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The Race Against Time Geronimo Stilton Activities: Fun Edible Spine

August 20, 2022 | Leave a Comment
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If you want more Geronimo Stilton activities for the series of Geronimo Stilton books, you’ll love this edible spine hands-on history activity. Also I have this Human Body Crafts page for more fun ideas.

Jumping back in time with Geronimo Stilton, he is up to another fa-mouse-ly adventure in the book The Race Against Time (Geronimo Stilton Journey Through Time #3).

The book is divided into three sections of adventure mixed with history; we focused on the second section of the book which is the Renaissance period.

And the ultimate renaissance man is Leonardo Da Vinci known for his time spent learning about science.

The Race Against Time Geronimo Stilton Activities: Fun Edible Spine

First, you’ll love knowing more about the book The Race Against Time (Geronimo Stilton Journey Through Time #3).

The Journey Through Time series of Geronimo Stilton books give so much information on a time period in such an engaging way.

The series has colorful illustrations and text, small snippets of information, and great adventure.

Before the journey begins, we see renaissance fashions and what the time period was about.

And then go right into visiting important landmarks of the time period all through the eyes of a mouse.

You will be introduced to Gutenberg and his printing press.

In addition, your child will read about and Leonardo Da Vinci. They’ll read about his flying machine, sculptures, and art- including the Mona Mousa. I mean Lisa.

Even though the book does not reference the medical span of Leonardo’s contributions it opens the door to talk and research the other things he worked on besides art and inventions.

It becomes a natural springboard to add some science to your book or unit study.

Leonardo Da Vinci Activities

Leonardo da Vinci spent a lot of time measuring and drawing the human body and discovered that it has standard proportions.

He participated in many dissections to learn how the body worked and drew exact anatomical studies. He studied, measured, drew, and went hands-on in every aspect of his quest for knowledge.

This is a wonderful way to introduce younger children to his discoveries and contributions to the science world, particularly the anatomy of the human body.

If your child is interested in anatomy, include this hands-on activity alongside your Geronimo Stilton Unit.

The human body is wonderful. And it is so amazingly designed with the way each part fits together and works to move, protect, and shape our body.

The spine is a perfect example of that, and your science loving child is sure to enjoy making their own spine

Human Body Spine Facts

Look at some of these human body spine facts you can use in talking about Leonardo da Vinci or to add to your Geronimo Stilton activities.

The brain connects to the spine to control most basic functions of the body.
The spine has three jobs – protect your spinal cord, allow you to move and bend, and provide a foundation for your posture.
You have 25 bones making up your spine known as vertebrae
There are 7 vertebrae that make up your neck. Did you know that giraffes with their super long necks also only have 7?
Some snakes have more than 400 vertebrae.
The 5 bottom vertebrae between the ages of 18 and 30 become fused together to make your coccyx, or tailbone.
There are over 120 muscles and 220 ligaments that support the average spine.

As you build your spine you can naturally work in the importance of each part that makes up your spine and spinal cord.

The spinal cord works with the brain to form the central nervous system.
The vertebrae themselves give structure and protect the spinal cord.
Intervertebral discs cushion and protect the nerves from wear and tear.
The nerve clusters communicate with the rest of our body, sending signals to our hands, legs, feet, arms, head, etc.

Search Google for images of da Vinci spine drawings for a model to help your child along.

Also, you can add a tabletop skeleton model for your child to explore and learn with as well.

More Human Body Crafts

How to Make an Edible Spine

Now on to making a delicious, hands-on spine model. You can make yours true to size or create a mini model.

Our model here does not have all the nerves and is not life sized, but we made sure to include 25 vertebrae. If you are doing a unit on anatomy that is one thing you want your children to remember.

Here is what you will need to create your own edible spine:

Yarn- Spinal Cord, nerves (ok, not edible, but you know)
Butter Cookies with a hole- vertebrae
Gummy Lifesavers- intervertebral disc

String a long piece of yarn through a cookie and knot it several times until it is too large to fit through the hole. The yarn is our spinal cord.

Cut yarn into two-inch pieces and twist two of them so that they are between each gummy lifesaver and cookie to create the nerve clusters.

Add on a cookie to create a vertebrae.

