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How to Make A Spin Drum | 10 Native American Crafts for Kids

November 13, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Native American crafts for kids are a great way to learn about the history, customs, and lives of the indigenous people of North America. Also, you’ll love my page Native Americans The Plains Indians Unit Study & Lapbook.

One item that was important to tribes across the US was drums.

Drums were used for music and dancing.

However, they were also part of rituals, celebrations, and spiritual communication.

Drums were made from wooden frames or hollowed-out logs.

Then they covered them in animal hide or skin stretched tightly over the frame with sinew.

How to Make A Spin Drum | 10 Native American Crafts for Kids

Too, drums were then personalized by painting them using berries, red rocks, and other natural items to create a dye.

The images on their drums were reflections of the individual or the tribe.

Several different drums were used by various tribes- water drums, Pow Wow drums, foot drums, and hand drums like the spin drum we are going to create today.

A spin drum is a hand-held drum mounted on a stick and has striker beads that hit the drum surface as they are played.

Make your own with items that you have on hand.

It’s a great reuse for cardboard boxes you might have lying around, and a fun instrument for kids.

Books about Native Americans

First, you’ll love adding some of these books about Native Americans to your reading day.

16 Books About Native Americans

You’ll love these books about various Native American tribes and how they lived and their rich history.

Image for The Winter People

The Winter People

Saxso is fourteen when the British attack his village. It’s 1759, and war is raging in the northeast between the British and the French, with the Abenaki people Saxso’s people by their side. Without enough warriors
to defend their homes, Saxso’s village is burned to the ground. Many people are killed, but some, including Saxso’s mother and two sisters, are taken hostage. Now it’s up to Saxso, on his own, to track the raiders and bring his family back home . . . before it’s too late.

Image for In Their Own Words: Sitting Bull

In Their Own Words: Sitting Bull

In Their Own Words: Sitting Bull tells the exciting story of Sitting Bull's life using real drawings, letters, and speeches from him and from his friends and family.A warrior I have been. / Now, it is all over. / A hard time I have.With these words, Sitting Bull surrendered to the U.S. government on July 20, 1881. Sitting Bull spent most of his life trying to protect his people. A proud father and brave warrior, Sitting Bull wanted the Lakota Sioux to continue hunting buffalo and roaming the Plains. Although he lost this battle, Sitting Bull is remembered for his brave actions and notable accomplishments.

Image for Blackfeet Indian Stories

Blackfeet Indian Stories

Here are the great stories of the Blackfeet, recorded by the famous conservationist and ethnologist, George Bird Grinnell, who became a tribal member in 1885. The Nizitapi, or Real People, as they call each other, were people of the buffalo. They originated on the plains of today’s southern Alberta, western Saskatchewan, and central Montana. Famed frontier artist George Catlin called the Blackfeet “the most
powerful tribe of Indians on the continent.” Like many native people, the Blackfeet have stories and legends that originated centuries ago, perhaps thousands of years ago, and were passed down from generation to generation through an oral tradition.

Image for The Double Life of Pocahontas

The Double Life of Pocahontas

In a story that is as gripping as it is historical, Newbery Honor-winning author Jean Fritz reveals the true life of Pocahontas. Though at first permitted to move freely between the Indian and the white worlds, Pocahontas was eventually torn between her new life and the culture that shaped her.

Image for The Buffalo and the Indians: A Shared Destiny

The Buffalo and the Indians: A Shared Destiny

Countless herds of majestic buffalo once roamed across the plains and prairies of North America. For at least 10,000 years, the native people hunted the buffalo and depended upon its meat and hide for their survival. But to the Indians, the buffalo was also considered sacred. They saw this abundant, powerful animal as another tribe, one that was closely related to them, and they treated it with great respect and admiration.

Image for Hidden Roots

Hidden Roots

"Hidden Roots" focuses on the greater impact that the generations of Abenaki that followed had to deal with. Readers will learn about the loss of identity, history and culture;lack ofself worth and fear that Abenaki people were feeling, and still feel today. Middle grade readers love to see life as "being fair", and will totally understand that life is not fair in this story. This is a book that should be read in every middle school class, so that this history will not be forgotten, and never be repeated.

Image for Children of the Longhouse

Children of the Longhouse

When Ohkwa'ri overhears a group of older boys planning a raid on a neighboring village, he immediately tells his Mohawk elders. He has done the right thing—but he has also made enemies. Grabber and his friends will do anything they can to hurt him, especially during the village-wide game of Tekwaarathon (lacrosse). Ohkwa'ri believes in the path of peace, but can peaceful ways work against Grabber's wrath?

