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How to Make an Edible Earth Project in a Cup With Kids

January 21, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We’re making an edible earth project in a cup with kids with minimal fuss. Also, you’ll love this Free Earth Science Lapbook.

With just a few ingredients and you’ll have an earth science lesson with a big impact.

With preschool through elementary, you want to go as hands-on as you can to make the learning fun.

How to Make an Edible Earth Project in a Cup With Kids

In turn this helps your child understand and remember what they are learning better.

I have also found that the more senses that you can engage in the more fun and memorable an activity is.

With this simple activity, you don’t have to go out and buy many different ingredients.

We are using a couple of items, and you may already find some of them in your pantry to create the layers of the Earth in a cup.

You will also want to have a great reference book that shows a clear image of the layers of the earth.

Layers of The Earth

Of course, one of my favorite resources to use with any science and nature topic is Nature Anatomy by Julia Rothman and you can see a lovely illustration of the earth layers that we can use for reference.

How to Make an Edible Earth Project in a Cup With Kids

Earth is made up of three layers: the crust, the mantle, and the core.

Each layer is made of different materials so let’s learn a little bit about each with fun facts as we put our edible earth project in a cup together.

I recommend reading off the facts as your child builds each layer.

Crust. This describes the outermost shell of the earth and is made of solid rocks and minerals. All known life in the universe makes its home here on and in the crust.

Mantle. The mantle makes up 84% of the earth’s volume and is mostly solid bulk.

The mantle lies between Earth’s dense, super-heated core and its thin outer layer, the crust. The rocks that make up the bulk of Earth’s mantle are silicates.

Outer Core. The outer core is the third layer of the Earth and is the layer that is responsible for Earth’s Magnetic Field.  It is the only liquid layer and is made of iron, nickel, and a few other substances.

How to Make an Edible Earth Project in a Cup With Kids

Inner Core. This layer is made of iron–nickel alloy with a few other elements. It is a spheroid, a solid shape that is not quite a perfect sphere.

The temperature is estimated at 9800 °F. It helps generate the Earth’s magnetic field through interactions with the outer core.

More Earth Layers and Earth Science Resources

  • Cookie Sheet Activities Make Earth Day Cookies & Fascinating Earth Facts
  • Make this Gorgeous Layers of the Earth DIY Soap Project and create a craft idea that is not only useful but teaches much about the various layers of the earth.
  • Easy Layers of the Earth’s Atmosphere Activity for Kids
  • Here is another fabulous hands-on project, the Layers of the Earth Playdough Mat *freebie* that even the youngest members of the family will be able to join in while older children can challenge themselves to add more detail.
  • Grab a bucket of LEGO blocks and create this fantastic LEGO Layers of the Earth Project to help your child understand the makeup from the inside out.
  • Watch The Geosphere-Layers of The Earth to learn facts about each fascinating layer of our earth with engaging animations.
How to Make an Edible Earth Project in a Cup With Kids

Finally, look how to make an edible earth project in a cup.

How to Make an Edible Earth Project in a Cup

You will need:

  • Vanilla pudding cup
  • Food coloring
  • Blue and green candies
  • Clear cups
How to Make an Edible Earth Project in a Cup With Kids

Start by separating your pudding cup into thirds.

 I left 1/3 in the cup and placed the other two portions in a small bowl.

Add a little bit of orange food coloring to one bowl, mix well, and red to the other, mixing it completely.

How to Make an Edible Earth Project in a Cup With Kids

Start by scooping the uncolored pudding into the bottom of the cup. This will represent your core.

How to Make an Edible Earth Project in a Cup With Kids

Next, add a layer of orange, this is the outer core.

How to Make an Edible Earth Project in a Cup With Kids

Now, make a layer of red pudding for the mantle, because this makes up the bulk of the earth.

You can make this a much thicker layer if you like.

How to Make an Edible Earth Project in a Cup With Kids

Finally, you can top it with blue and green, M&Ms you sprinkle, colored, coconut, or whatever you have on hand to represent the Earth’s surface, the crust.

Since the crust is made up of both continental (land mass) and oceanic crust we wanted to represent the earth and water with blue and green.

How to Make an Edible Earth Project in a Cup With Kids

How fun and simple are these easy layers to represent the layers of our earth?

How to Make an Edible Earth Project in a Cup With Kids

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: earth science, earthscience, edible, elementary science, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, science

How to Make an Egg Carton Bobblehead Penguin Preschool Craft

January 16, 2024 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We’re making an egg carton bobblehead penguin preschool craft to go along with a penguin unit or just for fun. Also, grab more preschool ideas on my page How to Homeschool Preschool and Winter Season Unit Study Free Lapbook & Hands-On Ideas.

Beyond that you can use little penguin figurines to help teach your child about the different climates penguins live in.

Turning a fun little craft into a science and geography lesson at the same time with an activity that feels more like play.

How to Make an Egg Carton Bobblehead Penguin Preschool Craft

I also have a few more suggestions for hands on activities that your preschooler will enjoy.

From snacks to science lessons there are plenty of ideas to keep them interested in learning about penguins.

Penguins are adorable and can be found in both hot and cold climates.

This is a great time to introduce the concept that not all penguins are found belly-sliding on the ice.

Some even enjoy the hot deserts of South America.

Books About Penguins

Next look at some of the books about penguins.

I lean toward living books first then like to add reference type books when teaching my children.

11 Penguin Books & Resources for Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

Add some of these books and resources about penguins to your learning day.

Image for Penguin's Way

Penguin's Way

With a new children’s book imprint, the Bodleian Library brings beloved classics back into print, beginning with a beautiful storybook about the life of a fascinating Antarctic species. Originally published in 1962, Penguin’s Way by Johanna Johnston tells the surprising story of these creatures, complete with colorful artwork by award-winning illustrator Leonard Weisgard. In Penguin’s Way, a playful colony of emperor penguins lives on the edge of a faraway secret sea. During the summers, the penguins are content to fish and swim in the icy waters. But, when the seasons change, they must travel more than one hundred miles to the snowy lands surrounding the South Pole. All across the snow plain, the penguins sing songs to welcome newly hatched chicks into the world, but how will the fluffy newborns survive the freezing winter? Few things pique children’s curiosity about the world around them better than a good book. Brought back for a new generation of young readers, Penguin’s Way offers a fun and creative introduction to these fascinating animals.

Image for Mr. Popper's Penguins: All-Time Popular Children Book

Mr. Popper's Penguins: All-Time Popular Children Book

Charming Characters: Meet the endearing Mr. Popper and his comical penguins, each with their distinct personalities and quirks, creating a delightful and memorable cast of characters.