Continue repeating gummy, nerve, cookie until you have made your spine as long as you want it to be then tie it off at the top.

You can further the lesson by having your child label the parts of the spine as it is laid out.

Other Geronimo Stilton Activities

What do you think? Are you ready with this hands-on spine model when reading The Race Against Time (Geronimo Stilton Journey ? Or adding more Geronimo Stilton activities?

How to Create Easy Back to School Basket Ideas for Middle School (Anatomy)

August 19, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Easy back to school basket ideas for middle school is not only a great craft idea, but it gets your students excited about the new homeschool year. And check out more tips on my page homeschool middle school.

Do you use learning baskets in your homeschool?

Homeschoolers have been using baskets for a while now but unlike a morning basket, these themed back to school baskets can be used throughout the entire day, week, or even month.

How to Create Easy Back to School Basket Ideas for Middle School (Anatomy)

A learning basket is a basket full of fun educational material all based on one topic of interest.

It’s a unit study in a basket.

If you are a relaxed homeschool family, unit study family or even follow the unschooling approach, baskets can be prepared ahead and left for your child to explore at his own pace.

Back to School Craft

Too, back to school baskets fosters independence.

While gaining independence in their homeschool choices children can still benefit from direction and guidance,

Also, baskets full of materials of one themed topic are a fantastic way to inspire, encourage, and develop a love of learning by inviting children to explore a topic.

Whether you teach traditionally, are a unit study family, or are an unschooler these baskets will work and add to your homeschool.

They are like putting a fun unit study in a basket and letting your child drive.

Look at these ideas below for putting together an anatomy themed basket for a middle school child.

Anatomy Back to School Basket Idea for Middle School

Do you have a child that is looking to be a nurse or has an interest in anatomy or the medical field?

Then start with a core curriculum, spine, or living book based on his or her interest.

If you are doing a core curriculum include the student book for your students to work through at their own pace.

We are using Campfire Curriculums Through the Eyes of: ER LIFE.

I have a review coming soon, but these pictures will give you a glimpse now of what is going in the basket.

This Anatomicum book makes a perfect addition to our study.

It is such a beautiful book, with gorgeous illustrations., makes for great reference, and inspiration.

And here we are using it for tracing the photos as well. Needless to say, it will be added to our library.

Be sure to include a pack of tracing paper with it.

Human Body Unit Study Resources

I also included my lapbook Dynamic and Fun Human Body Lapbook for Multiple Ages for some hands on learning.

It is easy to customize, picking and choosing which parts you want them to focus on.

Or let them choose on their own. It is a great supplement to any kind of anatomy study.

Next, include some support books like Basher Human Body.

I love the silly photos in these books, even for middle schoolers.

They help take a complicated topic and turn it into easy little snippets of information.

Basher has quite a few books to cover different topics. Again, the images are cute.

However, they relay the information in an easy to understand way.

And that appeals to a variety of ages probably early elementary to middle school is best.

I found this copy of Gray’s Anatomy at the Goodwill for just over $1 and had to include it in the basket.

While it usually used by doctors and medical students, I thought it would make a great reference book.

More Back to School Craft Ideas

Hands-On Human Anatomy Resources

After you have a few great books picked out, include a game or two.

Cytosis is great for gameschooling and a great way for kids to learn about cell biology.

A couple of other games that would fit this topic perfectly for this age range are:

Anatomy Fluxx. This is a card game that is action filled and teaches about everything from bones to blood vessels.
Pandemic. Great for learning about viruses, how they spread, and how they are eradicated.

Also, the Bones Book and Skeleton makes a great little table top skeleton for learning how the body itself is put together.

Additionally, it can be used for labeling bones later on.

Next is Gross Anatomy create your own squishy human body.

I think that making it multi sensory and hands on really creates that connection that will help them retain what they are learning about.

Another is Know Your Blood Type so they can test themselves or a family member to find out blood types.

Finally, Safari Toobs Organs can be used as a model for drawing or painting.

They help your children to visualize the shape of organs and you can put them with flashcards to match up and learn the names of the basic organs.

Include some play dough as well ( or modeling clay) for them to recreate their own copies of organs from the model.

What do you think? Are you going to give this a try? What are your themed learning basket ideas?

