, glide or even
dig.

3. A Nest Is Noisy (Family Treasure Nature Encylopedias)

This gorgeous and informative look at the fascinating world of nests, from those of tiny bee hummingbirds to those of orangutans high in the rainforest canopy.

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

The book draws in children and parents alike with captivating information about and charming illustrations of hummingbirds, peacocks, flamingos, bald eagles, secretary birds, puffins, red-crowned cranes, and more. The book also invites young bird-watchers to protect birds where they live and make their gardens bird-friendly. The text is chatty, funny, and full of remarkable facts.

5. Peterson Field Guide To Birds

For decades, the Peterson Field Guide to Birdsof Eastern and Central North America has been a popular and trusted guide for birders of all levels, thanks to its famous system of identification and unparalleled illustrations. Following the Spring 2020 update to Peterson Field Guide to Birds of North America, this guide will feature updated text and range maps, and art updated to reflect current knowledge in ornithology. 

6. How to Feed Backyard Birds: A Step-by-Step Guide for Kids

How to Feed Backyard Birds: A Step-by-Step Guide for Kids is the perfect resource for beginners who are young (and not so young) to discover the joy of attracting birds to your yard. Bird lover and expert Chris Earley wants to share his passion for our colorful singing and flying neighbors with the whole family.

7. Wingspan Board Game - A Bird-Collection, Engine-Building Game

Competitive, card-driven, engine-building board game.

Challenging strategy game recommended for those ages 14 plus

Game includes 170 unique bird cards, 26 bonus cards and 16 Automa cards, 103 food tokens and 75 egg miniatures, 5 custom wooden dice and 5 player mats, 1 birdfeeder dice tower and 2-piece Game Trayz custom tray, 1 goal mat and 8 goal tiles, 1 first-player token and 40 action cubes, 4 clear plastic resource containers, 1 scorepad, and 3 rulebooks.

8. Beaks!

Young naturalists explore a variety of birds, their habitats, and how their beaks help them build, eat, and survive. From the twisted beak of a crossbill to the color changing bill of a seagull, readers will learn fun facts about how beaks are designed and used as tools by birds of all shapes and sizes.  Bright, bold cut-paper illustrations create amazingly realistic tableaus of birds in their natural
environments with their beaks in action.

9. Bird Figurine Toy Birds for Kids Realistic Bird

Set of bird figurine toys, which contains 7 different small plastic birds. The weight of bird figure toy is 96G / 0.2LB. The set of small plastic bird contains 7 pecies of toy birds,such as robin, bluebird, oriole, woodpecker, etc. Please refer to the picture for the actual size and color.

10. Professor Noggin's Birds of North America Trivia Card Game

PLAY & LEARN: Professor Noggin’s series of educational card games encourages kids to learn interesting facts about their favorite subjects.

FUN FACTS: Everything young birders need to know about the most common and interesting Birds of North America. Learn to identify different species and discover fascinating facts about their habitat and behavior.

CARD GAME: Each of the thirty game cards combines trivia, true or false, and multiple-choice questions. A special three-numbered die is included which adds an element of unpredictability.

11. Audubon's Birds of America Coloring Book

Including the red-winged blackbird, painted bunting, wood duck, great blue heron, ruby-throated hummingbird, purple finch, and blue jay, 46 different species of birds from all parts of the United States are included in this book. The pictures have been faithfully redrawn by Paul E. Kennedy from originals by John James Aububon (1785–1851), the most famous American painter-naturalist.

12. The Boy Who Drew Birds: A Story of John James Audubon

If there was one thing James loved to do more than anything else, it was to be in the great outdoors watching his beloved feathered friends.In the fall of 1804, he was determined to find out if the birds nesting near his Pennsylvania home would really return the following spring. Through careful observation, James laid the foundation for all that we know about migration patterns today.

13. Attracting Birds to Your Backyard: 536 Ways To Turn Your Yard and Garden Into a Haven For Your Favorite Birds

Enjoy your home and garden as never before when you have a yard that's filled with colorful birds and bird songs as well as flowers. This A-to-Z guide includes:Terrific tips and plans for building bird feeders, birdbaths, and birdhouses.Recipes for making bird food that is sure to be a hit with your feathered friends--including Chickadee Doughnut Delights and Easy Bird Treat Mini-Muffins.The 25 best plants to grow to attract birds to your yard--including columbine and honeysuckle, hummingbird favorites.How to identify and attract goldfinches, chickadees, cardinals, and more than 50 other favorite birds to your yard. Plus, you'll learn what their songs and antics really mean.

