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The Ultimate Guide to Brave Explorers (Great and Small)

March 12, 2026 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Whether they were the world’s bravest explorers or the world barely noticed their bravery, this ultimate guide to great explorers, both great and small, will give you a starting point for in-depth learning about some of these fascinating explorers and their journeys. Also, look at my page Hands-On Simple And Best Homeschool Geography Ideas & Tips.

Learning about great explorers and seeing events, places, and everyday life unfold through their eyes allows you and your children to go to places you may have never been.

The Ultimate Guide to Brave Explorers (Great and Small)

If nothing else, it will give you a glimpse of the determination, bravery, and fortitude explorers exhibited.

Hopefully, you’ll come away with both a more adventurous spirit and a deeper respect for other parts of the world.

IDEAS FOR GEOGRAPHY EXPLORATION INSPIRATION

I’ve alphabetized the explorers by their last name to make it easier for you to locate each one. In cases when an explorer’s last name is not given or known, I’ve listed each by his only name or first name known.

Sometimes more than one explorer navigated the same region but presented their journeys from a different view.

I think it’s easier to list them by name so that you get the full benefit of their individual perspectives, instead of breaking down this ultimate to great explorers by the region each explored.

GENERAL POSTS, DOWNLOADS, PRINTABLES AND UNIT STUDIES

  • The Great Age of Exploration (1400–1550) 46 page teacher guide on a variety of explorers.
  • Navigation Finding Your Way 10 pages.
  • Spanish and Portuguese Exploration Guides. Nice!
  • Those Who Have Come Before Me 7 page lesson plan about space exploration.
  • European Explorers of North and South America 13 page lesson plan.
  • Spain and America: From Reconquest to Conquest
  • Early Explorers teacher guide on a variety of explorers.
  • European Exploration, Trade and Colonization 22 free unit guide.
  • Exploring the World
  • Exploring the Moon Educators Guide – 158 page free download.
  • Hands-on Explorers Unit Study.
  • The Great Age of Exploration 67 pages.
  • Explore the Explorers Online
  • Free Continent Map.
  • European Exploration & Trade 22 pages.

HANDS-ON IDEAS AND ACTIVITIES ABOUT EXPLORERS

  • 3-D Maps. Create a 3-D topographical map.
  • Learning longitude and latitude using an orange – 6 page download.
  • Free Explorers Notebook Pages
  • Age of Exploration Ideas – Taste foods from different countries.
  • Free Writing prompts About Explorers.
  • North American Explorers WebQuest
  • Make a balloon globe.
  • European Explorers Word Search Puzzle
  • Make Explorers Ships with Toilet Paper Tube Sail – for art.
  • Postcards from the Explorers.
  • Age of Exploration Games, videos and resources.
  • The Discovery of the Americas Play

B

VASCO NUNEZ DE BALBOA EXPLORER

  • Free book at Gutenberg.
  • Vasco Nunez de Balboa Biography
  • Vasco Nunez de Balboa Slideshow
  • 10 Facts On The Spanish Explorer
  • Balboa Explorers PowerPoint
  • Vasco Nunez de Balboa Lesson Plan

DANIEL BOONE NORTH AMERICAN EXPLORER

  • Free Lapbook and Unit Study
  • Read Boone’s own account of his “Adventures,” published in 1874.
  • Early Exploration of the West Daniel Boone, Cumberland Gap, Wilderness Trail
  • The Wilderness Road.
  • Daniel Boone Picture Book Lesson

C

SAMUEL DE CHAMPLAIN

  • Samuel de Champlain Powerpoint.
  • Samuel De Champlain New France Lesson Plan
  • Champlain in America
  • Champlain Reaches the Lake 32 pages.

CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS

  • Free The World Of Columbus And Sons Lapbook For Kids Who Love Hands-On Learning
  • My first biography 8-page download.
  • Columbus 10-page workbook.

FRANCISCO VASQUEZ DE CORONADO

  • Francisco Coronado Lesson Plan
  • Coronado Biography for Kids
  • Coronado: Misfortune’s Explorer Lesson Plan
  • Coronado Historical Summary

HERNANDO CORTES

  • Hernando Cortes Poster Activity
  • Conquistadors: Hernan Cortes Lesson Plan
  • Cortes Compare and Contrast Lesson
  • Cortes: Fact Vs. Fiction

D

BARTOLOMEU DIAS

  • The Portuguese Explorers
  • The Life and Times of Bartolomeu Dias (1450 -1500).
  • Social Sciences HISTORY Teacher’s Guide –


SIR FRANCIS DRAKE

  • Drake’s West Indian Voyage 1588-1589
  • Explorers of the World.
  • The Spanish Armada.
  • About the Golden Hind.
  • Drake’s Circumnavigation Lesson Plan
  • Vocabulary words for a unit study.
  • Coloring Pages.
  • 1580: Drake Completes Navigation.
  • Things You May Not Know About Drake.