How to Make Easy Bath Bombs Back to School Craft

August 18, 2022 | 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today your kids can learn how to make easy bath bombs back to school craft. Set your homeschool up for success by starting off with something fun.

Enjoy a little science, art, math, and more while you make these homemade bath bombs with your kids for a little back to school routine fun.

They aren’t just for the kids though. Toss one in your next bath and ignore the banging at the door.

How to Make Easy Bath Bombs Back to School Craft

Bath bombs are easy to make.

And you definitely save a lot of money making them yourself at home, not to mention you can customize them for the season or occasion.

Back to School Craft for Kids

The back to school themed ones we’re making today, but you will want to tuck this tutorial away and revisit it to remake them anytime for gifts.

The kids will love making them and everyone appreciates homemade thoughtful gifts.

Besides being school themed, you can also match the scents to your needs. Need more calm in your day? Add lavender.

Want to focus? Peppermint and sweet orange will help.

Have headache that just won’t go away? Lavender, rosemary, and peppermint will help. Or, need a mood boost? Add lemongrass and sandalwood to your mix.

DIY Molds for Bath Bombs

In addition, you don’t have to make them in a special mold. Use whatever you have on hand like a cupcake pan or any silicone mold will do.

Just choose some of the oils I mentioned above for whatever you want to achieve relaxation, focus, calm, etc.

We are going to make fun paper themed ones.

Bath Bomb Ingredients

But first, look at these ingredients.

1 cup baking soda
½ cup cornstarch
½ cup Epsom salt
¼ cup citric acid
3 teaspoons coconut oil
25 drops essential oil
Food Coloring Markers or Washable Markers
Molds or cupcake tins
Small spray bottle with water

Throughout making these bath bombs ask lots of questions to draw out your child’s curiosity and practice some practical living skills.

For example, we only have a ¼ measuring cup clean, how can we get ½ cup of cornstarch? What happens when the water combines with the citric acid? What is that called?

Research what each ingredient adds to the bath bomb and what are the properties of each one? Which are acids, which are alkaline? We are learning everyday, craft time is no exception.

Begin by mixing together well the dry ingredients which are Epsom salt, baking soda, cornstarch, and citric acid.

Stir in coconut oil and make sure all dry ingredients are coated completely.

How to Make DIY Bath Bombs

Add your essential oils and stir. Then stir a little more to be sure its evenly disbursed.

Now spritz your mixture lightly with water. You want to go slowly here because water will set your reaction of the citric acid off before you are ready, spritz a bit, stir mixture, spritz, stir, repeat until it is just barely damp.

What you want here is for it to stick together when you squeeze it but not dripping wet.

If you don’t have a spray bottle on hand, you can add water with a teaspoon, dribbling a small amount at a time.

Press the mixture firmly into your mold. Because my rectangle molds are very large and meant for big bars of soap I only filled them halfway but made sure to press the mixture in well.

Allow to harden, overnight is best to be sure it is dry completely through

Once firm, remove carefully from mold and turn it over. With smooth side up, make blue horizontal lines and a single pink vertical line down the left side to emulate the look of notebook paper.

You could also write messages on the paper too if you want to take it a step further.

Store bath bombs in a cool dry place until ready to use.

Don’t stop with just making these bath bombs. Gift them to friends, fellow homeschoolers, co-op teachers, and you could even make them in a co-op session for a fun activity.

This is a great group activity for a large or small gathering. Bag them up individually for a really cute gift

Other Back to School Crafts:

60 Favorite Top Homeschooling Materials for Kindergarten

August 14, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Beginning to homeschool kindergarten can be daunting. So, having this list of homeschooling materials for kindergarten will start you on the right foot for kindergarten homeschool curriculum.

Beyond homeschool curriculum, you’ll want to set up your home for learning all over.

Too, if you have the right materials or supplies for homeschooling kindergarten, you can just about skip purchasing formal curriculum.

Plus, there are so many hands-on manipulatives, puzzles, books and supplies which can be used to teach in a play-based approach.

60 Favorite Top Homeschooling Materials for Kindergarten

Children this age learn best by play and not necessarily by formal curriculum.

I know it’s not the answer some moms want to hear, but hear my heart when I say there are so many formal years of homeschooling ahead.