14. Field Guide to the Nests, Eggs, and Nestlings of North American Birds

Describes all species found in the North American region and offers information on breeding cycles, nesting habits, and provides pictures of nestlings and eggs

15. What's That Bird? Teacher Guide

This study guide accompanies What's That Bird? published by Storey Publishing in 2005, incorporating facts to know, comprehension questions, and characteristics of specific birds. Sections include: 'Meet the Bird', 'How Birds Live', and 'The Wider World of Birds'. Student Book and What's That Bird? sold separately.

16. Paint by Sticker: Birds: Create 12 Stunning Images One Sticker at a Time!

Nature's Masterpieces—ready for paintingPeel the sticker,Paint the sticker, And watch your painting come to life.Paint by Sticker: Birds celebrates the rainbow of colors and shapes of the avian world: a red-headed woodpecker, a blue jay, an orange and black Baltimore oriole, an electric bright hummingbird.

17. Sibley Backyard Birding Flashcards

The Sibley Field Guide to Birds is now transformed into 100 easy-to-reference cards housed in one handsome pull-drawer gift box. Divided into one stack of 50 common Western and Eastern North American birds, and one stack of 50 common birds found across North America, each card features precise illustrations and text concerning habitat, behavior, and voice description necessary for easy identification. Edited with the backyard birder in mind, each bird card is accompanied with a regional map as an additional guide to migratory patterns.

Next, look at some other activities I have here for you to include a study of birds.

More Activities to Learn About Birds

  • Galapagos Islands Animals Fun and Simple Watercolor Flamingo Tutorial
  • Free Peregrine Falcon Lapbook And Fun Unit Study Ideas
  • Free Homeschool Chicken Unit Study and Anatomy of an Egg Felt Activity & Worksheet
  • Make Way For Ducklings Fun Duck Pond Playdough Invitation to Play
  • How to Make an Easy Bird Craft Fun Paper Plate Peacock
  • Free Bird Journal – Hands-on Nature (Coloring & Identification Pages)
  • Bird Nest Designs – How Do Birds Make Nests Is a simple look at the different ways birds make their nests.
  • Cardinal Birds in Winter and Birch Trees Easy Watercolor Kids Activity
  • Free North American Robin Bird Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas
  • Bird Craft For Kindergarten Make an Adorable Fun American Robin Foot Print
  • 15 Most Amazing Nests Built By Bird Architects YouTube
  • Beautiful Bald Eagle Fun Facts And Torn Paper Bird Craft
  • Free Bird Unit Study and Lapbook And Fun Edible Bird Nests
How to Make a Chalk Pastel Bird Nest Easy Drawing
  • Dynamic Delightful Bird Lapbook for Multiple Ages

    Dynamic Delightful Bird Lapbook for Multiple Ages

    $4.00
    Add to cart

Finally, look how to make this fun chalk pastel bird nest easy drawing.

Chalk Pastel Bird Nest Easy Drawing

You will need:

  • Chalk pastels
  • Art paper
  • Scissors
  • Cotton balls or pompoms
  • Book for reference
How to Make a Chalk Pastel Bird Nest Easy Drawing

I started with 9×12 paper and cut it into 4 rectangles.

How to Make a Chalk Pastel Bird Nest Easy Drawing

After researching and deciding on the types of nests they want to draw, have them lightly sketch out the outlines.

For a cup nest-an oval with a small oval in it gives a good start, it kind of resembles a fried egg.

Once they are satisfied with their general outline, they can begin filling it in a bit starting with lighter colors.

How to Make a Chalk Pastel Bird Nest Easy Drawing

Continue to layer on dots, lines, and slashes to create the look of a woven nest.

Experiment with going back and forth on lighter and dark colors to create some depth and interest.

How to Make a Chalk Pastel Bird Nest Easy Drawing

Use a fingertip or pompom to smudge some of the chalk and fill in the white spots.

How to Make a Chalk Pastel Bird Nest Easy Drawing

Blow off the excess chalk as you go.

Finally, they can add in some eggs if they like.

How to Make a Chalk Pastel Bird Nest Easy Drawing

Encourage them to draw all the basic nest types like a cavity in a tree.

How to Make a Chalk Pastel Bird Nest Easy Drawing

Or a tiny hummingbird’s nest with a bird peeking out.

How to Make a Chalk Pastel Bird Nest Easy Drawing

How about a pendant nest?