G

VASCO DA GAMA

  • Early Modern Britain 96 page teacher’s guide
  •  Europe Discovers the Riches of India.
  • Vasco da Gama PBS World Explorers
  • Vasco de Gama Finds a Sea Route to India.

H

HENRY HUDSON

  • The search for the Northwest Passage.
  • On the Half Moon with Henry Hudson
  • Henry Hudson Free Games and Activities.
  • Henry Hudson Lesson Plan

L

JUAN PONCE DE LEON

  • Ponce De Leon: Explorers for Kids
  • Ponce De Leon 5th Grade Lesson Plan
  • Ponce de Leon Printable Biography
  • Juan Ponce De Leon Lesson Plan
  • History of Ponce de Leon in Florida
  • Ponce De Leon Printable Coloring Page

M

FERDINAND MAGELLAN

  • How Magellan circumnavigated the globe.
  • Ferdinand Magellan Voyages of Discovery YouTube
  • Ferdinand Magellan: A Man of His Time.
  • Colonization: for Gold, God, and Glory.
  • Magellan’s voyage around the world.
The Ultimate Guide to Brave Explorers (Great and Small)

P

FRANCISCO PIZARRO

  • Conquistadors
  • The Legendary Expedition of Francisco Pizarro: Conqueror of the Incas
  • Machu Picchu: Unveiling the Mystery of the Incas
  • Cortes & Pizarro Teacher’s Guide – 2 page.

MARCO POLO

  • Free Unit Study, Lapbook and Hands-on Ideas.
  • Marco Polo Explorer
  • Marco Polo Resource Guide 48 pages.
  • Marco Polo and the Silk Road Lesson Plan

R

SIR WALTER RALEIGH

  • 4-page educator’s guide for Raleigh’s Page.
  • Sir Walter Raleigh – English Colonist
  • Video: Sea Dog Sir Walter Raleigh, Explorer
  • Sir Walter Raleigh Biography
  • Walter Raleigh Arrives in Guiana

S

HERNANDO DE SOTO

  • Hernando De Soto: Explorers for Kids
  • Hernando de Soto’s Expedition through the Southeast
  • Hernando De Soto
  • De Soto’s Discovery of the Mississippi

V

AMERIGO VESPUCCI

  • Amerigo Vespucci Worksheet
  • Amerigo Vespucci Biography
  • Amerigo Vespucci: Explorers for Kids
  • Amerigo Vespucci facts for kids

Videos

The contributions of female explorers.
Age of Exploration – A Short Documentary Film

MORE GEOGRAPHY RESOURCES

Also, check out .

  • The Anatomy of a Well Laid Out Homeschool High School Geography Curriculum
  • Homeschool Geography Go To Resources and
  • John Muir Spring Unit Study (and Hands-on Geography Ideas).

Don’t forget to follow BOTH of my Pinterest accounts for AWESOME pins.

Visit Tina Robertson’s profile on Pinterest.


Visit Tinas Dynamic Homeschool ‘s profile on Pinterest.

This blog hop is organized by iHomeschool Network, a collaboration of outstanding homeschool bloggers who connect with each other and with family-friendly companies in mutual beneficial projects.

The Ultimate Guide to Brave Explorers (Great and Small)

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Geography, History Resources Tagged With: explorers, geography, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, high school, middleschool, ultimate guide

Fun Worm Books For Preschoolers And How To Make A Worms Sensory Bin

March 9, 2026 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have some fun worm books for preschoolers. Also, look at my page How to Homeschool Preschool for more learning ideas and teaching tips.

Too, we’re making a digging for worms sensory bin. This is a fun activity to do for a spring unit or gardening unit and a fun way to include your youngest learners.

Worms are amazing little helpers in nature! A worm is a long, soft animal with no legs and no bones. Worms are called invertebrates, which means they do not have a backbone

Fun Worm Books For Preschoolers And How To Make A Worms Sensory Bin

Earthworms live in the soil and spend their time digging tunnels underground.

Worms have long bodies that are made of many little rings called segments.These rings help them move and wiggle through the soil.

Also, explain to your preschooler that worms have no legs, no bones or eyes or ears. But still they can sense light and vibrations.