Besides, it’s okay to have laid out curriculum because it can give you a birds eye view of how to teach.

Just don’t rush the learning stages at preschool or kindergarten and even into first grade by being overly formal.

So many of these learning materials can be used for years.

Especially if you have younger children or are expecting to grow a family, it’s worth investing in learning materials which will last years.

Get your money’s worth from them.

Kindergarten Homeschool Materials

And beyond what I have organized and listed below, you want to add these things to your collection.

Museum memberships
Some picture books like ones by Beatrix Potter, Curious George, and Five Little Monkeys to name a few.
And don’t forget a library card and
Think about buying secondhand cooking and baking items like measuring cups and bowls so they can be used for measuring or pretend play.
Don’t forget you already have your back yard for exploring or the local park.

Add audio books like The Very Eric Carle Treasury: The Very Busy Spider; The Very Quiet Cricket; The Very Clumsy Click Beetle; and The Very Lonely Firefly to your list.

Next, look at these items and materials to help with fine motor control.

Arts and Crafts for Homeschool Kindergarten

Arts and crafts supplies should make up a good part of your homeschooling materials.

Play-Doh Modeling Compound 10-Pack Case of Color

10 cans of creative fun – kids can get creative with just the right colors.

Dough Tools Set for Kids

45 pieces various shapes of dough tools as picture: rolling pins, pattern molds, cutters, stamps, etc.

Set Creations Tools for Kid with sea Animals

The shape maker and plastic knife are designed for little fingers to easily, pull, push, twist, and press to the sea animals.

Watercolor Paint Set, 48 Colors Non-toxic Watercolor Paint

48 Vivid Colors Best Watercolor Paints Set.

Crayola Giant Fingerpaint Paper

GIANT FINGERPAINT PAPER: Features 25 Sheets of 16” x 12” Coated White Paint Paper conveniently bound into a pad, plus a painting project idea to get kids started

Crayola Ultraclean Broadline Classic Washable Markers

Crayola washable markers are now ultra-clean; Washable from skin, clothing and now from painted walls .

60 PCS Jumbo Washable Bulk Chalk Non-Toxic Sidewalk Chalks

Our Jumbo Colorful Chalks are packaged in 3 boxes and each includes 20 pieces of chalks in 5 colors (Blue, Green, Pink, Orange and Yellow)

Rainbow Colored Duct Tape —No Residue, Tear by Hand & Waterproof — Great for crafts

Vivid Vibrance – Enjoy eye-catching brightness and a full rainbow of color options.

Left and Right Handed Kids Scissors, Safety Blunt Sharp

Multipurpose: kids scissors are ideal for children use in classroom school, office and at home.

Subscription Boxes for Kindergarten

Also, more and more subscription boxes have popped up over the last 10 years and they make teaching kindergarten absolutely fun and painless.

Instead of collecting all the supplies and materials, sometimes you just want to have things premade.

You’ll love some of these ideas below.

Subscription Boxes for Homeschool Kindergarten

If you choose the right subscription box it can bring learning to life with very little effort on your part. And it adds tons of fun.

Raddish - Kids Cooking Subscription Box

A NEW THEME EACH MONTH - Learn about new cultures and cuisines from your kitchen!

Little Passports Science Jr.

In the first month you’ll receive our weddell seals experiment kit, adventure-packed comic, Antarctica board game, and trading cards highlighting fun scientific facts.

Green Kid Crafts - Monthly STEAM Subscription

Each month you'll receive up to 5 experiments and art projects that promote STEAM learning (science, technology, engineering, art, and math).

Little Passports Early Explorers

Explore the world with your preschooler with this fun and educational travel themed subscription box!

Einstein Box Science Experiment Kit For Kids Aged 6

Science Experiment Kit For Kids 6-12

Dear Smart Girl Electrical Engineering STEM Kit for Girls

CREATIVE EXPLORATION: Our STEM DIY headband activity kit for girls is optimized for the highest doses of fun.

We Craft Box: Kids Craft Box Subscription – Monthly Kids Arts and Crafts DIY for 2 Crafters

BE YOUR KIDS HERO: Give them a day of crafting adventures without the stress or prep work!