Whimsical Adventures: Follow Mr. Popper and his penguins on a series of whimsical escapades, as they navigate unexpected challenges and create joyous chaos in their small town.

Heartwarming Message: Experience the heartwarming message of friendship, family, and the importance of embracing the unexpected, as Mr. Popper's life is transformed by the presence of his unusual feathered companions.

Image for Whiteblack the Penguin Sees the World

Whiteblack the Penguin Sees the World

Whiteblack the Penguin is worried. He has run out of stories for his radio show, a dire situation for the Chief Storyteller of Penguinland. So Whiteblack decides to travel in search of new tales to share. The result is a journey that spans the globe and not only introduces the precocious penguin to a host of colorful characters but teaches him about the power of friendship and what it means to be a hero. Originally created in 1937, while the Reys lived in Paris, this delightful story is being published for the first time, and is sure to enchant readers young and old. From the creators of Curious George, Whiteblack the Penguin Sees The World is a timeless tale with all the hilarity and childlike sense of adventure characteristic of the Reys’ previous work.

Image for The Emperor's Egg: Read and Wonder

The Emperor's Egg: Read and Wonder

Can you imagine spending the winter outdoors in Antarctica without anything to eat? That’s just what the male Emperor penguin does. While his mate is off swimming and catching loads of fish, he stands around in the freezing cold with an egg on his feet for two whole months, keeping it warm and waiting for it to hatch. Welcome to the story of the world’s most devoted dad!

Image for Penguins!: Strange and Wonderful

Penguins!: Strange and Wonderful

A new edition to the acclaimed Strange and Wonderful series. The seventeen species of penguins come in all sizes and are fascinating in many other ways. The little blue penguin, the smallest, stands about sixteen inches high, and the emperor penguin, the largest, stands almost four feet tall. Some penguins are named for how they look, such as the black-footed penguin, while others are named for where they live, such as the Galapagos penguin. Laurence Pringle's informative book, with stunning illustrations by Meryl Henderson, introduces young readers to the life and behavior of one of nature's most remarkable birds.

Image for 12PCS Realistic Penguin Figurines

12PCS Realistic Penguin Figurines

This penguin figures set was made by hand painted with high realistically detailed appearance, cute face and childish eyes. Their uniquely molded textures and richly painted details make the animals vivid. And all the animal figures stands up very well, they do not fall over. Children would like to spend more time to observe and play with them.

Image for The Great Penguin Rescue: Saving the African Penguins

The Great Penguin Rescue: Saving the African Penguins

African penguins waddle around nesting colonies in lower numbers than ever before. Despite South African government efforts to protect the penguin colonies and their ocean fish supply, young penguins still struggle to survive. Fuzzy chicks waiting for food in open nests may overheat in the sun or become prey. Others simply may not get enough food to survive on their own once their parents leave. But new conservation methods, including rescuing and hand-feeding vulnerable chicks, are giving experts hope. Can volunteers and scientists help save Africa's only penguins before it's too late?

Image for March of the Penguins

March of the Penguins

This documentary chronicles the heroic and harrowing journey that emperor penguins make amid subfreezing temperatures and violent snowstorms at the South Pole in order to mate.

Image for 365 Penguins (Reissue)

365 Penguins (Reissue)

A family finds a penguin mysteriously delivered to their door every day for a year. At first they’re cute, but with every passing day, the penguins pile up—along with the family’s problems. Feeding, cleaning, and housing the penguins becomes a monumental task. They’re noisy and smelly, and they always hog the bathroom! And who on earth is sending these kwak-ing critters? Bright, striking illustrations with lots of opportunity for counting (and lots of laughs), 365 Penguins has become a perennial wintertime favorite.

Image for Penguin: A Season in the Life of the Adélie Penguin

Penguin: A Season in the Life of the Adélie Penguin

Beautiful, full-color photographs and an engaging first-person narrative introduce young readers to an Adelie penguin family's first view of the harsh, wild Antarctic environment.

Image for Penguins!

Penguins!

An illustrated introduction to those wonderful waddling water birds!Living only in the southern hemisphere, there are seventeen different kinds of penguins.  With bright watercolor illustrations and kid-friendly language, Gail Gibbons introduces these black and white birds, describing where and how they live, what they eat, and how they hatch their young.   An exploration of the egg-laying and chick-raising habits of the emperor penguin is also included, describing how these large penguins take care of their babies in extremely cold temperatures, working together to look after one large egg at a time. Readers will also learn about threats to penguin populations, and what conservation efforts have been made to help preserve them.  A collection of penguin facts is also included.

Where Do Penguins Live

Grab a set of these plastic penguins and a map and see how many penguin climates you can find with your child.

Help your child locate where each penguin lives on the map.

To take the lesson even deeper run a red string across the equator to help them understand the difference between the Northern and Southern Hemisphere as they place the penguins in their spots.

How to Make an Egg Carton Bobblehead Penguin Preschool Craft

Here are the 18 recognized species of penguins and where you can find them.

  1. Galápagos – Galapagos Islands
  2. Humboldt- Coasts of Chili and Peru
  3. Southern Rockhopper  -Southern Chili and Southern Argentina
  4. Northern Rockhopper-Tristan da Cunha and Gough Island – South Atlantic Ocean
  5. Emperor -Antarctica
  6. Adélie-Antarctica
  7. Chinstrap-Antarctic Peninsula
  8. Fiordland-Southwest coasts of the South Island in New Zealand.
  9. Snares- Snares Islands south of New Zealand
  10. Macaroni-Antarctic Peninsula
  11. Gentoo  -Antarctic Peninsula
  12. Erect-Crested-New Zealand sub-antarctic- mostly Antipodes and Bounty Islands
  13. Royal-Macquarie Island, near Bishop and Clerk Islands in Australia
  14. African-Southwest coast of Africa- Namibia to Port Elizabeth
  15. Little- Australia and New Zealand
  16. Yellow-Eyed-New Zealand
  17. King- Antarctic Peninsula
  18. Magellanic- Southern coasts-Argentina, Chile, and Falkland Islands.

Even if you don’t have replicas of all the different types of penguins you can still enjoy placing them around the map to find their locations.

How to Make an Egg Carton Bobblehead Penguin Preschool Craft

5 More Hands-on Penguin Activities

If you want to continue the fun here are a few more great ideas for hands-on penguin-related projects that will help your child learn more about these unique creatures while feeling like they are just playing.