How to Make a Chalk Pastel Bird Nest Easy Drawing

To preserve your drawing spray with a light coat of aerosol hairspray to set the chalk.

How to Make a Chalk Pastel Bird Nest Easy Drawing

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

9 Australian Animals Art Ideas and Fun Koala Handprint Craft

August 26, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Turn a sweet little handprint into an Australian animals art project by creating a cuddly koala out of it. Also, look at this Hands-On Geography: Australia Awesome and Deadly Animal Art.

Are you learning about Australia as a country? Just Australian animals? Marsupials specifically?

This easy craft project is perfect for all the above, or even just because you want a cute handprint craft.

9 Australian Animals Art Ideas and Fun Koala Handprint Craft

Kids love to get involved fully hands-on and moms love to see their little ones’ handprints in art projects.

This is a very sweet option to create a keepsake while they learn.

It’s a simple and fun way to talk about Australian animals, their habitats, eating habits, characteristics, and where they live in the world.

9 Australian Animals Art Ideas and Fun Koala Handprint Craft

3 Koala Questions and Answers

  1. Where are koalas from? Australia, in the open forest and woodland areas.
  2. What do they eat? Mostly eucalyptus (Gum Tree) but will sometimes snack on other trees.
  3. What is a marsupial?  They are a group of mammals that are known for carrying their young in a pouch.

Also, look at more hands-on activities to learn about animals in Australia.

9 Australian Animals Art Ideas

Make it a full lesson on the creatures from the outback.

Photo Credit: www.notimeforflashcards.com

Koala Craft

My goal for this lesson was not creativity ( process art is much more appropriate for that) or even specifically learning about koalas.

Photo Credit: learncreatelove.com

Wombat Printable Craft

Wombats are cute, pudgy marsupials that are found in Australia.

Australia Awesome and Deadly Animal Art

My son began his research at the library, checking out various books on Australia in general, and a few on the animals themselves. For further investigation, we also watched a YouTube video and looked at various pictures of aboriginal art online.

Photo Credit: frompond.blogspot.com

Kookaburra Craft (Frog Spot)

Turn plain boring cups into the laughing Kookaburra Craft.

Photo Credit: woojr.com

Kangaroo Ears Headband

 I’m excited to show you how to make this fun Kangaroo Ears Headband that’s great for a kangaroo lesson or just for your little one to hop around with!

Photo Credit: www.thecrafttrain.com

Paper plate Ringtail possum

Make an adorable paper plate possum using our latest printable template. This easy craft for kids is based on the Ringtail possum which is common all over Eastern Australia.

Photo Credit: cookcleancraft.com

Paper-bag Perry the Platypus Craft

 I made Perry the Platypus from the TV show Phineas and Ferb, complete with his own little hat.

Photo Credit: artprojectsforkids.org

Easy How to Draw a Kangaroo Tutorial and Kangaroo Coloring Page

You’ll find an easy step-by-step tutorial for how to draw a Kangaroo and a Kangaroo Coloring Pages

Photo Credit: www.craftprojectideas.com

Quokka Craft

Conservationists want people to take selfies with quokkas? Quokka’s are considered a vulnerable species and the internet fame quokkas have acquired in recent years have put their names on the map! 

And you’ll love adding these resources.

Australian Animals Art Ideas and Resources

To expand upon this simple koala handprint activity, you can:

  •  Help your child find Australia on a map. I really like the scrunch maps because they can be taken anywhere and are easy to pull out onto the floor for investigating.
9 Australian Animals Art Ideas and Fun Koala Handprint Craft
  • Watch Wild Kratts Koalas on YouTube together to learn more about these sweet creatures.
  • Grab some eucalyptus even if it’s dried or artificial for your child to examine the main food of the koala.
  • Add some of these adorable Australian animals to a sensory bin or just strew them around with books and other props to build interest.
  • Play a fun and silly game like Koala Capers.
  • Include an interesting book like Explore My World Koalas with lots of photos and information to help them learn more.

Finally, look at how to make this adorable koala handprint keepsake.

How to Make a Koala Handprint Craft

You will need:

  • Cardstock
  • Grey craft paint
  • Brown craft paint
  • Green craft paint
  • White craft paint
  • Paintbrushes
  • Black markers

Have your child paint a tree trunk that is wide enough for their entire handprint on the center of the paper as well as some branches sticking out here and there.

Allow it to dry completely.