Image for Thunder Rolling in the Mountains

Thunder Rolling in the Mountains

Through the eyes of a brave and in­dependent young woman, Scott O'Dell tells of the tragic defeat of the Nez Perce, a classic tale of cruelty, betrayal, and heroism.

This powerful account of the tragic defeat of the Nez Perce Indians in 1877 by the United States Army is narrated by Chief Joseph's strong and brave daughter.

When Sound of Running Feet first sees white settlers on Nez Perce land, she vows to fight them. She'll fight all the people trying to steal her people's land and to force them onto a reservation, includ­ing the soldiers with their guns.

But if to fight means only to die, never win, is the fight worth it? When will the killing stop?

Image for Black Hawk

Black Hawk

Before dying, Pyesa, Black Hawk’s father and chief of his people, commanded his son to defend their land from whites, who were trying to force the tribe off their land. Black Hawk, however, has no taste for killing and scalping and goes through great internal conflict. The story of this great-hearted leader shows how some whites and Native Americans were peaceful and kind, while others were not. Based on true events, this powerful book teaches about a difficult time period and shares profound, unique messages about love, faith, mercy, humility, friendship, forgiveness, and faith. Recommended for ages 13-18/Grade 7-12

Image for Moccasin Trail (Puffin Newbery Library)

Moccasin Trail (Puffin Newbery Library)

Jim Keath has lived for six years as a Crow Indian when he learns that his two younger brothers and a sister are journeying west to take up land. Although Jim finds it difficult to fit in with the family he hasn’t seen since childhood, and though they are wary and distrustful of him, Jim feels his duty is at their side. But slowly, as they survive the dangerous trek west, the perils of frontier life, and the kidnapping of their younger brother, Jim and his family realize that the only way to survive is to accept each other and truly reunite the family.

Image for The Pueblo Indians,: Farmers of the Rio Grande

The Pueblo Indians,: Farmers of the Rio Grande

Young hawk lived over 400 years ago, but the civilization of the pueblo indians, already well advanced before any white settlers came into their land, has changed very little since his day.

Image for Sacajawea

Sacajawea

Captured by her enemies, married to a foreigner, and a mother at age sixteen, Sacajawea lived a life of turmoil and change. Then, in 1804, the mysterious young Shoshone woman met Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. Acting as interpreter, peacemaker, and guide, Sacajawea bravely embarked on an epic journey that altered history forever. Hear her extraordinary story, in the voices of Sacajawea and William Clark in alternating chapters, with selections from Clark’s original diaries.

Image for The Birchbark House (Birchbark House, 1)

The Birchbark House (Birchbark House, 1)

She was named Omakakiins, or Little Frog, because her first step was a hop.

Omakakiins and her family live on an island in Lake Superior. Though there are growing numbers of white people encroaching on their land, life continues much as it always has.

But the satisfying rhythms of their life are shattered when a visitor comes to their lodge one winter night, bringing with him an invisible enemy that will change things forever—but that will eventually lead Omakakiins to discover her calling.

Image for Naya Nuki: Shoshoni Girl Who Ran (Amazing Indian Children Series)

Naya Nuki: Shoshoni Girl Who Ran (Amazing Indian Children Series)

After being taken prisoner by an enemy tribe, a Shoshoni girl escapes and makes a thousand-mile journey through the wilderness to find her own people

Image for Squanto, Friend Of The Pilgrims

Squanto, Friend Of The Pilgrims

Tells of the adventurous life of the Wampanoag Indian,Squanto.

Image for Plains Indians (First Nations of North America)

Plains Indians (First Nations of North America)

This title teaches readers about the first people to live in the Plains region of North America. It discusses their culture, customs, ways of life, interactions with other settlers, and their lives today.

Next, look at these facts about spin drums.

4 Cool Native American Drum Facts

  1. Drums are used for celebrations, rituals of death, healing, and to communicate with tribal ancestors and spirits.
  2. Tribes believed that the sound of a drum is like a human’s heartbeat and resembles Mother Earth’s heartbeat.
  3. Most Native Americans made their drums using a combination of cow, elk, or deer hide and logs.
  4. Drum circles symbolized unity and harmony and were an expression of Native Americans’ heritage and beliefs.
How to Make A Spin Drum | 10 Native American Crafts for Kids

Additionally, look at these Native American crafts for kids.