BOOKS ABOUT WORMS FOR LITTLE LEARNERS

Next, look at these fun books about worms for your preschoolers.

Use these books as a fun read aloud or to study the pictures for science.

Worm Books for Young Learners

Add some of these books to your home library for young learners.

Image for Yucky Worms: Read and Wonder

Yucky Worms: Read and Wonder

Who would want to be friends with a wiggly, slimy worm? You can’t even tell which end is which! But there’s more to these lowly creatures than meets the eye. Kids are invited to find out where worms live, see how they move, and understand why gardeners consider them friends with the help of this humorous and informative look at an unappreciated — and fascinating — creature.

Image for Wiggling Worms at Work: A Hands-On Science Book About How Worms Help the Environment for Kids (Ages 4-8)

Wiggling Worms at Work: A Hands-On Science Book About How Worms Help the Environment for Kids (Ages 4-8)

Wiggling Worms at Work: A Hands-On Science Book About How Worms Help the Environment for Kids (Ages 4-8)

Image for We Dig Worms!: TOON Level 1 (Giggle and Learn)

We Dig Worms!: TOON Level 1 (Giggle and Learn)

We Dig Worms!: TOON Level 1 (Giggle and Learn)

Next, look at more preschool book ideas.

PRESCHOOL BOOKS

  • Fun Resources and Books About The Human Body For Preschoolers
  • Inexpensive Preschool Winter Activities & Simple Winter Busy Book
  • Fun Winter Books For Preschool Kids They Will Love
  • Easy Spring Activities For Preschoolers Science And Fun Busy Book
  • How To Teach The 50 States To Preschoolers | 50 States Busy Book
Fun Worm Books For Preschoolers And How To Make A Worms Sensory Bin

Also, look at these garden and nature ideas to include all your kids.

GARDEN AND NATURE IDEAS

  • Fun Ice For Kids Inexpensive & Easy Nature Sensory Activity
  • How to Make a Watermelon Sensory Bin for Play and Learning
  • 10 Egg Carton Crafts For 2 Year Olds and Fun Nature Color Match Activity
  • Growing a Seed Activity For Kindergarten Science Kids Activity
  • How To Make A Dynamic Herb Garden Potion Sensory Bin
  • 8 Peter Rabbit Garden Ideas | How To Make A Preschool Garden Box
  • The Tale of Peter Rabbit Printables for a Fun Spring Unit Study
  • Fun Mr. McGregor’s Vegetable Garden Simple Frugal Math Activity
  • 7 Science Garden Ideas and Make a Pizza Container Garden

Finally, look at how to make this easy digging for worms sensory bin.

DIGGING FOR WORMS SENSORY BIN

First, look at this easy list of supplies.

  • Plain Cheerios (enough to create a layer of “dirt”)
  • Gummy worms
  • Food processor or zip-top bag + rolling pin
  • Toy shovel (plastic sand shovel works great)
Fun Worm Books For Preschoolers And How To Make A Worms Sensory Bin

Make the “dirt”. Place Cheerios in a food processor and pulse until they become a crumbly, sand-like texture.

No food processor? Pour Cheerios into a sealed zip-top bag and let kids crush them with their hands or a rolling pin.

Pour the crushed Cheerios into the sensory bin and spread evenly to create your edible “soil.”

Then, bury the worms. Hide gummy worms throughout the bin. Some can stick out of the top like they are wriggling up to say hello.

Fun Worm Books For Preschoolers And How To Make A Worms Sensory Bin

Others can be buried deep for serious excavation work.

Layering Cheerios and worms encourages deeper digging.

Fun Worm Books For Preschoolers And How To Make A Worms Sensory Bin

 Add the shovel. Place the toy shovel inside the bin so it is ready for action.

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

Explore The Great Outdoors: Nature STEM Activities For Homeschool Freebie

February 27, 2026 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a free printable with fun nature stem activities for homeschool. Besides, too much indoor activity can be the cause of burnout.

And nature stem learning combines creativity, curiosity and hands-on for a science study that is hard to beat.

When studying nature is confined to worksheets, it can feel abstract. However when kids interact with bird feeders, trees and track moon phases they are actively engaging in learning.

Explore The Great Outdoors: Nature STEM Activities For Homeschool Freebie

This freebie helps you turn everyday outdoor moments into meaningful STEM learning.

And instead of memorizing facts, children practice recording results observing, predicting and testing.

One of my favorite reasons for sharing this STEM in the wild freebie is that you can use it for multiple ages to teach at once.

NATURE STUDY BOOKS FOR KIDS

Next, here are some fun books to use with your kids and to add to your home library.