Also, using manipulative and games for teaching helps learning to stick.

Children should not really tell the difference between playing and learning.

History, Geography, and Hands On Learning Ideas for Homeschool Kindergarten

Children this age love to learn about the world around them, but it doesn't have to be complicated.

World Map Puzzle for Kids -With Continents

World Map Puzzle set is an entertaining educational activity for kids to help stimulate and challenge their minds, and aid in development as they play and learn

United States Puzzle for Kids

United States Puzzle for Kids set is an entertaining educational activity for kids to help stimulate and challenge their minds.

Learning Games and Effective Curriculum for Language Arts and Math for Homeschool Kindergarten

Children this age learn best by games and there is hardly a subject that can't be learned though a game.

The Fidget Game Learn to Read in Weeks Master 220 High-Frequency Dolch Sight Words

The Fidget Game aims to teach curriculum-appropriate Dolch words or sight words from Pre-K to Grade 3 kids.

Learning Resources Time Activity Set - Teaching Clocks for Kids, Telling Time

Telling time, Time matching (analog and digital), Writing time (analog and digital), Problem solving, Fine motor skills, Self-help

Sight CVC Word Games, Montessori Alphabet Letter Puzzle Blocks

Muu MIAO CVC word games toy is a creative toy with high-quality logical puzzle board for learning to spell CVC words.

Wooden Large Hundred Board Educational Math 100 Board

HELP YOUR KIDS WITH EARLY MATH SKILLS: This Montessori multidimensional math toy was designed to your kid a love and confidence in math and numbers

Bob Books, Set 1: Beginning Readers

Bob Books Set 1: Beginning ReadersTeach a child letter sounds with Bob Books Set 1! With four letters in the first story, children can read a whole book

Kindergarten Math With Confidence Bundle: Instructor Guide & Student Workbook

This scripted, open-and-go program leads parents’ step-by-step through teaching all the concepts a kindergartner needs to master: counting to 100, writing numbers, beginning addition and subtraction, shapes and patterns, coins, time, and measurement.

Spin-and-Read Phonetic Reading Blocks and CVC Phonics Wooden Toy Set for Beginner Reader

Learn to Read: New readers will learn how to read and rhyme with our movable CVC word builder blocks

Before Five in a Row

, Before Five in a Row is a rich treasury of creative ideas that help you gently, consistently prepare your children for the lifelong adventure of learning.

Kindergarten Games for Learning Skill Subjects

As I mentioned earlier there is more than enough time for formal learning.

At this age kids learn the skill subjects like language arts and math through games.

As their fine motor control is still developing, you want to strengthen their fine motor control through crafts.

I’ve rounded up things to help strengthen fine motor skills to prepare your child for lifelong writing.

Paper, Fine Motor Skills and Writing for Homeschool Kindergarten

Remember at the kindergarten level it's like writing with your big toe. This is the time to STRENGTHEN the fine motor skills through play, NOT learn how to write.

My First Book of Pencil Control : Practice Pattern Writing (Full Color Pages)

A perfect fun activity book designed for early learners to develop pencil control and motor skills.

Write & Wipe Pen Control

Practice pen control and tracing, then wipe clean and start again!

Crayons in a Rock Shape, 32 Count, Tripod Grip Made for Handwriting Development in Kids

Used by occupational therapists and preschool teachers, they were specifically designed to strengthen the tripod grip muscles in young children.

Melissa & Doug Scissor Skills Activity Book With Pair of Child-Safe Scissors

The Melissa & Doug Scissor Skills Activity Book is a paper-cutting project book with 20 pre-printed activity pages.

Construction Paper, 10 Classic Colors

Heavyweight 100% vat-dyed sulphite paper is perfect for any arts and crafts project .

Dry Erase Board, 14” x 11”

This White Framed Dry Erase Board Provides A Compact, Easy-To-Use Writing Surface For Planning, Scheduling, Drawing And More .

Plastic Art Trays,Activity Plastic Tray,Serving Tray for Art and Crafts and Writing in Salt

These art trays are great for painting,color mixing,organizing puzzles,beading,playing with slime and play dough,collaging,science experiments and more.Help to organize and get rid of mixing.