10 Native American Crafts for Kids

  1. How to Make a Wigwam Craft for a Fun Native American Unit Study is a great hands-on activity to do when learning about Powhatan and other tribes that used them.
  2. Here are 13 Easy Native American Crafts for Kids & Make a Cool Arrowhead from clay that makes a really cool keepsake especially if you can’t get your hands on the real deal.
  3. This Step-by-Step Native American Diorama is an amazingly detailed and creative example of a diorama.
  4. Learn How To Make A Feather And Beaded Necklace Craft For Kids using simple craft supplies.
  5. Make a Super Cute DIY Native American Headband Craft for Kids to wear as they learn about different tribes.
  6. Try these Native American Activities For Kindergarten and Create A Fun Cradleboard Craft.
  7. Find some great Native American Crafts for Kindergarten and also How to Make a Kids Pinch Pot as tribes like Pueblo, Navajo, and Cherokee might have crafted.
  8. Celebrate National Native American Heritage Day and Make a Fun Kids Iroquois Bracelet from wood beads.
  9. Learn How to Make a Felt Teepee to add to a diorama or just to display on your shelf.
  10. Get some Daniel Boone Explorer Facts And Make a Fun Birch Bark Canoe Craft like the Shawnee would have made.
How to Make A Spin Drum | 10 Native American Crafts for Kids

Finally, look how to make this Native American spin drum.

Spin Drum Native American Crafts for Kids

You will need:

  • Corrugated cardboard
  • Scissors
  • Craft paint
  • String
  • beads
  • Tissue paper
  • markers
  • Hot glue gun/glue sticks
How to Make A Spin Drum | 10 Native American Crafts for Kids

First, trace a small round object 2 times, about 3”-4” diameter is perfect.

Use a ruler to trace a 1” wide long strip, how long will depend on the size of your round circles.

Make it longer than you think you will need and then cut it down later.

How to Make A Spin Drum | 10 Native American Crafts for Kids

Cut all your pieces out.

How to Make A Spin Drum | 10 Native American Crafts for Kids

Use the edge of your scissors to make cuts every ⅛” on one side of your cardboard strip, only cutting through the top layer of paper.

This gives it flexibility and makes it much easier to create curves.

How to Make A Spin Drum | 10 Native American Crafts for Kids

Run a thick line of hot glue 2’3” long around the edge of one of the circles.

Quickly press and hold the strip onto the glue and hold it in place until the glue hardens.

How to Make A Spin Drum | 10 Native American Crafts for Kids

Continue around like this, trim the strip to fit, and glue the end in place.

I left mine just shy of the ends touching the other side so that I could get hot glue inside to hold the handle in place.

Spin Drum Native American Crafts for Kids

This hole will be the very bottom of your drum.

How to Make A Spin Drum | 10 Native American Crafts for Kids

Use a skewer to poke a hole from one side and straight out the other and wiggle the skewer around a bit to enlarge the hole.

How to Make A Spin Drum | 10 Native American Crafts for Kids

Push the string through the hole and make a couple of knots on the inside, pull the string out to the knots and hot glue in place, do this through both holes.

You want your string long enough so that the bead on the end will hit roughly the center of the drum as you rotate it.

On the opposite side run hot glue just inside the lip and press your second circle inside, use the hole you left to press it upward with the skewer if you push it down too far.

How to Make A Spin Drum | 10 Native American Crafts for Kids

Paint thinned-out glue all over the surface area and sides of the drum, working in sections.

How to Make A Spin Drum | 10 Native American Crafts for Kids

Press tissue paper into the glue all around and tear the tissue around the string so it can move freely.

Continue to “paint” with glue and cover the entire drum, painting over top of the tissue as well to create an animal skin look.

How to Make A Spin Drum | 10 Native American Crafts for Kids

Put some hot glue in the hole you left in the bottom, be generous, and slide the skewer in over the hot glue, allowing it to harden.

Prop the drum up in a cup and allow the glue to dry.

While waiting for the glue to dry you can paint your wooden beads. Let these dry.

How to Make A Spin Drum | 10 Native American Crafts for Kids

Once everything is dehydrated, add beads to the string and knot the thread, add a dab of hot glue if needed to be sure they are secure.

Use a marker to draw whatever designs you like; just as native Americans might have done.

How to Make A Spin Drum | 10 Native American Crafts for Kids

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: drum, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, Native Americans, nativeamerican, nativeamericans

Fun Facts About Mold Fossils & 4 Types of Fossil Activities For Kids

November 11, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have some fun facts about mold fossils for you today as well as some hands-on ideas to demonstrate them and the other 3 basic types of fossils. Also, you’ll love my Amber – Freezing Gold Lapbook and Unit Study.

Kids love dinosaurs and everything about them, from the big names to learning about fossils, and just how on earth they disappeared.

We are going to be investigating as well as creating fossils from 4 simple categories – Mold, Cast, and True Form.