  1. Follow these steps for How to Make an Easy Antarctica Diorama With Your Kids and highlight the two species that make their home in the Antarctica mainland.
  2. These Quick and Easy Frozen Banana Penguins are just too cute and make a healthy delicious snack to partner with your mini unit.
  3. How fun is this SALT AND ICE EXPERIMENT FOR KIDS: SAVE THE FROZEN PENGUINS for a simple STEM activity.
  4. Create this Easy Penguin Sensory Bin and switch it up from ice to warm climate penguins by using different base materials.
How to Make an Egg Carton Bobblehead Penguin Preschool Craft

Grab this free Printable for the Life Cycle of a Penguin to learn about how an egg turns into a fuzzy chick and then becomes one of the adult penguins we know and recognize.

How to Make an Egg Carton Bobblehead Penguin Preschool Craft

You will need:

  • Cardboard egg carton
  • Black craft paint
  • White craft paint
  • Pipe cleaner
  • Scissors
  • Google eyes
  • yellow craft foam
  • Hot glue.
How to Make an Egg Carton Bobblehead Penguin Preschool Craft

The first thing you want to do is cut out 2 cups from a cardboard egg carton, preserving as much of the material as you can.

You can use scissors or a small straight-edged knife.

How to Make an Egg Carton Bobblehead Penguin Preschool Craft

From the flat or slightly curved portion of the box cut out two small wings.

Paint both cups as well as your small wings black, leaving a small area in the front of both for white. Set aside to dry.

How to Make an Egg Carton Bobblehead Penguin Preschool Craft

When you’re waiting for your paint to dry, you can cut out a beak and two little feet shapes from craft foam or use another scrap of cardboard from the egg carton.

How to Make an Egg Carton Bobblehead Penguin Preschool Craft

Coil ½ of a pipe cleaner around a pen or paintbrush to create a spring.

How to Make an Egg Carton Bobblehead Penguin Preschool Craft

When the paint is dry hot glue the “spring” inside the penguin’s head.

How to Make an Egg Carton Bobblehead Penguin Preschool Craft

Hot glue the other end of the spring onto the top of the other egg carton cup. And press down holding in place until the glue sets.

How to Make an Egg Carton Bobblehead Penguin Preschool Craft

Glue the feet so they are peeking out from the bottom.

How to Make an Egg Carton Bobblehead Penguin Preschool Craft

Then add Googly eyes, beak, and wings to finish off your little penguin.

How fun is that little wobbly head?

How to Make an Egg Carton Bobblehead Penguin Preschool Craft

1 CommentFiled Under: Teach Homeschool Preschool Tagged With: elementary science, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool preschool, homeschoolscience, life science, penguin, preschool, preschool skills, science

Alphabet Letter N Is For Nest Handprint & Fun Nests Preschool Craft

January 12, 2024 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

N is for nest handprint and this opens the door for a wonderful and exciting bird unit study. Also, I have more alphabet letter fun on my page How to Homeschool Preschool.

This unit will keep your preschooler busy and entertained while they learn all about the world of birds.

You can study birds, their habits and diet.

And focus on birds in your area, as well as the types of nests that they build.

Alphabet Letter N Is For Nest Handprint & Fun Nests Preschool Craft

This is a wonderful zoology unit for preschoolers. You don’t even have to leave your backyard to study these creatures.

I have hands-on fun, fingerplays and tasty on-theme snacks.

Also, there are colorful storybooks as well as living science books.

Spread it out over a week.

Or do a couple of days each week to make a longer, low-stress unit for learning about the letter N.

Be sure and get out this week on a few nature walks. Try to locate different bird nests and birds in the area.

More How to Homeschool Preschool Letter of the Week Activities

  • Alphabet Letter A is for Apple Craft for Preschool | Fun Apple Study
  • Letter O is for Owl Preschool Craft | Fun Great Horned Owl Study
  • Alphabet Letter H Handprint Craft For Fun Preschool Horse Study
  • How To Make An Alphabet Teeth Cleaning Activity | 5 Preschool Letter T Crafts
  • Alphabet Letter R is for Rainbow Craft for Preschool | Fun Rain Mobile
  • Alphabet Letter M is for Monkey Handprint Preschool Fun Monkey Study
  • Alphabet Letter G is for Gorilla Fun Paper Plate Preschool Mask
  • W Is For Winter Craft Easy Snowman Oobleck Activity
  • Letter E Is For Eagle Easy Preschool Eagle Study
  • Alphabet Letter N Is For Nest Handprint & Fun Nests Preschool Craft
  • B is for Bird Craft | Free Preschool Bluebird Study
  • X is for X Ray Craft | Unique Crayon Resist Skeleton

Language Arts Focus Day 1

N-n-n-n is for nest, begin your day and each day of the study by repeating the sound for N. Too, share a few words that begin with it. 

Letter/Sound Recognition N is for nest handprint – Letter N Song introduces not only the sound N makes but the fact that it is a consonant. And there are a plethora of words that begin with N in a catchy repetitive way.

Book- Take your child through a fun lesson on the different animals that utilize nests by simply reading a story and looking at pictures in A Nest is Noisy.

Alphabet Letter N Is For Nest Handprint & Fun Nests Preschool Craft

Craft/Activity- The CUTEST bird nest sensory bin.

Song/Fingerplay- You can learn the simple motions for Here is a Nest For a Robin in this video and teach them to your child to use throughout the week.

Snack- How sweet is this little bird in a nest? A light snack that is a wonderful way to kick off your bird study –Birdie Kix Snack.

Science Focus Day 2

By preschool, most children understand that birds build and live in nests, they might not know that many animals make their home in what is still called a nest.

This is a great opportunity to talk about using books videos and other resources to share different types of nests.

Letter/Sound Recognition- Grab a set of do-a-dots if you don’t already have them, they are useful for structured activities like the Letter N Dot Painting page but kids also love them for open-ended art.

Book- Birds, Nests, and Eggs is a wonderful book that makes a great field guide as well as a reference for home use.

Craft/Activity- Make a little tray of playdough, birds, and small twigs, leaves, and bits from the yard. Build different bird nests with playdough like a cup nest, cavity, and pendant Playdough is For The Birds.

Song/Fingerplay- Found a Feather to the tune of Oh My Darling Clementine.

Snack- This snack is a simple idea that can be gathered with a variety of things you have you your pantry.

Gather up some items that birds eat like nuts, seeds, and small fruits, (maybe gummy worms for fun) to create this Bird-themed snack.

Math Focus Day 3

Count eggs cut out of construction paper then practice adding or subtracting one or two.