Lower and Capital Case Sandpaper Letters with Boxes

The sandpaper letters guide the hand for writing as the child traces the letter shapes in the style and direction that they are written.

TICONDEROGA My First Pencils, Wood-Cased Soft, Pre-Sharpened

Large size diameter (13/32") is ideal for children in the early stages of their writing development

In addition, besides getting children outdoors, they need plenty of things to help them learn about the fascinating world around them.

Best Science Games, Hands-on Learning and Books For Homeschool Kindergarten

Science should be so fun at this age. Not only should kids get out of doors, but they should have plenty of opportunity to investigate with games and a variety of science materials.

Puzzles for Kids Ages 4-8 Year Old, 100 Piece Dinosaur Jigsaw Puzzle

Jigsaw Puzzle is a 100 piece dinosaur puzzle that is easy to assemble and displays beautiful artwork of a prehistoric landscape.

The Young Scientist Ocean Animal Card Games

The Young Scientists Club Ocean Animals Card Game makes learning a fun, interactive experience all while discovering the magic of the ocean!

Ocean Animals Toys Small Realistic Mini Sea Creature

Highly detailed and realistic, these small creature sea animals provide a better way for your kids to know about sea animals world,

Butterfly Garden: Original Habitat and Live Cup of Caterpillars

A cup of 5 baby caterpillars and with all the nutritious food they need to grow into Painted Lady Butterflies

Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Talking Kids Microscope

Discover the world with science & exploration.

POWER YOUR FUN Fun Forts Glow Fort Building Kit for Kids -

GLOW IN THE DARK FORT KIT FOR KIDS: Build endless kids play tent structures, forts for kids, play tunnels, and more.

29" Large Dart Board

Utilizing it for math games with students, points system makes it challenging enough while interesting.

6 PCS Insect Specimen Set, Spider/Scorpion/Cricket/Flower Chafers/Stink Bug/

Real Insect Encased in A Clear Lucite Acrylic Resin Block. Durable,You Can Keep It for A Long Time.

Grow 'N Glow Terrarium Kit for Kids - Science Activities for Kids

Explore the wonder of nature and science with the Creativity for Kids Grow 'N Glow Terrarium; this indoor activity for kids allows you to craft, plant, water and grow

Science Energy Stick – Fun Science Kits for Kids to Learn About Conductors of Electricity

HANDS-ON STEM SCIENCE: The Steve Spangler Science Energy Stick is a one-of-a-kind toy to learn and explore the science of electricity and circuits.

Kids Science Kit with Lab Coat Gift Set - Over 20 Experiments for Kids 4-6

20+ Fun and Fascinating Science Experiments plus real life kids Lab Coat, Scientist ID Tag and play Safety Goggles to create an authentic home laboratory experience, components store perfectly in the re-usable plastic storage box!

Little Kids First Big Book of Reptiles and Amphibians (National Geographic Little Kids First Big Books)

This addition to the hit Little Kids First Big Book series explores the fascinating world of reptiles and amphibians, from slithering snakes and scaly lizards to bumpy frogs and spotty salamanders.

National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Dinosaurs (Little Kids First Big Books)

The third title in National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book series, this book is for kids 4- to 8-years-old who LOVE dinos!

National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Space (Little Kids First Big Books)

This beautiful book is the latest addition to the National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book series. These colorful pages will introduce young children to the wonders of space,

National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of the Ocean (Little Kids First Big Books)

National Geographic Kids First Big Book of the Ocean is an adorable animal reference that includes the sea's high-interest animals, such as dolphins, sharks, sea otters, and penguins, and introduces kids to some of its lesser-known creatures.

Finally, puzzles train children to mind the details and to develop patience needed for learning.

Best Puzzles for Homeschool Kindergarten

Melissa & Doug Self-Correcting Alphabet Wooden Puzzles With Storage Box

The Melissa & Doug Self-Correcting Alphabet Letter Puzzle set includes 52 durable wooden pieces that help kids learn the ABCs as they match letters to pictures.

Melissa & Doug Shape Sorting Clock

The Melissa & Doug Shape Sorting Clock is an entertaining and educational toy that includes 12 removable pieces for teaching time-telling and more.