Fun Facts About Mold Fossils & 4 Types of Fossil Activities For Kids

We will dig into the definition of each, and you can choose an activity from each category to demonstrate the different types of fossils found.

To begin with, let’s define fossils.

Fossils are bits of plants and animals preserved from the past.

It can be a footprint, impressions, actual material like teeth and bones, or even what is created in the negative space of the impressions.

5 Fun Facts About Mold Fossils

Next, here are facts about mold fossils.

  1. Organisms buried in sediment may decay or dissolve away leaving a cavity or mold to form these types of fossils.
  2. Mold fossils are found in a variety of different rock types. For example, sandstone, shale, and limestone.
  3. Mold fossils are useful because they help researchers to guess the exact shape and structure of the organisms that created them.
  4. Most molds and casts do not contain the actual remains of an organism.
  5. Common mold fossils include things like skin, leaves, teeth, claws, and embryos.
Fun Facts About Mold Fossils & 4 Types of Fossil Activities For Kids

Additionally, look at these 4 types of fossils.

4 Types of Fossils

1.TRACE

These types of fossils are the ones you see that are made up of an imprint of or a mark left by an organism, rather than physical remains.

Trace fossils are produced in soft sediments. For instance, they can be a track, trail, footprint, burrow, etc., of an organism.

  • Exploring Trace Fossils By Making Dinosaur Footprints in edible mud, yum.
  • This Dinosaur Fossil Clay looks like a lot of fun and is a great sensory activity.
  • Here is a science project to Identify Trace Fossils using plaster of Paris.

2.MOLD

A rock that has a void where something once was or formerly lived is called a mold fossil.

This kind of fossil is made when an animal dies and its body decays, leaving an imprint in the sediment. It is the void portion of the fossil.  

  • A great example of a mold fossil that is also delicious is these Dinosaur Fossil Cookies.
  • This Sedimentary Rocks & Fossil Experiment is a busy hands way to teach how fossils are formed over the years through pressure.

3. CAST

Similarly, in a cast fossil, the mineralized sediment that fills the mold recreates the shape of the remains.

When the imprint fills in with minerals from sediment and groundwater and hardens to form a fossil it creates the cast. This is the filled-in portion of a mold/cast fossil.

  • In this Make Fun Edible Fossils and Free Magic School Bus Fossils Worksheet the brown sugar would be the mold and the white chocolate would represent the cast.
  • Here is a great step-by-step on How To Make Cast Fossils With Kids.

4.TRUE FORM

True form fossils are the kind that are formed when the animals’ soft tissues or hard parts do not decay over the years and are preserved in their natural form.

It can be because they are trapped within sap that hardens to become amber (technically this is classified as a gemstone) or frozen.

True-form fossils are also formed through desiccation, where they are completely dried out and preserved, or finally, through freezing, where all soft tissues remain intact.

  • Here is an example of an insect trapped in amber in my Science Fiction for Middle School Fun Jurassic Park Quick Unit Study (DIY Insect in Amber)
  • Another example of a true-form fossil is this tutorial for How to Make A Megalodon Shark Tooth Fun Homeschool Project.
  • I really like this Amber Fossilized Insect Soap because it has multiple uses, to teach about true-form fossils and to get kids squeaky clean.
Fun Facts About Mold Fossils & 4 Types of Fossil Activities For Kids

Next, add some of these books about fossils.

15 Books for Kids Crazy About Fossils and Dinosaurs

Your dinosaur loving kids will love some of these books and resources for a fun dinosaur unit study.

Image for Fossils Tell of Long Ago

Fossils Tell of Long Ago

What is a fossil? Sometimes it's the imprint of an ancient leaf in a rock. Or it could be the skeleton of a dinosaur that has turned to stone. With clear prose and beautifully detailed illustrations, award-winning author and illustrator Aliki describes the different ways fossils are formed and what they tell us about life on Earth long ago.

This is a clear and appealing science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom. It includes a find out more section with a glossary and activity guide so kids can create their own fossils for someone to find a million years from now.

Image for Dinosaurs! (New & Updated)

Dinosaurs! (New & Updated)

Gail Gibbons presents the most recent and up-to-date theories about the history of dinosaurs and dinosaur discoveries. She discusses the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods and the non-bird dinosaurs that lived during each time. Each dinosaur is explored in just the right amount of detail for young paleontologists, as this book brings these magnificent creatures to life again

Image for Digging Up Dinosaurs (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2)

Digging Up Dinosaurs (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2)

How did those enormous dinosaur skeletons get inside the museum? Beloved author-illustrator Aliki’s simple, engaging text and colorful artwork bring the long-extinct creatures to life for young dinosaur enthusiasts.