10 Nature Study Books for Young Kids

Add these fun books to your home library or to introduce nature study to your little learners.

Image for Crow Not Crow

Crow Not Crow

New York Times bestselling children's author and beloved birder, Jane Yolen, and her son, Adam Stemple, have teamed up to write this gentle tale of a father introducing his daughter to the joys of bird-watching using the "Crow, not Crow" method for distinguishing birds. Elizabeth Dulemba's delightfully warm illustrations bring the story to life.

Image for Exploring Nature Activity Book for Kids: 50 Creative Projects to Spark Curiosity in the Outdoors

Exploring Nature Activity Book for Kids: 50 Creative Projects to Spark Curiosity in the Outdoors

Explore the great outdoors with this hands-on activity book for ages 6 to 12!

Track, explore, discover, and create! This incredible choice in nature books for kids is full of activities you can bring on your adventures through your backyard, the park, the woods, and beyond. No matter the weather or where you live, Exploring Nature Activity Book for Kids shows you how todive into fun and games like crafting bird feeders out of fruit, pressing flowers, or building a sundial to tell the time. Get ready to get your hands dirty and your imagination revving as you get active outside.

Image for Owl Moon

Owl Moon

CALDECOTT MEDAL WINNER • A soothing, poetic picture book that lovingly depicts the relationship of a young child and her father alongside humankind’s relationship to the natural world. A verbal and visual treasure for the whole family!I had been waitingto go Owling with Pafor a long, long time.Late one winter night, a little girl and her father go owling. The trees stand still as statues and the world is silent as a dream. Whoo-whoo-whoo, the father calls to the mysterious nighttime bird.But there is no answer.Wordlessly, the two walk along, for when you go owling, you don't need words. You don't need anything but hope. Sometimes, there isn't an owl, but sometimes, there is.

Image for Out of School and Into Nature: The Anna Comstock Story

Out of School and Into Nature: The Anna Comstock Story

This picture book biography examines the life and career of naturalist and artist Anna Comstock (1854-1930), who defied social conventions and pursued the study of science. From the time she was a young girl, Anna Comstock was fascinated by the natural world. She loved exploring outdoors, examining wildlife and learning nature's secrets. From watching the teamwork of marching ants to following the constellations in the sky, Anna observed it all. And her interest only increased as she grew older and went to college at Cornell University. There she continued her studies, pushing back against those social conventions that implied science was a man's pursuit. Eventually Anna became known as a nature expert, pioneering a movement to encourage schools to conduct science and nature classes for children outdoors, thereby increasing students' interest in nature. In following her passion, this remarkable woman blazed a trail for female scientists today.

Image for THE BURGESS ANIMAL BOOK FOR CHILDREN: Original Color Illustrated Edition

THE BURGESS ANIMAL BOOK FOR CHILDREN: Original Color Illustrated Edition

Discover the timeless magic of nature through Peter Rabbit's eyes in this enchanting educational adventure! The Burgess Animal Book for Children combines storytelling and learning in a way that has captivated young minds for generations.

This stunning edition features:- 54 vibrant color and 19 sepia-tone illustrations that bring the animal kingdom to life- Original unabridged text that has educated and entertained children since 1920- Chapter quizzes to reinforce learning- Bonus online quiz access for interactive engagement

Perfect for:- Young nature enthusiasts ages 6-12- Homeschool families seeking an illustrated North American wildlife book for their engaging science curriculum- Parents who want to combine entertainment with education

Image for Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World

Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World

See the world in a whole new way with acclaimed illustrator Julia Rothman's beautiful nature guide book.Nature Anatomy combines art and science in this exciting and educational guide to the structure, function, and personality of the natural world. Explore the anatomy of a jellyfish, the inside of a volcano, monarch butterfly migration, how sunsets work, and much more. Rothman’s whimsical illustrations are paired with interactive activities that encourage curiosity and inspire you to look more closely at the world all around you.Also available in Julia Rothman's Anatomy series – Nature Anatomy Notebook, Ocean Anatomy, Food Anatomy,Farm Anatomy, and Wildlife Anatomy.

Image for From Seed to Plant

From Seed to Plant

Flowers, trees, fruits—plants are all around us, but where do they come from? With simple language and bright illustrations, non-fiction master Gail Gibbons introduces young readers to the processes of pollination, seed formation, and germination.  Important vocabulary is reinforced with accessible explanation and colorful, clear diagrams showing the parts of plants, the wide variety of seeds, and how they grow.  The book includes instructions for a seed-growing project, and a page of interesting facts about plants, seeds, and flowers.   A nonfiction classic, and a perfect companion for early science lessons and curious young gardeners.