Learning Resources Alphabet Puzzle Cards, Kindergarten Readiness

BUILD kindergarten readiness skills with these fun puzzles!

Other Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum Resources

Fun Upcycled T Shirt Library Tote Back to School Kids Craft

August 13, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

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.

The Wild Robot

When robot Roz opens her eyes for the first time, she discovers that she is all alone on a remote, wild island

Stuart Little

Stuart Little is no ordinary mouse. Born to a family of humans, he lives in New York City with his parents, his older brother George, and Snowbell the cat.

The Green Ember

Heather and Picket are extraordinary rabbits with ordinary lives until calamitous events overtake them, spilling them into a cauldron of misadventures.

The One and Only Ivan

Having spent twenty-seven years behind the glass walls of his enclosure in a shopping mall, Ivan has grown accustomed to humans watching him.

Anne of Green Gables

Eleven-year-old Anne Shirley has never known a real home.

Little House on the Prairie

Classic tales by Laura Ingalls Wilder about life on the frontier and Americas best-loved pioneer family.

My Side of the Mountain Trilogy

This coming-of-age story about a boy and his falcon went on to win a Newbery Honor, and for the past forty years has enthralled and entertained generations of would-be Sam Gribleys.

The Hobbit: Illustrated Edition

In The Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins enjoys a comfortable, unambitious life, rarely traveling farther than the pantry of his hobbit-hole in Bag End.

The Indian in the Cupboard

Trying to hide his disappointment, Omri puts the Indian in a metal cupboard and locks the door with a mysterious skeleton key that once belonged to his great-grandmother

Summer of the Monkeys

The last thing fourteen-year-old Jay Berry Lee expects to find while trekking through the Ozark Mountains of Oklahoma is a tree full of monkeys

The Borrowers Afield

Driven from their home in the big house, Pod, Homily, and Arrietty take up life in a boot.

The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy

Soon they are busy discovering the summertime magic of Arundel’s sprawling gardens, treasure-filled attic, tame rabbits, and the cook who makes the best gingerbread in Massachusetts.

Charlotte's Web

Some Pig. Humble. Radiant. These are the words in Charlotte's Web, high up in Zuckerman's barn.

The Sign of the Beaver

Although he faces responsibility bravely, thirteen-year-old Matt is more than a little apprehensive when his father leaves him alone to guard their new cabin in the wilderness

The Chronicles of Narnia

Fantastic creatures, heroic deeds, epic battles in the war between good and evil.

Mr. Popper's Penguins

It tells the story of a poor house painter named Mr. Popper and his family, who live in the small town of Stillwater in the 1930s.

The Courage of Sarah Noble

In 1707, young Sarah Noble and her father traveled through the wilderness to build a new home for their family.

The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread

A brave mouse, a covetous rat, a wishful serving girl, and a princess named Pea come together,

Frindle

A quirky, imaginative tale about creative thought and the power of words that will have readers inventing their own words.

The Lemonade War

Here is a clever blend of humor, math wizardry, and business know-how. As it captures the one-of-a-kind bond between brother and sister.

Where the Sidewalk Ends

This special edition contains 12 extra poems.

Because of Winn-Dixie

One summer’s day, ten-year-old India Opal Buloni goes down to the local supermarket for some groceries—and comes home with a dog. But Winn-Dixie is no ordinary dog.

The Boxcar Children Fully Illustrated Edition

The classic story of four orphaned siblings, Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny, who find an abandoned boxcar in the forest and decide to make it their home.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Finally, look at more fun activities.

handsonhomeschooling

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Human Body Spine Facts

More Human Body Crafts

How to Make an Edible Spine

Other Geronimo Stilton Activities

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Anatomy Back to School Basket Idea for Middle School

Human Body Unit Study Resources

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Hands-On Human Anatomy Resources

Back to School Craft for Kids

DIY Molds for Bath Bombs

Bath Bomb Ingredients

How to Make DIY Bath Bombs

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Kindergarten Homeschool Materials

Subscription Boxes for Kindergarten

Kindergarten Games for Learning Skill Subjects

Other Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum Resources

23 Favorite Read Aloud Books for Our Library Tote

How to Upcycle a T-Shirt

Other Back to School Craft Ideas

More Back to School Craft Ideas

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