Long ago, dinosaurs ruled the Earth. Then, suddenly, they died out. For thousands of years, no one knew these giant creatures had ever existed. Then people began finding fossils—bones and teeth and footprints that had turned to stone. Today, teams of experts work together to dig dinosaur fossils out of the ground, bone by fragile bone

Image for How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?

How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?

A playful peek into the homes of dinosaur babies and their parents at bedtime!How do dinosaurs say good night?Brimming with humor and familiar good-night antics, here is a playful peek into the homes of dinosaur children and their parents at bedtime. Perfect for sharing and reading aloud, this is one nighttime book your own little dinosaur will want to read again and again.

Image for Dinosaur Roar!

Dinosaur Roar!

A celebratory edition of this much loved classic picture book, now twenty-five years old. This rollicking rhyming text is a joy to read aloud, and the charming and colourful pictures will appeal to the very youngest dinosaur fans. Originally published in 1994, Dinosaur Roar! by Henrietta and Paul Stickland is now seen as a modern classic, a book that every preschool child should have.In the back of the book is a wonderful pull-out poster showing the dinosaur characters.The book carries the endorsement of the Earth Sciences Department at the Natural History Museum.

Image for Dinosaur Bones

Dinosaur Bones

With a lively rhyming text and vibrant paper collage illustrations, author-artist Bob Barner shakes the dust off the dinosaur bones found in museums and reminds us that they once belonged to living, breathing creatures. Filled with fun dinosaur facts (a T. Rex skull can weigh up to 750 pounds!) and an informational "Dinometer," Dinosaur Bones is sure to make young dinosaur enthusiasts roar with delight.

Image for Dinosaurs, Dinosaurs

Dinosaurs, Dinosaurs

A long time ago there were dinosaurs. Big dinosaurs and small dinosaurs. Dinosaurs with horns on their heads or spikes down their backs. Dinosaurs with long, long necks and long, long tails. Imaginatively and with a masterful use of color, shape and composition, Bryon Barton brings to life a unique and endearing vision of what the world may have looked like once upon a time.

A long time ago there was dinosaurs. Big dinosaurs and small dinosaurs. Dinosaurs with horns on their heads or spikes down their backs. Dinosaurs with long, long necks and long, long tails.Imaginatively and with a masterful use of color, shape and composition, Byron Barton brings to life unique and endearing vision of what the world may have looked like once up ona time.

Image for Here We Go Digging for Dinosaur Bones

Here We Go Digging for Dinosaur Bones

This STEM-friendly musical fossil dig will have dinosaur lovers singing along as they learn the science behind paleontology.

Image for I Dreamt I Was a Dinosaur

I Dreamt I Was a Dinosaur

If you could be a dinosaur, which would you be? Would you roar like the ferocious T-Rex? Or soar overhead like the pterodactyl? In this playful early-learning book, Stella Blackstone s lyrical, rhyming text takes readers on an unforgettable Jurassic journey, while fabric artist Clare Beaton recreates the prehistoric world of dinosaurs using a colorful array of felt, sequins, beads and buttons.

Image for T Is for Terrible: A Picture Book

T Is for Terrible: A Picture Book

I am Tyrannosaurus Rex.

I am a dinosaur,

otherwise known as

a terrible lizard.

Tyrannosaurus rex is a terrible dinosaur; of this, everyone is certain. But is this dinosaur really so terrible? He IS very big and very hungry. True, he might even eat his neighbors for lunch. But from his point of view, he can't help it. After all, he's not a vegetarian . . .

Image for The Shy Stegosaurus of Cricket Creek

The Shy Stegosaurus of Cricket Creek

Meet George. He's strong, as a giant dinosaur should be, strong enough to wreck a plane! (Of course he thinks it's his old enemy, the flying Pteranodon.) He's loyal. He'll do anything to help Joan and Joey save their mother's ranch at Cricket Creek, even chase a bank robber. He's shy. He's so shy he gets Joan and Joey into hilarious, dinosaur sized trouble!

Image for The Magic School Bus in the Time of Dinosaurs

The Magic School Bus in the Time of Dinosaurs

The classroom is decorated as Dinosaur Land, but Ms. Frizzle-inspired by an archeological dig-craves a more authentic experience. The Magic School Bus turns into a time machine and transports the class back millions of years to an adventure where they learn about dinosaurs, their habitats and diets, and even a Maiasaura nesting ground.

Image for Fossils (A True Book: Earth Science)

Fossils (A True Book: Earth Science)

Fossils are one of the most important tools we have for learning about long-extinct wildlife.