Image for Fun With Nature (Take Along Guides)

Fun With Nature (Take Along Guides)

Fun with Nature helps kids discover the incredible world in their backyards. It is a compilation of seven bestselling titles: Caterpillars, Bugs and Butterflies; Frogs, Toads and Turtles; Snakes, Salamanders and Lizards; Rabbits, Squirrels and Chipmunks; Tracks, Scats and Signs; and Trees, Leaves and Bark. This entertaining book is filled with fascinating facts and awesome activities.

Image for The Keeper of Wild Words: (Nature for Kids, Exploring Nature with Children)

The Keeper of Wild Words: (Nature for Kids, Exploring Nature with Children)

A touching tale of a grandmother and her granddaughter exploring and cherishing the natural world.Words, the woods, and the world illuminate this quest to save the most important pieces of our language—by saving the very things they stand for.When Mimi finds out her favorite words—simple words, like apricot, blackberry, buttercup—are disappearing from the English language, she elects her granddaughter Brook as their Keeper. And did you know? The only way to save words is to know them.• With its focus on the power of language and social change, The Keeper of Wild Words is ideal for educators and librarians as well as young readers.• For any child who longs to get outside and learn more about nature and the environment• A loving portrait of the special relationship that grandparents have with their grandchildren

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

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.

Then, look at more stem inspired activities.

STEM ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

  • Summer Cool Stem Projects For All Ages Free Printable
  • 3 Easy Penguin Activities And Penguin Slide STEM Activity
  • 3 Dinosaur Stem Activities Elementary Kids Will Love
  • Famous Stem Figures And Easy Stem Activities At Home
  • Electricity STEM: Lighting Up a Shoebox Tiny House
  • Dive Into STEM Learning With An Exciting Jello Earthquake Experiment

Also, look at more nature activities.

NATURE ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

  • Simple Nature Study for Preschoolers: Explore Nature with Playdough Prints
  • 10 Easy Nature Tips for Reading Nature’s Signs Freebie
  • Creative Ways To Have Fun With Nature | How To Make A Dried Orange Fox Ornament
  • Nature’s Rhythms: Get Your Free Phenology Wheel Nature Tracker
  • Wonders Of Nature: How To Make A Shoebox Rainforest Diorama
  • Fall Nature Crafts & How To Make A Pumpkin Nature Collage
  • How To Make A Nature Sun Catcher Wand
  • Fun Nature Study Ideas and a Free Nature Tracker
  • Crafting with Nature: DIY Flying Squirrel Craft You’ll Love
Explore The Great Outdoors: Nature STEM Activities For Homeschool Freebie

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

HOW TO GET THE FREE PRINTABLE NATURE POWERED PROJECTS FOR LEARNING

1) CLICK HERE ON THIS LINK TO SIGN UP ON MY EMAIL LIST & TO GET THIS FREEBIE.

2) Grab the freebie instantly.

3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me

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

Free Lapbook Argentina for Kids Who Love Hands-on History

February 25, 2026 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a free lapbook Argentina. Also, look at my pages Homeschool Lapbooks – Powerful Tools For Mastery Learning for more lapbook ideas. And look at my page South America Unit Study Resources for more ideas about South America.

From the icy glaciers of Glaciar Perito Moreno to the roaring waterfalls of Iguazú Falls, it’s a country of dramatic contrasts.

Argentina is one of the largest countries in South America.

Free Lapbook Argentina for Kids Who Love Hands-on History

Also, an Argentina lapbook is a fun way to study the history of Argentina. Your children can learn about Spanish colonization and the war for freedom led by José de San Martín.

Argentina was home to Indigenous groups such as the Diaguita, Guaraní, and Mapuche peoples.

Too, adding information about landmarks like Iguazu Falls and famous cities like Buenos Aires helps your children to understand different cultures.

BOOKS ABOUT ARGENTINA FOR KIDS

Next, add some of these books about Argentina to your reading library.

5 Books Set in Argentina or About Argentina

Grab one or two of these books about Argentina to add to your reading day.

Image for On the Pampas

On the Pampas

An account of a little girl's idyllic summer at her grandparents' ranch on the pampas of Argentina.

Image for The Magic Bean Tree: A Legend from Argentina

The Magic Bean Tree: A Legend from Argentina

The evil bird who lives on top of the magic tree that grows in the Argentine pampas has the powr to stop the rain, so one summer, a little boy risks everything to save his village from dying of thirst by taking a stand against the powerful bird.