9 Australian Animals Art Ideas and Fun Koala Handprint Craft

Once the tree trunk is completely dried, paint your child’s entire hand gray; you’ll want the thumb pointing upwards on the tree.

9 Australian Animals Art Ideas and Fun Koala Handprint Craft

Press it down firmly to make a good solid print.

9 Australian Animals Art Ideas and Fun Koala Handprint Craft

Use a paintbrush to draw a round head over the top of the thumb and a half circle on either side for ears.

9 Australian Animals Art Ideas and Fun Koala Handprint Craft

While this part of the painting is drawing, put a small amount of green paint in a dish and have your child dip one finger into it.

They can then stamp little leaves all over the branches with little fingerprints.

9 Australian Animals Art Ideas and Fun Koala Handprint Craft

Once everything is dry go back and add details like a little claw on the end of the paws.

9 Australian Animals Art Ideas and Fun Koala Handprint Craft

Draw on an oval-shaped koala nose and mouth, as well as eyes and any details you like to the ears.

Let this final part dry completely and it’s ready to go up on display.

9 Australian Animals Art Ideas and Fun Koala Handprint Craft

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: Australia, crafts, elementary science, handprint, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, koala, life science, science

Seashore Beach Watching Unit Study and Seashore Lapbook

August 25, 2023 | 5 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I have a seashore beach lapbook and unit study. Grab more ideas on my lapbook ideas page and on my best homeschool unit studies page.

I can smell the beach from here! Okay, maybe not where I live now, but I feel that way since I grew up with the beach a short 30 minute drive. And we never missed a chance to go to it.

We would cook crab or gumbo, spend hours on the shoreline and build a fire.

Seashore Watching Unit Study and Beach Lapbook

Seashore watching was an activity I loved as a kid and I made sure my kids knew about it. I think you’ll love these ideas for a seashore watching unit study.

Super Seashore Watching Unit Study and Beach Lapbook. Whether you want to study the beach or seashore in the summer or winter, your kids will love this free super seashore watching unit study and free beach lapbook along with hands-on activities! CLICK HERE to grab it!

Note: My Seashore Lapbook was free for a limited time.

I gathered up several activities that I think you’ll love for an easy homeschool seashore watching unit study and then I have an easy lapbook about things you can find along the beach shoreline.

Seashore Beach Watching Unit Study and Seashore Lapbook

Like most all of my unit study resources I share multiple ages links so you can pick and choose links for your kids.

This one is no different. I have resources for kids from Prek to High School.

Seashore Kids Activities

Too, we love and used this book, Seashore Watcher, as a guide because we love it.

Also did I mention it has some easy hands-on activities in it also.

Super Seashore Watching Unit Study and Beach Lapbook

I loved the fact that the book came with a plastic water protector cover so you could pick up and go to the beach. It’s the little things that amuse me.

More Seashore and Beach Activities for Kids

  • How To Make Your Own Edible Beach Sand And Shells: A Creative And Delicious Recipe
  • 5 Tide Pool Facts and Create An Edible Tide Pool Diorama Ideas
  • 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
  • Fascinating Life Cycle Of A Sand Dollar & Hydro Dipped Craft

Seashore Lesson Plans, Printables, and Activities

  • Monterey Bay Aquarium, Curriculum preK-12, tide pools, crabs; claws and shells, beach in a pan to name a few you’ll love.
  • 70 page pdf tidepool guide.
  • Tide pool discovery.
  • Common seashore plants.
  • SeaCrets of tide pools.
  • Life at the seashore curriculum.
  • Free Under the Sea Worksheets : Dive into the Ocean’s Wonders
Super Seashore Watching Unit Study and Beach Lapbook

  • Match the seashells.
  • Rocky shore food Web Drama.
  • Life under the sea.
  • Sensational seaweed.
  • Gifts from the sea.
  • Kelp science activity guide.
  • Stranded along the coast.
  • How wealthy is your tide pool.
Seashore Beach Watching Unit Study and Seashore Lapbook
  • What the Sea Saw teacher’s guide.
  • Life on the Beach guide.
  • New Zealand Rocky Shore activities. Many can be used here in the states too.
  • Planning a trip to the seashore checklist.
  • Padre Island National Seashore.
  • 10 Nature Discoveries on the Sandy Shore.
  • Sand, sun and geometry.
  • Jumpstart Your Beach Unit with Free Lesson Plans.
Seashore Beach Watching Unit Study and Seashore Lapbook


(You can see why I loved this book, Seashore Watcher for an easy unit study. It has easy hands-on ideas.)