A True Book: Earth Science series presents fascinating facts and fun activities that will engage the budding earth scientist, while exploring the fields of geology, meteorology, ecology, and more. This series includes an age appropriate (grades 3-5) introduction to curriculum-relevant subjects and a robust resource section that encourages independent study. In the 4.6 billion years since Earth was formed, many plant and animal species have come and gone. Readers will discover how fossils are formed, how paleontologists search for them, and what kinds of information they can provide.

Image for Paleontological Fossils Sample- Paleontology Trilobite Fossil, Scientific Amber Specimen

Paleontological Fossils Sample- Paleontology Trilobite Fossil, Scientific Amber Specimen

A box of ten fossils: A box of this paleontological fossil sample contains ten of fossils, including sea clam fossils, trilobites, ichthyodonts, porphyrites, copal amber, graptolites, nematodes, phylloceras, corals, and spirals. Fossil specimen of algae.

Image for Ancient Fossils TOOB - Figurines: Dino Footprint, Giant Crab, Ammonite, Raptor Claw, T-Rex Tooth, Frog Skeleton, Sea Scorpion & More

Ancient Fossils TOOB - Figurines: Dino Footprint, Giant Crab, Ammonite, Raptor Claw, T-Rex Tooth, Frog Skeleton, Sea Scorpion & More

Step into Prehistory: This Toob contains 10 expertly hand-painted mini figurines of ancient fossils, including a Dinosaur Footprint, Giant Crab, Ammonite, Raptor Claw, Fossilized Frog, Trilobite, T-Rex Tooth, Fossilized Fish, Dinosaur Skin, and a Sea Scorpion.

Finally, look at this hands-on activity to go along with fun facts about mold fossils.

4 Types of Fossil Activities For Kids

Here is a quick activity to give your child a demonstration of all 4 types that you can use when studying fossils.

You will need:

  • Small dinosaur toys
  • Playdough
  • Kinetic sand
  • Water
  • Small container

First, place a small dinosaur in a little bowl covered with water and freeze.

Fun Facts About Mold Fossils & 4 Types of Fossil Activities For Kids

Once frozen remove it from the bowl.

Then explain that this is a type of true-form fossil like when an intact baby mammoth was found frozen in permafrost in the Klondike gold fields in the Yukon.

More commonly true fossils will be small things like insects in hardened amber.

Fun Facts About Mold Fossils & 4 Types of Fossil Activities For Kids

Use a small ball of playdough to demonstrate mold and cast fossils by making an impression with a small dinosaur toy.

Fun Facts About Mold Fossils & 4 Types of Fossil Activities For Kids

Pull it out and observe the impression it made (mold).

Now, you will want to explain what is a mold impression.

It is made when something was there at one time and decayed to nothing but the impression stayed over time.

Fun Facts About Mold Fossils & 4 Types of Fossil Activities For Kids

Carefully fill the impression with kinetic sand and press in firmly.

Fun Facts About Mold Fossils & 4 Types of Fossil Activities For Kids

Now flip the sand out, and look at the (cast impression) it made in your hand. 

While it’s not a perfectly detailed impression it gives your child a quick understanding of this kind of fossil.

Fun Facts About Mold Fossils & 4 Types of Fossil Activities For Kids

Next, let your child make footprints in the playdough.

This demonstrates a trace fossil that might have been left behind.

Fun Facts About Mold Fossils & 4 Types of Fossil Activities For Kids

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

Over And Under The Snow Activities For a Free Literature Unit Study

November 10, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Look at these easy and fun Over And Under The Snow activities I have gathered to create a fun and free literature unit study for preschoolers (or even kindergarteners ). Also, you’ll love more ideas on my pages Winter Season Unit Study Free Lapbook & Hands-On Ideas, Best Homeschool Unit Studies and How to Homeschool Preschool.

Preschoolers can benefit from a literature unit study.

And you can easily turn it into a fun week-long theme that covers everything from language arts to science and even math.

Over And Under The Snow Activities For a Free Literature Unit Study

You will want to start each day by reading the entire book from start to finish.

You can choose the order you do these activities.

It is totally up to you and what works for you and your child.

Besides the book and some plastic animals, you can put this entire week together with less than $5 in supplies.

I picked up the pack of styrofoam balls, shaving cream, and baking soda that made up 3 of the week’s activities for $3.75 at Dollar Tree.

I have also included a few more ways to use these items to stretch the fun, learning, and budget.

Language Arts Day 1

The act of reading alone is a wonderful language arts activity.

As you read through the book you stimulate their imagination and expand their understanding of the world.

Reading aloud helps them to develop language and listening skills and is an important pre-reading activity to help them understand the written word.

But there are some places you can be intentional.