Make piles of different amounts and teach your child more or less, cut eggs of different sizes out and have them order them from smallest to largest.

Letter/Sound Recognition- This Cardboard Roll Letter Match Puzzle for Kids is a wonderful hands-on activity that builds fine motor skills while children learn to identify letters.

You can put just one letter in uppercase and lowercase or put several letters they are familiar with to practice.

Book- This book, Nature Anatomy, will carry you through years until it falls apart from being a well-loved favorite resource.

For birds alone, the information is plentiful from the anatomy of a bird to many common types, feathers, bird calls, different nests, eggs, bird behavior, and a wide variety of species like water birds or birds of prey.

Craft/Activity–You just need a printer and a simple egg-shaped manipulative to use these Egg Counting Mats for counting and number recognition.

Song/Fingerplay- The Bird Song for Kids is a colorful way to introduce your preschooler to a variety of birds and the different things that make them birds.

Snack- Look at this little lineup of adorable Chocolate Strawberry Birds, and create a treat that is mostly healthy with a touch of sweet treat that fits perfectly with the theme.

History/Geography Focus Day 4

Birds and nests are a great landing spot for learning about habitats that fall under geography as well as science, you don’t have to focus on nests though.

Begin there talking about how birds build their nests among humans as well as further out in more nature-related environments then expand to other animal habitats.

Letter/Sound Recognition- Jack Hartmann is a treasure for preschool songs, covering such a wide variety including specific to each letter of the alphabet like The Letter N, even demonstrating how to write it in the air.

Book- Bird Builds a Nest is a science storybook telling the story of a little bird doing what birds do, building a strong and secure nest for her future baby

Craft/Activity- Handprint bird nest- See below for instructions.

As your child glues on the additional items for their nest talk about how birds gather items and build their nest as well as what they use them for.

Song/Fingerplay- If you are not already familiar with it The Green Grass Grows All Around is lively and repeats verses over and over building from a hole in the ground to a nest, the prettiest nest that you ever did see and beyond.

Snack- Owl Strawberries (in a nest) are just darling and are a healthy snack with just a bit of sweetness added to create a fun treat that they will love.

Alphabet Letter N Is For Nest Handprint Books and Resources

Add these fun books and resources to make learning fun for your preschooler.

Image for A Nest Is Noisy (Family Treasure Nature Encylopedias)

A Nest Is Noisy (Family Treasure Nature Encylopedias)

Fans will rejoice at the first sight of A Nest Is Noisy," promises School Library Journal, and they're right. From the award-winning creators of An Egg Is Quiet, A Seed Is Sleepy, A Butterfly Is Patient, A Rock Is Lively, and A Beetle Is Shy comes 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. Poetic in voice and elegant in design, this carefully researched book introduces children to a captivating array of nest facts and will spark the imaginations of children whether in a classroom reading circle or on a parent's lap.

Image for 15 Colors Washable Markers

15 Colors Washable Markers

This dot markers set contains 15 basic colors: red, orange red, orange, yellow, emerald green, green sky blue, blue, violet purple, caramel, sepia, light gray and black. The variety of colors is that kids can create and use their imagination to paint.

Image for Birds, Nests & Eggs (Take Along Guides)

Birds, Nests & Eggs (Take Along Guides)

A fun, informative take-along guide that will help children identify 15 birds. Kid will also learn how and where birds build their homes and all about their young. Plus, the guide features activities that are fun and easy to do. There's also a seven-page scrapbook for drawings and notes.Invites young naturalists to spot wildlife. Safety tips are provided and interesting activities are suggested. Color illustrations enhance the presentation.

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! Acclaimed illustrator Julia Rothman 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.

Image for Bird Builds a Nest: A First Science Storybook

Bird Builds a Nest: A First Science Storybook

It’s time for Bird to build her nest! Follow her as she pulls a worm out of the ground, lifts some twigs that are just the right size, and pushesthe twigs into place. Uh-oh — one of the twigs falls to the ground! But after a day of hard work, Bird’s nest is ready and waiting. Can you guess what it’s waiting for? Using simple, clear language and beautiful illustrations, this engaging story is the perfect introduction to physical forces for very young readers. A final spread with some simple questions promotes discussion with parents, teachers, or caregivers and encourages readers to think about the concepts introduced.

Image for A Nest Full of Eggs (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 1)

A Nest Full of Eggs (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 1)

Named a Best Children's Science Book of the Year by Science Books & Films, this picture book shows how the birds develop inside their eggs during the spring; how they mature into fledglings in the summer; how they learn to fly in the fall; and how they leave for warmer climates in winter—only to return when spring comes around again.

This is a clear and appealing science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom. It features rich vocabulary and beautiful spreads detailing different bird habitats and feather types. Both text and artwork were vetted for accuracy by Dr. Charles Walcott, Professor Emeritus of Neurobiology and Behavior and former director of the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology.

Language Arts Focus Day 5

Letter/Sound Recognition- Create a Letter N Smash by writing upper and lowercase N around a piece of colorful construction paper, rolling little balls of playdough, and placing them underneath each letter.

When they find a N and make its sound they can squish the ball flat.

Alphabet Letter N Is For Nest Handprint & Fun Nests Preschool Craft

Book- This sweet living science book follows a family of Robins from building their nest to laying eggs up to when they fly away and start the cycle all over again.

It gives a nice infographic about the bird’s development in the egg which is great to go with this N is for nest handprint.

Craft/Activity- Roll a paper bag down and scrunch it up all around to create a basic nest shape. Write lower and uppercase ends on small slips of paper cut into an egg shape.

You could also add a few other letters your child is familiar with for review. 

Pull each “egg” out of the nest and make the sound as well as ask your child to identify the name of the letter.

They can also sort lowercase and uppercase into two piles.

Alphabet Letter N Is For Nest Handprint & Fun Nests Preschool Craft

Song/Fingerplay- Nightingale’s Nest is a silly song that reinforces a child’s recognition of the letter N as well as repeating the sound over and over.

Snack- Let’s end the unit with these Birds Nests Cookies that demonstrate what a bird’s nest looks like and how it protects the little eggs.

Alphabet Letter N Is For Nest Handprint & Fun Nests Preschool Craft

Of course, it is not too cute to eat, these are just delicious and not too hard to make.

Finally, look how to make these adorable N is for nest handprint paper plate birds nest.

N is for Nest Handprint Paper Plate Birds Nest

You will need:

  • Paper plate
  • Brown craft paint
  • White or blue construction paper
  • tan/brown construction paper
  • Glue stick

First, paint your child’s hand brown. Press it down into the center of the plate with the heel of the hand in the middle. Point the fingers outward toward the edges.