Image for Our World: Argentina

Our World: Argentina

Discover the vibrant sights and sounds of Argentina, from morning light to city night! Snack on medialunas, explore the bustling stalls at la feria, and ride the caballito on the carousel. Even learn words in Spanish with pronunciation guides throughout the story.

  • Part of the Barefoot Books Our World series with over 200k copies sold
  • Written by Argentinian author, Aixa Pérez-Prado and Argentinian illustrator, Mariana Ruiz Johnson
  • Extended endnotes provide more insights into life in Argentina
Image for Abuelo (Spanish Edition)

Abuelo (Spanish Edition)

Arthur Dorros's skillful blend of Spanish and English and Raúl Colón's poignant paintings illuminate how the special bond between an abuelo and a nieto reaches across miles.

Together, a young boy and his abuelo go camping, ride horses, and even confront a mountain lion. Soon, the boy's family moves to the city from the country, away from Abuelo, and it is the boy's memories that help him adjust to his new life.

Fans of Dorros's Papá and Me and Abuela will delight in this bilingual and multigenerational picture book about a special family relationship.

This beautiful picture book blends Spanish and English seamlessly, all at once telling a wonderful story and introducing young readers to both languages. Perfect for bilingual families as well as teachers and families who want to expose their children to multiple languages.

Image for Chucaro: Wild Pony of the Pampa

Chucaro: Wild Pony of the Pampa

The world of the Argentine pampa comes to life in this humorous tale of a South American boy determined to tame and ride a wild pony.

Then, add some hands-on activities to your study.

HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES ABOUT ARGENTINA

  • DIY Gaucho Belts
  • Saltena recipe
  • Learn about Evita: The Woman Behind the Myth
  • An Argentina craft tutorial: How to make a gaucho sombrero
  • Argentina Maze
  • Colorful Buildings Paper Collages: Exploring Argentina Through Art
  • Exploring Argentina and Empanadas Recipe
  • Handprint Art: Exploring Argentina Through Art

Also, look at the minibooks included in this free lapbook.

ARGENTINA LAPBOOK MINIBOOKS

  • Exploring Argentina
  • Mate Gourds, Leather Crafts, Soccer (Football)
  • Life on the Pampas
  • Nature & Land
  • Animals of Argentina
  • Fun Facts
Free Lapbook Argentina for Kids Who Love Hands-on History

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

HOW TO GET THE FREE ARGENTINA LAPBOOK

1) CLICK HERE ON THIS LINK TO SIGN UP ON MY EMAIL LIST & TO GET THIS FREEBIE.

2) Grab the freebie instantly.

3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Lapbook Tagged With: hands on history, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, lapbook, lapbooking, lapbooks, south america

How To Make An Itsy Bitsy Spider Preschool Sensory Activity

February 24, 2026 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Creating a sensory activity bin about the Itsy Bitsy spider nursery rhyme turns it into a multi-sensory learning experience. Also, look at my page How to Homeschool Preschool for more learning ideas and teaching tips.

This fun rhyme has hands-on exploration, early literacy, science concepts, and fine motor development.

For example, instead of just singing about the spider climbing the spout, your child can move a pretend spider or pour rain over it.

How To Make An Itsy Bitsy Spider Preschool Sensory Activity

And when children pretend play and act out nursery rhymes they understand the stories.

Too, sensory bins are perfect tools for strengthening little hands. Fine motor skills are essential for future writing skills.

If you’re homeschooling multiple young children, a sensory bin is equally engaging for all ages.

PRESCHOOL HOMESCHOOL RESOURCES

Next, look at these preschool resources.

13 Preschool Homeschool Curriculum Options

Look at what your homeschool preschool curriculum might look like with some suggestions for activities, books, and learning ideas.

Image for Preschool Math at Home: Simple Activities to Build the Best Possible Foundation for Your Child

Preschool Math at Home: Simple Activities to Build the Best Possible Foundation for Your Child

Preschool Math at Home will guide you step-by-step as you introduce your preschooler to the world of numbers. Your child will develop a thorough understanding of the numbers up to ten, including: counting comparing and ordering numbers recognizing written numerals beginning addition and subtraction.

Image for Slow and Steady Get Me Ready For Kindergarten: 260 Activities To Do With Your Child From Age 0 to 5

Slow and Steady Get Me Ready For Kindergarten: 260 Activities To Do With Your Child From Age 0 to 5

Looking for quick, engaging activities to prepare your child for kindergarten? Spend a few minutes a day with your child in productive, interactive play with Slow and Steady Get Me Ready For Kindergarten!