Seashore Watching Media 

Decorator Crabs Make High Fashion at Low Tide | Deep Look
Seaweeds powerpoint.

Seashore Watching Hands-on Activities

  • Make a ceramic starfish.
  • Fun coloring pages. Common seashore creatures.
  • Seaweed art.
  • Motion from the ocean fish mobile.
  • 21 fun and active games for kids to play on the beach.
  • How waves affect beaches hands-on activity
  • 25+ Beach Learning Activities to Build Background Knowledge Before Your Beach Trip.
  • 15 Seashore Inspired Kid Crafts.

Also, you’ll love this seashore lapbook.

Seashore Watching Unit Study and Beach Lapbook
  • Dynamic Seashore Lapbook for Multiple Ages

    Dynamic Seashore Lapbook for Multiple Ages

    $4.00
    Add to cart

Also, this is not our first time studying about the beach and ocean life.

You’ll love our hands-on edible geography where we made the tidal zones and edible ocean layers. (yum)

Seashore Beach Watching Unit Study and Seashore Lapbook


You’ll love my free ocean unit study lapbook and free coral reef lapbooks.

.

Note: My Seashore Lapbook was free for a limited time.

Free Super Seashore Watching Unit Study and Beach Lapbook

Look at these other links:

  • 30+ Summer Activities for Middle School Kids
  • A to Z List: 100 Fun Summer Homeschool Unit Study Ideas
  • Homeschooling Through the Summer with My Highschooler
  • Seashells by the Seashore | Notebooking Pages from Jenny at Faith & Good Works
  • 10 Nature Discoveries on the Sandy Shore from Eva at Eva Varga
  • Turtle in the Sea Online Book Club from Dachelle at Hide the Chocolate
Super Seashore Watching Unit Study and Beach Lapbook. Whether you want to study the beach or seashore in the summer or winter, your kids will love this free super seashore watching unit study and free beach lapbook along with hands-on activities! CLICK HERE to grab it!


5 CommentsFiled Under: Geography, Hands-On Activities, Lapbooks, My Unit Studies {Free Printables & Hands-on Ideas}, Science, Science Based Tagged With: earthscience, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, life science, nature study, ocean, science, sciencecurriculum, The Nature Book Club Link Up

Simple and Fun Wildlife Craft Mountain Gorilla Layered Art Project

August 23, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

This is a fun wildlife craft mountain gorilla layered art project. Also, look at my pages Free Africa Unit Study for Kids Who Love Hands-on Learning | Free Continent & Country Reports and 6 World Wildlife Day Activities to Learn About African Lions.

September 4th is National Wildlife Day and what better way to observe it than with a wildlife craft to highlight one of the most loved wild animals – the gorilla.

You don’t have to just specifically study just gorillas.

Also, you can cover all the primates – chimps, orangutans, gorillas, baboons, monkeys, and more.

Simple and Fun Wildlife Craft Mountain Gorilla Layered Art Project

But I wanted to focus on the mountain gorillas because they are so seriously endangered.

Eastern Mountain Gorillas are found in the Virunga Mountains that border the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda.

The rest can be found in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.

This wildlife craft is easy and requires little setup.

Not only does it further your study of gorillas but it introduces multiple art techniques, maybe some that your child has never tried before.

Books About Gorillas

Gorilla and Other Primate Resources

Grab some of these resources for your study of gorillas.

The One and Only Ivan

This unforgettable novel from renowned author Katherine Applegate celebrates the transformative power of unexpected friendship. Inspired by the true story of a captive gorilla known as Ivan, this illustrated book is told from the point of view of Ivan himself. 

Having spent twenty-seven years behind the glass walls of his enclosure in a shopping mall, Ivan has grown accustomed to humans watching him. He hardly ever thinks about his life in the jungle. Instead, Ivan occupies himself with television, his friends Stella and Bob, and painting. But when he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild, he is forced to see their home, and his art, through new eyes.

Gorilla mysteries

Discusses the habits of gorillas, giant apes of frightening appearance but gentle behavior, long misunderstood by their human close relatives.