Alphabet Letter N Is For Nest Handprint & Fun Nests Preschool Craft

Repeat around the plate overlapping some with each handprint.

Alphabet Letter N Is For Nest Handprint & Fun Nests Preschool Craft

Allow the paint to dry.

While waiting you can cut a few egg shapes out of your colored construction paper.

Then, write lower and upper case N’s.

Alphabet Letter N Is For Nest Handprint & Fun Nests Preschool Craft

Next, cut small strips of brown/tan construction paper, and gather tiny twigs, string, etc..

Set out the completely dried paper plate nest with some of your N-labeled eggs. Add bits for the nest and let them glue them on to make a full comfy nest for the eggs.

Alphabet Letter N Is For Nest Handprint & Fun Nests Preschool Craft

This is good for building fine motor skills while you talk about how nests are built.

Alphabet Letter N Is For Nest Handprint & Fun Nests Preschool Craft

1 CommentFiled Under: Teach Homeschool Preschool Tagged With: birds, crafts, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool preschool, nest, preschool

Alphabet Letter M is for Monkey Handprint Preschool Fun Monkey Study

January 8, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

M is for monkey is a lovely theme that can be stretched out to include zoos, rainforests, bananas, trees, or any other direction you would like to go with it. Also, I have more alphabet letter fun on my page How to Homeschool Preschool.

It naturally includes science as you learn about different species.

Alphabet Letter M is for Monkey Handprint Preschool Fun Monkey Study

And you can work in geography by locating places on a map or globe where different monkeys are native.

Use banana manipulatives for simple math, and introduce geography/history concepts like teaching about people in the community such as zookeepers.

I found great ideas to cover all subjects to make your M is for monkey study fun, easy, and a great learning experience.

More How to Homeschool Preschool Letter of the Week Activities

  • Alphabet Letter A is for Apple Craft for Preschool | Fun Apple Study
  • Letter O is for Owl Preschool Craft | Fun Great Horned Owl Study
  • Alphabet Letter H Handprint Craft For Fun Preschool Horse Study
  • How To Make An Alphabet Teeth Cleaning Activity | 5 Preschool Letter T Crafts
  • Alphabet Letter R is for Rainbow Craft for Preschool | Fun Rain Mobile
  • Alphabet Letter M is for Monkey Handprint Preschool Fun Monkey Study
  • Alphabet Letter G is for Gorilla Fun Paper Plate Preschool Mask
  • W Is For Winter Craft Easy Snowman Oobleck Activity
  • Letter E Is For Eagle Easy Preschool Eagle Study
  • Alphabet Letter N Is For Nest Handprint & Fun Nests Preschool Craft
  • B is for Bird Craft | Free Preschool Bluebird Study
  • X is for X Ray Craft | Unique Crayon Resist Skeleton

Language Arts Focus Day 1

Letter M Song -I like to begin with a song that builds on letter recognition, the sound, and words that begin with that letter and it can be repeated throughout the week to reinforce it.

Letter/Sound Recognition- Cut banana shapes out of cardstock or construction paper.

Use a marker to write letters in upper and lowercase letters, or even numbers.

Mix up a few at a time and let your child match the letters.

For children who already know all their letters, you can write out the whole alphabet and let them place the letters in the correct order in a line.

Alphabet Letter M is for Monkey Handprint Preschool Fun Monkey Study

Book- A Book of Monkeys- I just love the illustrations of this book that covers not only monkeys but all other primates breaking each one down with their characteristics.

This is a great opportunity to teach comparison of differences as well as similarities.

Craft/Activity- Start off the week with this Monkey Ears Headband so they can wear them all week as you learn about M and of course monkeys.

Song/Fingerplay- Let’s jump right into the obvious song for this theme-5 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed,  it’s classic and fun.

Snack-Bake some cupcakes and then decorate them together using this Monkey Cupcake Tutorial, enjoy them with a glass of milk.

Science Focus Day 2

Letter/Sound Recognition- Take this Monkey Sensory Bin activity and add lower and uppercase M’s to it,

You can use magnet letters, letter tiles, flashcards, letters cut from magazines, or whatever you have on hand. These magnetic letters will get a lot of use for all your preschool years.

Book- Use today to learn what a monkey is, before they are ready for more complicated taxonomy preschoolers can still learn to sort and classify.

Primates cover a wide variety of creatures but are not all monkeys. 

The easiest way to learn and remember is that everything that is not an ape is a monkey and monkeys have tails while apes do not. 

Chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, and gibbons all do not have tails, so they are apes.

Wildlife Anatomy contains so much information on different monkeys.

For example, it has Howler Monkey, Squirrel Monkeys, Capuchin, Baboons, and Mandrills, and the illustrations are outstanding you will use this book again and again for different zoology topics.

Here is a great video that teaches different Monkey species.

Craft/Activity- Barrel of Monkeys is a great addition to your homeschool supplies, these monkeys can be used as manipulatives for math, in a sensory bin, or as the game is meant to be played for fine motor work.

Song/Finger Play- Three Little Monkeys Sitting in a Tree with finger motions.

Snack- We are going to keep it simple today with this free Printable Monkeys for Banana Treats all you need is a printer and a banana for this treat.

Math Focus Day 3

Letter/Sound Recognition –  These Monkey and Banana Counting cards are a great thematic way to practice number recognition, counting, and sequencing.

I highly suggest laminating them, so they last throughout your unit.

Book- Sometimes the best way to open a dialogue about feelings and how to handle them is through a silly book like Grumpy Monkey.

Emotional intelligence is a very important part of preschool learning.

Craft/Activity- While the Smart Bananas Math Activities may seem simple but children will be getting so much natural math exposure through addition and subtraction, comparison, measuring, weighing, and counting.

Song/Fingerplay– 5 Little Monkeys Swinging in a Tree, oh those little monkeys were teasing Mr. Alligator, and this song and fingerplay is really easy to learn and so much fun to act out, teaching through Makaton Signing.

Snack- Kids will go bananas over these adorable Monkey Sandwiches and they are pretty simple to make if you buy premade PBJ sandwiches.

History/Geography/ Day 4

Learn about zookeepers as a simple social studies lesson and what it takes to care for the animals.

In addition, look at my Rainforest Unit Study and Free Lapbook.

Alphabet Letter M is for Monkey Handprint Preschool Fun Monkey Study

Kids Learn About Zookeepers and Taking Care of Animals is a short 3-minute video set to music to keep it engaging.