Slow and Steady Get Me Ready For Kindergarten abounds with hands-on developmental activities that parents can do with their children between the ages of 0 and 5 years old to get them prepared for kindergarten. June R. Oberlander, a 19-year veteran kindergarten teacher in Fairfax County, Virginia, first published this book in 1988. Now her granddaughter, Hannah Oberlander, a current teacher in Loudoun County, Virginia, has updated and enhanced these classic activities for today's parents of the next generation.

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Developing the Early Learner: Level 1 by Simone Bibeau

BOOK 1 of 4 (AGES 2-6) Book 1 is a pre-reading experience designed to provide your child with a complete program in perceptual readiness. Here are some of the unique qualities that you will find within these pages. We include all four major areas of perception: visual, auditory, motor, and comprehension skills. Each major category is then broken down into specific sub-skills so that you can understand just what type of learning is taking place. Every page develops only ONE sub-skill to avoid confusion when the child is working the page. A target score on each page quickly gives you a score as well as an incentive for the child to work toward a certain goal.

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My First Book of Patterns: Pencil Control

A perfect fun activity book designed for early learners to develop pencil control and motor skills. By following the arrows and tracing the dotted lines, the little scholars can complete the tracing exercises and creative activities leading to development of their early writing skills. The child will also learn to identify, write and revise straight, curvy, zig zag lines and multiple patterns. The book is also an excellent first step to prepare for school.

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Before Five in a Row: Second Edition

Designed to be used with children ages 2 through 4, 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. Now in a revised second edition, this bestselling volume is the foundation for inspired learning through great books and future studies with the entire Five in a Row curriculum.

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408 Pcs Lacing Letters Alphabet

Rich Numbers: you will get 2 buckets of lowercase letter beads, including 384 lowercase letters and 24 ropes, a total of 408 items, and the equipped storage buckets are easy to storage and protect these accessories; And the quantity is very large, which can meet the needs of daily learning and playing

Image for A Unique Flexible and Beautiful Preschool Homeschool Planner

A Unique Flexible and Beautiful Preschool Homeschool Planner

This unique flexible and beautiful preschool homeschool planner is the perfect homeschool planner to use for early learners. While creating this 47-page early learner planner I included flexible planning pages.

Forms like 21 thematic planning pages, a year at a glance page, and 12 months of planning your theme are a few included.

Adding in an editable lesson planning template and 4 colorful
attendance sheets helps you to easily meet record keeping guidelines if
necessary

Image for Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World

Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World

Science books for your preschooler's curriculum should be simple and colorful but contain rich information in small bites. Nature Anatomy and The Big Book of series are perfect resources to keep on your shelves for preschoolers as they will grow with them for years.

Image for The Cat in the Hat's Learning Library Favorites: There's No Place Like Space!; Oh Say Can You Say Di-no-saur?; Inside Your Outside!; Hark! A Shark!

The Cat in the Hat's Learning Library Favorites: There's No Place Like Space!; Oh Say Can You Say Di-no-saur?; Inside Your Outside!; Hark! A Shark!

This sturdy boxed set of four bestselling Cat in the Hat's Learning Library books includes something to pique the interest of every child! Beginning readers will learn all about our solar system in There's No Place Like Space!; all about dinosaurs in Oh Say Can You Say Di-no-saur?; all about the human body in Inside Your Outside; and all about sharks in Hark! A Shark!

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Preschool Exploring Creation Together Science

At the preschool level, science is all about exposure, not memorization of facts. It’s helping the youngest explorers understand that their world is discoverable. Through guided exploration of their world, young children learn how to naturally incorporate all aspects of language (expanding vocabulary), math (counting and recording), science (observing and experimenting), and art (drawing out ideas) into their understanding of how their world works. Most importantly, children will come to understand that their world is wonder-full, peace-full, and beauty-full because God created it full of His love and wisdom. Preschool Exploring Creation Together is a spiral-bound curriculum with 2 distinct sections included

Image for Fun-Schooling for Beginners - Do-It-Myself Journal: Letters, Numbers, Animals, Coloring, Tracing, Mazes, Logic and Drawing (Full-Sized Activity Book for Preschool & Kindergarten)

Fun-Schooling for Beginners - Do-It-Myself Journal: Letters, Numbers, Animals, Coloring, Tracing, Mazes, Logic and Drawing (Full-Sized Activity Book for Preschool & Kindergarten)

Fun-Schooling for Beginners - Do-It-Myself Journal: Letters, Numbers, Animals, Coloring, Tracing, Mazes, Logic and Drawing (Full-Sized Activity Book for Preschool & Kindergarten) (Volume 1

A1 & A2, ideal for ages 2-6 (Preschool & Kindergarten) A beginners journal full of 100 educational and fun activities. This secular journal can be used by children of any religious background Includes colors, numbers, letters, feelings, early reading & writing, and more.