Wildlife Anatomy: The Curious Lives & Features of Wild Animals around the World

Julia Rothman's series of Anatomy books are beloved by children and adults alike. In Wildlife Anatomy, Rothman captures the excitement and distinctive attributes of wild animals around the world. The book is packed with hundreds of her charming, original illustrations, detailing the unique features of animals of the rainforest, desert, grasslands, oceans, and much more. From lions, bears, and zebras to monkeys, mongoose, bats, elephants, giraffes, hippos, and much more, Rothman's visual guide covers all the key features, right down to the anatomy of a lion's claw and a wild horse's hoof. All the illustrations are accompanied by labels, intriguing facts, and identifying details, such as: When is a Panther Not a Panther? and What Makes Aardvarks So Odd? Rothman's characteristic combination of curiosity and an artist's eye makes this wildlife treasury rich and full, and promises new discoveries every time it's opened

Good Morning, Gorillas (Magic Tree House #26)

Gentle giants or giant monsters? That's the question Jack and Annie have about gorillas when the Magic Tree House sweeps them to the mountains of Africa. There they meet a group of amazing and sometimes frightening mountain gorillas. Annie knows how to play with the creatures right away. But Jack is left out. Will the gorillas be able to teach him some special magic?

Terra by Battat – Gorilla Family

Experience the Strikingly human-like characteristics of the mighty Gorilla family!
Realistic details: exquisite miniature animals with realistic, accurate detail and beautiful design
Includes: 1 male and 1 female adult Gorilla and 2 infant gorillas

Koko's Kitten (Rise and Shine)

Koko the gorilla uses sign language to talk to her handlers. When she asks for a pet, her handlers search high and low for the perfect companion.

Then add a few more resources.

  • Gorilla & Me Handprints
  • Easy How to Draw a Gorilla Tutorial and Gorilla Coloring Page

More Wildlife Craft Activities

  • 6 World Wildlife Day Activities to Learn About African Lions
  • Wildlife in the Amazon Rainforest – Create Fun Macaw and Toucan Crafts
  • How to Make Wooden Peg Easy Arctic Animal Crafts
  • 8 Animal Camouflage Activities and Resources & Fun Camouflage Art
  • Galapagos Islands Animals Fun and Simple Watercolor Flamingo Tutorial
Simple and Fun Wildlife Craft Mountain Gorilla Layered Art Project

Next, look at these facts about gorillas.

8 Gorilla Facts

  1. There are two species of gorilla, eastern and western. Within these two they split into subspecies- eastern lowland, eastern mountain, western lowland, and western cross river.
  2. A Primatologist studies the behavior, biology, evolution, and taxonomy of primates. Famous ones include Jane Goodall (Chimpanzees) and Dr. Dian Fossey (gorillas)
  3. Gorillas are incredibly intelligent and have been observed making and using tools for all kinds of tasks such as turning them into silverware and even using them as tools to measure water depth.
  4. Just like our fingerprints are unique, gorilla nose prints are special and different from one another.
  5. Hanabi-Ko “Koko” was a female western lowland gorilla. She learned over 1,000 signs and understood more than 2,000 English words in her lifetime. She lived to be 46 years old.
  6. They are very social creatures and live together in groups of 5-30 gorillas called troops. Each troop generally contains a dominant male, several females, and their young offspring.
  7. Adult males are called Silverbacks. On average a silverback gorilla weighs almost 400 pounds and stands over 5’ tall on all fours.
  8. Unfortunately, gorillas are critically endangered due to habitat destruction as well as poaching.
Simple and Fun Wildlife Craft Mountain Gorilla Layered Art Project

Finally, look how to make this fun mountain gorilla art project.

Mountain Gorilla Layered Art Project

You will need:

  • Cream or white construction paper
  • Colorful construction paper
  • Black chalk pastel
  • Glue stick
  • Scissors
Simple and Fun Wildlife Craft Mountain Gorilla Layered Art Project

First, start by drawing a jagged/fluffy outline of a gorilla’s head and shoulders on your light paper with a black chalk pastel. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just a general clear shape.

Simple and Fun Wildlife Craft Mountain Gorilla Layered Art Project

Next lay the chalk pastel flat and drag it across the page to fill in the inside of your outline.

Simple and Fun Wildlife Craft Mountain Gorilla Layered Art Project

Smudge the chalk to smooth it out and fill it in more solidly with your finger, or you can use a tissue to blot and smear it.

Then cut a circle out of gray construction paper that is a little smaller than the gorilla head you drew, and cut a small dip into the top, kind of like a heart to create a gorilla face.

Simple and Fun Wildlife Craft Mountain Gorilla Layered Art Project

Draw on features like eyes, nostrils, and a mouth with your black chalk pastel then glue in place.