Letter/Sound Recognition – Use Wikki Stix to create upper and lower case m’s, remember to repeat the /m/ sound often.

Alphabet Letter M is for Monkey Handprint Preschool Fun Monkey Study

Book- How could we do a preschool monkey unit without the classic Curious George?

Craft/Activity- Create a Paper Bag Monkey Craft or create an entire troop of unique monkey puppets.

Song/Finger Play- Itsy Bitsy Monkey – (Sung to the tune of The Itsy Bitsy Spider)

The Itsy Bitsy monkey climbed up the coconut tree.

(“Climb” up the tree, alternating cupped hands one on top of the other in the air.)

Down came a coconut & hit him on his knee—OWWW!!!!

(Make a double fist above your head & hit your knee)

Out came a lion a-shaking’ his mighty mane—AND—

(Frame your face with your hands, fanning fingers out for mane.

Shake head & hands. 

The Itsy Bitsy monkey climbed up the tree again!

Repeat motions.

Snack- Make a Monkey Rice Cake Curious George Snack to go along with today’s book selection and it is a relatively healthy snack to boot.

Books for Learning About M is for Monkey

11 M is for Monkey Preschool Books & Resources

Add these fun books and resources about monkey to your preschool theme.

Image for A Book of Monkeys (and other Primates)

A Book of Monkeys (and other Primates)

Can you tell a slow loris from a slender loris? Did you know that when it rains orangutans make umbrellas using leaves? What's the difference between a monkey and an ape? Discover all of this (and many more monkey facts!) in Kate Viggers' humorous, illustrated guide to monkeys and other primates.

Image for Caps for Sale: A Tale of a Peddler Some Monkeys and Their Monkey Business

Caps for Sale: A Tale of a Peddler Some Monkeys and Their Monkey Business

Children will delight in following the peddler’s efforts to outwit the monkeys and will ask to read it again and again. Caps for Sale is an excellent easy-to-read book that includes repetition, patterns, and colors, perfect for early readers.

This tale of a peddler and a band of mischievous monkeys is filled with warmth,
humor, and simplicity and also teaches children about problem and resolution.

Image for Magnetic Alphabet Letters

Magnetic Alphabet Letters

Suitable for preschoolers and young children:EVA foam magnetic letters are an innovative early education toy suitable for preschoolers and young children. They can help children learn English letters, improve spelling abilities, and enhance their oral expression skills.

Image for Winning Moves Games Classic Barrel of Monkeys

Winning Moves Games Classic Barrel of Monkeys

Classic Skill Game

Image for Squirrel Monkey Plush

Squirrel Monkey Plush

These realistic stuffed animals are created with high-quality materials and are surface washable in case you get its luscious fur coat dirty.

Image for Grumpy Monkey

Grumpy Monkey

Jim the chimpanzee is in a terrible mood for no good reason. His friends can't understand it--how can he be in a bad mood when it's SUCH a beautiful day? They have lots of suggestions for how to make him feel better. But Jim can't take all the advice...and has a BIT of a meltdown. Could it be that he just needs a day to feel grumpy?

Image for Fidget Toy Plus Arts & Crafts for Kids; Non Reusable Hands-on

Fidget Toy Plus Arts & Crafts for Kids; Non Reusable Hands-on

Calming Sensory Fidget Toy: Soft And Pliable, Easy To Have On Hand To Help Tame Those Fidgety Fingers

Image for Curious George

Curious George

In this book, George meets his friend, the man with the yellow hat, and begins the life of mischief and adventure so beloved by generations of readers. The inspiration for television, films, and hundreds of books, Curious George is a mainstay of children's picture books

Image for Monkey Puzzle

Monkey Puzzle

"I've lost my mum!" It's not too much fun being lost in the jungle, and little monkey wants his mummy. A kindly butterfly is keen to help, but they don't seem to be having much luck as the well-meaning butterfly misunderstands monkey's descriptions and leads him to all sorts of unsuitable animals! But eventually, they find... Dad! It's just as well that he knows exactly where mum is, and she's waiting with a well-deserved cuddle.

Image for Hanging Stuffed Monkeys

Hanging Stuffed Monkeys

Soft and Quality: monkey stuffed animals are made of plush, with evenly and full filling, which are skin friendly and comfortable to touch, not easy to deform; They have exquisite workmanship, are sturdy enough for long term use.

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.

Also, add day 5.

Language Arts Focus Day 5

Learning letter recognition and phonics are key facets for a foundation of language arts in the early years. I think that hands-on fun and repetition are key for the mastery of these skills.

Letter/Sound Recognition-I found this cute song- M Monkey, and it’s a cute repetitive song covering many of the simple words that start with M.

Book- Monkey Puzzle is a sweet little book about a little monkey who is missing his mom written by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, creators of The Gruffalo.

Craft/Activity- Gather up some old magazines and go on a Magazine Letter Hunt and Sort Activity for the letter M not only is it good for letter recognition but cutting and pasting help those fine motor skills by building up hand muscles.

Song/Fingerplay-  Try out the Letter M song by ABCmouse.com, the tune is so much fun even for grown-ups.

Alphabet Letter M is for Monkey Handprint Preschool Fun Monkey Study

Snack- Make this cute little Banana Sushi treat to finish off your week, after all little monkeys love those tasty bananas.

M is for Monkey Handprint 

You will need:

  • Blue construction paper
  • Brown construction paper
  • Google eyes
  • Green craft paint
  • Brown craft paint
  • Paintbrush

First, let your child paint green vines wherever they like on the blue construction paper. Allow to dry.

Alphabet Letter M is for Monkey Handprint Preschool Fun Monkey Study

Paint your child’s hand brown.

Alphabet Letter M is for Monkey Handprint Preschool Fun Monkey Study

Stamp it down over the vines with the thumb pointing upward. Be sure to press down firmly over the whole hand.

Alphabet Letter M is for Monkey Handprint Preschool Fun Monkey Study

Paint a circle of brown over the thumb to create the monkey’s head and give him a curling little tail as well.

Alphabet Letter M is for Monkey Handprint Preschool Fun Monkey Study

Paint your child brown and use it like a stamp to create two round ears.

Alphabet Letter M is for Monkey Handprint Preschool Fun Monkey Study

While the paint is drying, cut out a small brown oval for the mouth and two smaller ones for the inside of the ears.

Alphabet Letter M is for Monkey Handprint Preschool Fun Monkey Study

After the paint has dried your child can glue on the mouth, inner ears, and some googly eyes with a glue stick.