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Photo Credit: www.bfbooks.com

Teacher Guide Around the World Part 1 - Homeschool Teacher's Guide

This teacher guide contains gentle Socratic questions designed to prompt discussion and discovery. Beautiful drawings of indigenous animals are also included which will familiarize students with some remarkable creatures, their habitat and habits, cultivating respect and wonder for the natural world.

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Photo Credit: www.bfbooks.com

Early American History K-3rd - Homeschooling History Pack

Sure to ignite curiosity about our nation's history, this Early American History Through Literature study will take you and your K-3 homeschooling students through the first Indigenous people of the Americas, the Vikings discovery of America, the exploration, colonization, settlement, and establishment of the United States. Spanning 1000 AD to the mid-1800's this course makes teaching this literature-rich curriculum easy and fun!

And one of my favorite things about this nursery rhyme is that it introduces beginning science skills.

For instance, you can introduce weather words like sun and rain and science words like spider and water spout.

MORE SENSORY BIN ACTIVITIES

  • How to Create an Engaging Strawberry Sensory Bin for Hands-On Learning
  • How To Make The Great Wall Of Ancient China Sensory Bin
  • Easy and Fun Coin Hunt Sensory Bin For Kindergarten
  • How To Make A Squirrel Nest Sensory Bin With Preschoolers
  • Explaining Thunder And Lightning To Preschoolers Easy Sensory Bin
  • How To Make A Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Sensory Bin
  • How To Make A Dynamic Herb Garden Potion Sensory Bin
  • How To Make An Ocean Currents For Kids Sensory Bin
  • How To Create An Engaging Desert Sensory Bin For Hands-On Play
How To Make An Itsy Bitsy Spider Preschool Sensory Activity

Finally, look at how to make this fun Itsy Bitsy Spider sensory bin.

ITSY BITSY SPIDER SENSORY BIN

First, look at this easy list of supplies you should have in the house.

  • 3–5 cups dried pinto beans
  • Fresh grass clippings
  • 2–3 toilet paper rolls
  • Toy spiders
  • Small spray bottle filled with water
  • Craft foam sun (yellow foam cut into a simple sun shape)
  • Optional: small scoop or measuring cup

First, create the base.
Pour dried pinto beans into the bin to form the main filler. Spread them evenly across the bottom.

How To Make An Itsy Bitsy Spider Preschool Sensory Activity

Then, add the “outside” texture. Sprinkle grass clippings over the beans. This adds texture, scent, and a realistic outdoor feel.

How To Make An Itsy Bitsy Spider Preschool Sensory Activity

Next, build the waterspouts.
Stand toilet paper rolls upright in the beans. These become the “water spouts” for the spiders to climb.

How To Make An Itsy Bitsy Spider Preschool Sensory Activity

Then, place the spiders on top. Set the toy spiders right on top of the beans and grass. Keep them visible and easy to grab so kids can immediately start the rhyme play.

How To Make An Itsy Bitsy Spider Preschool Sensory Activity

Bring in the weather.
Place the craft foam sun in one corner of the bin.

Add the rain tool.Fill a spray bottle with water and add it to the bin.

HOW KIDS PLAY

Climb the waterspout.

Kids move the spiders up the cardboard tubes while reciting the rhyme.

Make It rain

Children spray water onto the spiders, pretending the rain is washing the spider out.

The light mist changes the texture slightly and adds a new sensory experience.

Out Came the Sun

After the “rain,” children can move the sun over the bin and help the spiders climb back up again.

Spider Hunt

Hide spiders under beans and grass. Kids dig and search, strengthening hand muscles while exploring textures.

Benefits of This Sensory Bin

Fine Motor Development
Spraying, scooping, pinching grass, and picking up spiders strengthen hand muscles needed for writing.

Sensory Exploration
Dry beans feel smooth and cool. Grass is soft and slightly tickly. Light mist from the spray bottle adds a new dimension without soaking everything.

Language Development
Reciting Itsy Bitsy Spider encourages rhythm, memory, and sequencing.

Imaginative Play
Children become storytellers, weather makers, and spider rescuers all at once.

Cause and Effect Learning
Spray the water. The beans darken. The spiders shift. The environment changes.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Teach Homeschool Preschool Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, homeschool preschool, preschool, preschool skills, rhymes

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