Simple and Fun Wildlife Craft Mountain Gorilla Layered Art Project

For the next layer tear up green construction paper into small pieces as well as a few colors to create flowers. We are going to have our gorilla peek out from the thick foliage.

Simple and Fun Wildlife Craft Mountain Gorilla Layered Art Project

Glue your torn green paper around the gorilla to frame him.

Simple and Fun Wildlife Craft Mountain Gorilla Layered Art Project

Layer on a few or many-colored pieces for flowers to brighten up your picture.

Simple and Fun Wildlife Craft Mountain Gorilla Layered Art Project

Finally, use a pen or marker to add a little detail to your flowers like petals.

To keep your chalk from smudging you can spray your paper lightly with a bit of aerosol hairspray.

Simple and Fun Wildlife Craft Mountain Gorilla Layered Art Project

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: animals, art, crafts, gorilla, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, homeschoolscience, jp, life science, science

8 France Crafts For Kids And Make Fun Vocabulary Bracelets

August 21, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have eight France crafts for kids and a tutorial on how to make a vocabulary bracelet. Also, check out my page Free Quick France Unit Study and Make Easy French Bread.

If you need France crafts for kids to round out your study for all ages, I have a wonderful selection here for you including French vocabulary bracelets.

Nothing about teaching has to be boring, plenty of hands-on activities will not only help your child learn faster but will help them retain more.

These vocabulary bracelets help your child learn way to practice simple French vocabulary words and phrases.

8 France Crafts For Kids And Make Fun Vocabulary Bracelets

Stringing beads is great for building fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination and will really help your child to retain the information as they spell out the words and phrases.

They can be made for themselves, to thank a loved one, as a friendship bracelet to give to a friend, or just to wear to practice words for the week.

Every time they look down at their bracelet, they will get a fun reminder to practice their vocabulary.

Fun Resources to Learn About France

Books and Resources for Studying About France

Add some of these books and resources to your unit study about France or the French Empire.

Merriam-Webster’s Student Atlas

  • Discover the world’s landforms and bodies of water, the highest and lowest elevations, and learn more about ocean currents, and wind patterns.
  • Thematic maps cover diverse topics such as continental drift, ocean floor, climate, natural resources, and population density.
  • Features up-to-date statistics and global information.

Where Is the Eiffel Tower?

Learn about the Eiffel Tower, beloved and iconic symbol of Paris, France, and one of the most recognizable structures in the world!When the plans for the Eiffel Tower were first announced, many people hated the design of the future landmark, calling it  ungainly and out of step with the beautiful stone buildings of the city. But once it went up for the World's Fair in 1889, the people of Paris quickly fell in love with the tower. Today it seems impossible to imagine Paris without the Eiffel Tower, which greets millions of visitors each year who climb up its wrought-iron stairs, ride its glass elevators, and enjoy the wonderful views of the city spread out below it.

Madeline

Nothing frightens Madeline—not tigers, not even mice. With its endearing, courageous heroine, cheerful humor, and wonderful, whimsical drawings of Paris, the Madeline stories are true classics that continue to charm readers, even after 75 years!Ludwig Bemelmans (1898-1962) was the author of the beloved Madeline books, including Madeline, a Caldecott Honor Book, and Madeline's Rescue, winner of the Caldecott Medal.

France ABCs: A Book About the People and Places of France (Country ABCs)

An alphabetical exploration of the people, geography, animals, plants, history, and culture of France.

Who Was Claude Monet?

Claude Monet is considered one of the most influential artists of all time. He is a founder of the French Impressionist art movement, and today his paintings sell for millions of dollars. While Monet was alive, however, his work was often criticized and he struggled financially. With over one hundred black-and-white illustrations, this book unveils a true portrait of the artist!

French Picture Dictionary Coloring Book: Over 1500 French Words and Phrases for Creative & Visual Learners of All Ages (Color and Learn)

You know you’ve never learned French like this before!

Learning a new language is a new way of meeting new people, opening doors in your professional career and attracting fresh opportunities when traveling around the world, as you may know. Spoken by over 280million people all over the world, French is the fifth most spoken language on the planet, so learning it will blow up your social and business circles!

The Everything Kids' Learning French Book: Fun exercises to help you learn francais

Bonjour, mon ami! So, you want to learn French but don't know where to start? Start ici, with The Everything Kids' Learning French Book. Inside, you'll find simple exercises, fun facts, tips on pronunciation, and popular phrases that enable you to read and speak French in no time at all.