Alphabet Letter M is for Monkey Handprint Preschool Fun Monkey Study

Finally, use a pen to add a little more detail like a mouth and nostrils.

I like to also write down the upper and lowercase letters on the paper to reinforce what they are learning.

Alphabet Letter M is for Monkey Handprint Preschool Fun Monkey Study

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: crafts, handprint, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool preschool, monkeys, phonics, preschool, preschool skills

Alphabet Letter R is for Rainbow Craft for Preschool | Fun Rain Mobile

January 7, 2024 | 2 Comments
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Create this R is for rainbow craft. And find plenty more ideas to enjoy a rainbow (and rain) themed unit with your preschooler. Also, I have more alphabet letter fun on my page How to Homeschool Preschool.

Rain and rainbows are a perfect theme for introducing the letter R.

They are fun, colorful, and a natural part of life.

But rather than just focusing on rainbows you can use it as a starting point to create a fun little unit all about weather.

Alphabet Letter R is for Rainbow Craft for Preschool | Fun Rain Mobile

Add a special focus on r is for rainbow and incorporate math, language arts, science, and history as well.

There are plenty of great ideas to keep your preschooler busy and engaged throughout the study.

And you can choose as many or as few as you like to customize it to what fits your family and your schedule.

More How to Homeschool Preschool Letter of the Week Activities

  • Alphabet Letter A is for Apple Craft for Preschool | Fun Apple Study
  • Letter O is for Owl Preschool Craft | Fun Great Horned Owl Study
  • Alphabet Letter H Handprint Craft For Fun Preschool Horse Study
  • How To Make An Alphabet Teeth Cleaning Activity | 5 Preschool Letter T Crafts
  • Alphabet Letter R is for Rainbow Craft for Preschool | Fun Rain Mobile
  • Alphabet Letter M is for Monkey Handprint Preschool Fun Monkey Study
  • Alphabet Letter G is for Gorilla Fun Paper Plate Preschool Mask
  • W Is For Winter Craft Easy Snowman Oobleck Activity
  • Letter E Is For Eagle Easy Preschool Eagle Study
  • Alphabet Letter N Is For Nest Handprint & Fun Nests Preschool Craft
  • B is for Bird Craft | Free Preschool Bluebird Study
  • X is for X Ray Craft | Unique Crayon Resist Skeleton

Language Arts Focus Day 1

Start the week by demonstrating for your child how to make the letter R sound. You can use catchy videos to help what they learn really stick.

Letter/Sound Recognition- Learn the Letter R with a favorite of mine, Jack Hartmann.

His videos are so much fun while sounding out the letter. And words that start with the letter as well as hand motions, dancing, and memorable teaching.

Book- The sweet story A Rainbow of My Own is a great read aloud to tie in with the rainbow theme and is presented in easy-to-understand language.

Alphabet Letter R is for Rainbow Craft for Preschool | Fun Rain Mobile

Craft/Activity- I found a matching upper and lower case Rainbow Alphabet Activity that goes along with my book selection for the day- A Rainbow of My Own.

Song/Fingerplay- A little twist on an old classic, this version of Singing in The Rain will have your little one up and dancing.

Snack- Keep it simple but I think this Froot Loops Rainbow Craft and Snack will still be a big hit, just look how cute it is.

Science Focus Day 2

Keep preschoolers engaged with hands-on experiments and simple discussions about how it rains as well as why rainbows appear after a rain.

This Rain Cloud in a Jar activity is a fantastic visual for young children to understand why and how rain falls.

Letter/Sound Recognition- The Rainbow Alphabet Matching Game offers a free printable for matching lower and uppercase letters.

Book- The simple text of Rainbows introduces young learners to the science behind rainbows. Including why rainbows occur and what they are made of.

Craft/Activity – Try this super fun and engaging Scented Rainbow Science For Preschoolers activity, preschoolers love that fizzing foaming reaction.

Another fantastic science activity is the Rainbow Skittles Experiment.

Song/Fingerplay- While your child may already know the colors of the rainbow, they will still enjoy singing along to The Rainbow Colors Song.

Snack-Rainbow Yogurt Bark is healthy but will appeal to both their eyes and taste buds. I think this is a great easy snack that they can also help prepare.

Alphabet Letter R is for Rainbow Craft for Preschool | Fun Rain Mobile

Then add some R is for rainbow craft math.

Math Focus Day 3

Additionally, you can keep it very simple by creating a math activity with a single piece of blue construction paper and a marker.

Cut out 10 raindrop shapes and number them 1-10, have your child place them in order.

To make it a little more challenging line them up and pull out a number or two and have your child place the number in the correct spot.

As they advance you can also use them to ask your child to demonstrate things like show me one more than 3, one less etc.

Alphabet Letter R is for Rainbow Craft for Preschool | Fun Rain Mobile

Letter/Sound Recognition- Create the Raindrops Letter Matching craft.

Use construction paper or craft foam for an easy and fun game, focus on a few letters or all.

Book- Before you get the rainbow you get – Rain!  A cute storybook about finding joy in the rain and all the fun it brings.

Craft/Activity-Another fantastic idea for math is to practice simple Math With a Rainbow Abacus that will delight your child while they learn basic number sense.

Song/Finger Play-Revisit Jack Harmann for a catchy song about the Colors of The Rainbow.

Snack- Enjoy a snack or lunch starting with R, here are some ideas to get you started -Ravioli, rice, ramen, ranch dressing, raw carrots, raisins, Romaine lettuce, and raspberries.

History/Geography/ Focus Day 4

This topic is a great time to introduce community helpers like meteorologists to your child.

Watch a few minutes of the weather report and talk it over with your child. 

Letter/Sound Recognition- Remember that you do not always have to focus on just the letter you are learning for the week.

It is truly best to continually review what you have learned and at least introduce new letters and sound organically if not for mastery just for familiarity.

Cut rainbow colors of construction paper into ¼ their size and write the name of the color at the top so your child can see it.

Have them go on a hunt around the house and find objects of that color, as they place them practice sounding out the first letter of each object.

Alphabet Letter R is for Rainbow Craft for Preschool | Fun Rain Mobile

Book- The Rain Came Down.

Craft/Activity- Let your child enjoy dramatic play time as a meteorologist. Create this Fun Felt Weather Chart that is fantastic for daily use during your morning time.

Song/Fingerplay- Let’s go back to practicing The Letter R Sound.

Review upper and lower case, and learning words that start with the letter R.

Silly and memorable you may find your preschooler singing this song all day.