Throughout the book, some words will be brand new to your child. Take some time to go over them a bit before you read so that your child can understand and learn the new vocabulary.

Here are some new words that you might pick a couple from to focus on:

  • Glide- To move with a smooth continuous motion.
  • Flash- A quick view of something.
  • Tracks- A mark or line of marks left by a person or animal.
  • Huddle- To crowd together closely.
  • Morsels– A small piece of food.
  • Shelter- A place that gives temporary protection from weather or danger.
  • Gnaw-To bite or nibble something persistently.

Point out letters your child is already familiar with on the cover or throughout the book and have them name the letter.

New letters should be told to the child over and over until they have it down.  But make it fun! Talk about what letter f-f-fox starts with or o-o-over.

Finally, the shaving cream that you will be using later in the week can be squirted right onto the table and smoothed out a bit to practice drawing and writing letters with little fingers.

Sensory experiences like this often stick much better than dozens of tracing worksheets.

Over And Under The Snow Activities For a Free Literature Unit Study

Also, add some of these books for a fun read aloud.

I lean toward living books then like to add in reference book when possible.

26 Winter Books to Read to Kids and For Kids Who Love to Read

Add in a few books to make your winter unit study complete. Add books for all ages.

Image for Winter Is Coming

Winter Is Coming

Day after day, a girl goes to her favorite place in the woods and quietly watches from her tree house as the chipmunks, the doe, the rabbits prepare for the winter.

As the temperature drops, sunset comes earlier and a new season begins.

Image for Hanna's Cold Winter

Hanna's Cold Winter

Hanna was a hippopotamus in the Budapest Zoo. Hanna and the other hippos thrived in the warm springs which flowed from the ground. One winter, however, it was so cold that the river froze.

Image for Over and Under the Snow

Over and Under the Snow

Part of the acclaimed nature book series that includes Over and Under the Pond, Over and Under the Rainforest, and Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt, this volume takes readers on a cross country ski trip through the winter woods to discover the secret world of animals living under the snow.

Over the snow, the world is hushed and white. But under the snow lies a secret world of squirrels and snow hares, bears and bullfrogs, and many other animals making their winter home under the snow. This beloved nonfiction picture book reveals the tunnels and caves formed beneath the snow but over the ground, where many kinds of animals live through the winter, safe and warm, awake and busy, but hidden beneath the snow. 

ENCHANTING AND EDUCATIONAL: A charming story and beautifully rendered illustrations invite readers of all ages to explore and learn about the "subnivean zone" (the space between the colder snow and the warmer ground) where many animals live in the winter, opening a fascinating window into the natural world.

Image for The Snow Day

The Snow Day

A young rabbit wakes up to wonderful news: A snow day! School is canceled, and the day that follows is rich with the magic and delight of the falling snow.

Image for Animals in Winter

Animals in Winter

This is a clear and appealing book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom. Introduce kids to basic science ideas as part of discussions about the seasons and animals.

Image for Breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs

Once upon a time, Hazel and Jack were best friends. But that was before he stopped talking to her and disappeared into a forest with a mysterious woman made of ice. Now it's up to Hazel to go in after him. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's "The Snow Queen,"

Image for Brave Irene: A Picture Book

Brave Irene: A Picture Book

This winning heroine will inspire every child to cheer her on as she ventures through a bitter cold snowstorm in William Steig's classic Brave Irene.

Image for Moominland Midwinter

Moominland Midwinter

Everyone knows the Moomins sleep through the winter. But this year, Moomintroll has woken up early.

So while the rest of the family slumber, he decides to visit his favorite summer haunts. But all he finds is this strange white stuff. Even the sun is gone! Moomintroll is angry: whoever Winter is, she has some nerve.

Image for Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow

Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow

Blessed--or cursed--with an ability to understand animals, the Lass (as she's known to her family) has always been seen as strange.

And when an isbjorn (polar bear) seeks her out, and promises that her family will become rich if only the Lass will accompany him to his castle, she doesn't hesitate. But the bear is not what he seems, nor is his castle, which is made of ice and inhabited by a silent staff of servants

Image for If Polar Bears Disappeared

If Polar Bears Disappeared

The freezing ecosystem in the far north of the globe is home to many different kinds of animals.

They can be Strong, like a walrus Tough, like a lemming Resilient, like an arctic fox.

But no arctic animal is as iconic as the polar bear.

Image for The Very, Very Far North

The Very, Very Far North

An inquisitive polar bear named Duane befriends an array of animals as he discovers where he belongs in this charming classic-in-the making

Image for The Longest Night

The Longest Night

It is the longest night of the year, and the snow lies deep. All through the forest, animals long for dawn's warmth.