LEGO Architecture Paris Skyline Building Kit with Eiffel Tower and The Louvre

  • Celebrate Architecture - LEGO Architecture sets celebrate the world of architecture, design, and history through the medium of the LEGO brick, ideal for travel enthusiasts
  • Relaxing Building Experience - This LEGO set is designed for adults and kids aged 12+, providing a rewarding and relaxing building experience, perfect for home or office décor

100 PICS France Game | Kids Games

PLAY 100 PICS FRANCE: Keep your kids entertained with our card games! 100 PICS is a fun game that can teach your children about the beautiful country of France! Perfect for family game night at home or on the go to take as a vacation essential.

Next, look at some more resources to learn about France.

Resources to Learn About France

  • Free Quick France Unit Study and Make Easy French Bread
  • Unit Study: French Revolution + Free Storming the Bastille Game
  • Make Fun Edible Eiffel Tower
  • Make a Sun King Fun Medallion – Louis XIV, also known as Louis the Great or the Sun King, was King of France from 1643 until his death in 1715
  • Free Homeschool History Cards – French and Indian War
  • 15 Hands-on History Ideas for Kids Studying the French and Indian War
  • French Revolution Unit Study + Free Copywork
8 France Crafts For Kids And Make Fun Vocabulary Bracelets

Moreover, look at these eight crafts about France for kids.

8 More France Crafts for Kids

Here are 8 more wonderful French-themed crafts for your child to give your lesson a little something extra from famous artists to tasty treats.

  1. How precious is this Madeline Hat craft to go along with the read-aloud?
  2. Kids will love this printable for Make Your Own Eiffel Tower in 3D.
  3. Painting the beautiful Notre Dame at Night can help children learn about a beautiful piece of history and architecture through art.
  4. Puffy Paint Macaroon Cookie
  5. Easy How to Draw The Eiffel Tower
  6. I could hardly leave out one of the most famous French artists from this list, could I? Here is a Monet Inspired Water Lily Craft.
  7. One of the most impressive things about France is the architecture and one of the most prominent features is the gargoyles like the ones that guard the Notre Dame Cathedral so this Gargoyles For Kids craft fits right in perfectly.
  8. Make a Bastille Day Kids Craft.

Also, here are a few common words and phrases to add to a bracelet while you learn the meaning of each word.

  • Hello –Bonjour
  • Goodbye-Au Revoir
  • Goodnight-Bonsoir
  • Thank You- Thank You
  • I Love You- Je T’aime
  • Friend-Amie (feminine) Ami (masculine)
  • Mom-Maman
  • Dad-Papa
  • Grandmother-Grand-mere
  • Grandpa- Grand-pere
  • Brother-Frere
  • Sister-Soeur
8 France Crafts For Kids And Make Fun Vocabulary Bracelets

Finally, look at these French vocabulary bracelets.

French Vocabulary Bracelets

You can also turn these into necklaces using the same methods below but create a longer length to add several words for the week.

Once they have learned the words, have fun helping them create a new string of words and phrases.

You will need:

  • Pony Beads
  • Letter Beads
  • Stretchy String
  • Scissors

First, you are going to want to research and list some words your child might want to use to make their bracelets online or in a French dictionary.

 I have a handful of common words they might like to use above.

Set out a little container of red, white, and blue pony beads as well as letter beads along with the stretchy string.

8 France Crafts For Kids And Make Fun Vocabulary Bracelets

Next, have them lay out the design of their bracelet, you can use just the colors of the French flag or put them in order-blue, white, and red.

8 France Crafts For Kids And Make Fun Vocabulary Bracelets

Wrap the stretchy string around the wrist to where it is comfortable and add another 2 inches to the length.

Tie a bead on one end of the string to keep the beads from falling off as they are threaded.

8 France Crafts For Kids And Make Fun Vocabulary Bracelets

Slip the beads on, remember to place letter beads in the right direction.

8 France Crafts For Kids And Make Fun Vocabulary Bracelets

Your child can opt to fill the entire bracelet with beads, fill it partially, or sparsely.

8 France Crafts For Kids And Make Fun Vocabulary Bracelets

Once it’s done, tie off the ends and snip off the excess.

8 France Crafts For Kids And Make Fun Vocabulary Bracelets

How fun are these little bracelets?

8 France Crafts For Kids And Make Fun Vocabulary Bracelets

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: France, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, history resources, homeschool, homeschoolhistory

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