Snack-This treat covers rainbow and rice krispies! These Rainbow Rice Krispies look delicious and are a fun way to celebrate the theme.

Books for Learning About R is for Rainbow Craft

8 Rainbow Books

R is for rainbow. Add some books and resources for a fun unit study rainbow theme.

Image for A Rainbow of My Own

A Rainbow of My Own

A small boy imagines what it would be like to have his own rainbow to play with.

Image for Rainbows (Amazing Sights of the Sky)

Rainbows (Amazing Sights of the Sky)

One of the best things about a rainy day is the possibility of seeing a rainbow, but there's more to rainbows than meets the eye! Simple text introduces readers to the science behind rainbows. Including why rainbows occur and what they are made of.

Image for What Makes a Rainbow?: A Magic Ribbon Book

What Makes a Rainbow?: A Magic Ribbon Book

A rainbow of ribbons magically appear when you open the pages of this innovative book! Toddlers will love listening to the charming story and seeing a different colored ribbon with the turn of each page. The last page is sure to delight with all the colors of the rainbow. What a fun way to learn colors!

Image for Rain!

Rain!

One rainy day in the city, an eager little boy exclaims, “Rain!” Across town a grumpy man grumbles, “Rain.” In this endearing picture book, a rainy-day cityscape comes to life in vibrant, cut-paper-style artwork. The boy in his green frog hat splashes in puddles—“Hoppy, hoppy, hoppy!”—while the old man curses the “dang puddles.” Can the boy’s natural exuberance (and perhaps a cookie) cheer up the grouchy gentleman and turn the day around?

Image for The Rain Came Down

The Rain Came Down

"On Saturday morning, the rain came down. It made the chickens squawk. The cat yowled at the chickens, and the dog barked at the cat. And still, the rain came down."The barking dog wakes the baby, the dog barks louder, and a policeman comes. His police car blocks traffic, and a woman in a taxi yells, so the taxi driver honks his horn. The truck driver in front of him gets mad and starts honking back. The beauty parlor owner comes out to look, and she bumps into the barber, and they begin to argue. A painter bonks the barber on the head with a can of paint, and then the baker opens up his umbrella and pokes the pizza man. On and on and on until suddenly . . . . . . the rain stops!The sun comes out, everything shimmers, and all of the bickering townspeople make amends–even the arguing children, who get free ice cream cones.

Image for Who Likes Rain?

Who Likes Rain?

With spring come April showers. It's time to put on a raincoat, grab an umbrella, and head outdoors. The worms like rain, and so do the fish and frogs. But what about the cat and dog? In this lyrical picture book, one spunky little girl discovers just who likes rain―and who doesn't―as she explores the rainy-day habits of the world around her.

Image for Newton's Rainbow: The Revolutionary Discoveries of a Young Scientist

Newton's Rainbow: The Revolutionary Discoveries of a Young Scientist

Famed for his supposed encounter with a falling apple that inspired his theory of gravity, Isaac Newton (1642–1727) grew from a quiet and curious boy into one of the most influential scientists of all time. Newton's Rainbow tells the story of young Isaac―always reading, questioning, observing, and inventing―and how he eventually made his way to Cambridge University, where he studied the work of earlier scientists and began building on their accomplishments. This colorful picture book biography celebrates Newton's discoveries that illuminated the mysteries of gravity, motion, and even rainbows, discoveries that gave mankind a new understanding of the natural world, discoveries that changed science forever.

Image for Quiet Bunny's Many Colors

Quiet Bunny's Many Colors

Quiet Bunny loves the bright colors of spring: the yellow ducks, green frogs, and blue jays —everything but his own mousy-brown and wintry-white fur. It takes the help of a wise old owl for Bunny to realize that it's the rainbow of colors, including his own, that makes the world so beautiful.

Also, add day 5.

Language Arts Focus Day 5

Of course, throughout the week you have been repeating the letter R’s sound, pointing it out whenever you see it,

Also, you’re doing a language arts rich activity like reading aloud.

But take another day to do some additional intentional activities.

Letter/Sound Recognition- Squishy sensory fun is a great practice idea for pre-writing skills, use the Rainbow Bag Writing Tray to introduce “writing” with a finger before picking up pencils.

Book- Who Likes Rain? I feel like this one is a wonderful combination of picture book and science book, as it talks about who and why they like (and need) the rain.

Craft/Activity- Create this Fun Rain Mobile below for an art project in line with our theme that can be hung up anywhere.

I am also quite certain that most kids would love to dig into a sensory bin with this DIY Rainbow Spaghetti as the base, colorful and squishy fun.

Song/Fingerplay- If you are not already familiar with them The Laurie Berkner Band is another really good resource for children’s songs covering a lot of topics and “Umbrella” is so contagious!

 Snack-A healthy and easy treat to start off the day this Rainy Day Breakfast will be fun and delicious.

Alphabet Letter R is for Rainbow Craft for Preschool | Fun Rain Mobile

Finally, look at this r is for rainbow craft rain mobile.

Fun R is for Rainbow Craft Rain Mobile

You will need:

  • White and blue craft foam
  • Rainbow colored pipe cleaners
  • String
  • Scissors
  • Hot glue/tacky glue
Alphabet Letter R is for Rainbow Craft for Preschool | Fun Rain Mobile

First, lay two sheets of white craft foam together and cut out two symmetrical clouds shapes as large as you would like it to be.

Alphabet Letter R is for Rainbow Craft for Preschool | Fun Rain Mobile

Use a small cylinder-shaped object to bend lengths of rainbow colored pipe cleaners into somewhat similar shapes and sizes.

Alphabet Letter R is for Rainbow Craft for Preschool | Fun Rain Mobile

Layer the rainbow colors and attach with glue, talking to your child as you do it together about the order the colors appear in the rainbow.

You can use hot glue for a quicker dry time but if you want to let your child do as much of the project as possible opt for a strong hold tacky glue instead.

Alphabet Letter R is for Rainbow Craft for Preschool | Fun Rain Mobile

Cut varying lengths of string and glue across the bottom of one of the cloud shapes.

Alphabet Letter R is for Rainbow Craft for Preschool | Fun Rain Mobile

Make a small loop of string and attach to the top of the same cloud to create a hanger.

Alphabet Letter R is for Rainbow Craft for Preschool | Fun Rain Mobile

Cut raindrops from craft foam and glue onto the strings.

Alphabet Letter R is for Rainbow Craft for Preschool | Fun Rain Mobile

2 CommentsFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool preschool, letter sounds, phonics, preschool, preschool skills, rain, rainbow, unit study, weather

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