Strong and clever creatures boast that only they can bring back the sun. But the wind knows better.

Image for The Adventures of a South Pole Pig: A novel of snow and courage

The Adventures of a South Pole Pig: A novel of snow and courage

Flora the pig was born for adventure: “If it’s unexplored and needs to get dug up, call me. I’m your pig,” she says.

The day Flora spots a team of sled dogs is the day she sets her heart on becoming a sled pig.

Before she knows it, she’s on board a ship to Antarctica for the most exhilarating—and dangerous—adventure of her life.

Image for Wolf in the Snow

Wolf in the Snow

A girl is lost in a snowstorm. A wolf cub is lost, too. How will they find their way home?

Image for The Snowflake Sisters

The Snowflake Sisters

Crystal and Ivory snowflake take full advantage of this beautiful snowy evening in New York City as they travel to the park, fly through Time Square, journey past the Statue of Liberty, and more before coming in for their final landing of the day.

Image for Mr. Popper's Penguins

Mr. Popper's Penguins

A classic of American humor, the adventures of a house painter and his brood of high-stepping penguins have delighted children for generations.

Image for One Snowy Night (Percy the Park Keeper)

One Snowy Night (Percy the Park Keeper)

Percy the Park Keeper always feeds the animals in the park where he lives.

But one cold winter’s night Percy discovers that his little friends need more than food and he must find a way to help them find a warm place to sleep for the night.

Image for Dog Driven

Dog Driven

From the author of Ice Dogs comes a riveting adventure about a musher who sets out to prove her impaired vision won't hold her back from competing in a rigorous sled race through the Canadian wilderness. Perfect for fans of Gary Paulsen.

Image for Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

There are more animals to find among the trees, and the kindly figure with his "promises to keep" exudes warmth as he stops to appreciate the quiet delights of winter.

Image for Stranger in the Woods: A Photographic Fantasy (Nature)

Stranger in the Woods: A Photographic Fantasy (Nature)

Forest animals, awakened by the birds' warning that there is a stranger in the woods, set out to discover if there is danger and find, instead, a wonderful surprise.

Image for Owl Moon

Owl Moon

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.

Image for Here Comes Jack Frost

Here Comes Jack Frost

One cold morning a lonely boy wishes for something to do. His animal friends are hibernating, and he has nobody to play with―even all the birds have flown south.

When he meets Jack Frost, the last thing he expects is to make a new friend . . . or to discover how enchanting winter can be!

Image for Twelve Kinds of Ice

Twelve Kinds of Ice

With the first ice—a skim on a sheep pail so thin it breaks when touched—one family’s winter begins in earnest. Next comes ice like panes of glass. And eventually, skating ice! Take a literary skate over field ice and streambed, through sleeping orchards and beyond.

Image for Blizzard

Blizzard

With accounts from the survivors and period photos, a tale by the author of the Newbery Honor book, The Great Fire tells what is was like to live through the Great Blizzard of 1888 that crippled New York City with its fierce winds and blinding snow.

Image for Grandmother Winter

Grandmother Winter

Grandmother Winter lives all alone with her snow-white flock of geese. All through the spring, summer, and fall, Grandmother Winter tends her geese and gathers their feathers. Why?

To bring snowfall as soft as feathers and bright as a winter moon. To the woodland and all of its creatures, the arrival of winter is a gift.

Image for Wild Child

Wild Child

Lynn Plourde's text snaps and crackles like the leaves of fall as Mother Earth gently gets her daughter ready for bed.

And Greg Couch's extraordinary illustrations take readers from the soft greens of late summer through the fiery oranges of a fall sunset to the peaceful blues of early winter's eve.

Next add geography or history or both.

Geography Day 2

In preschool, this is focused on the study of people and how they relate to their world.

This means transportation, community helpers, family, emotions, and caring for our world.

You can talk about the relationship between the little girl and her father in the book.

And explain how they each felt throughout their exploration of the woods and ways that we can take care of the world we live in and the animals by respecting them during walks.

Who are helpers in places like this?

Park rangers and game wardens are likely brand-new community helpers to your child.

Explain to them what each does and how they help our world.

You can also focus on the geography of the animals throughout the story.

Where would you find red squirrels or voles for instance?

Next, add in some fun art. Here are some ideas.

Art Day 3

Create a fun puffy sensory paint by combining white craft paint with a little bit of shaving cream.

Then for an easy over and under the-snow activities use it to create a winter scene with areas for creatures over and under the snow.

Over And Under The Snow Activities For a Free Literature Unit Study


Use a marker to draw trees in the background, encouraging your child to recreate the cover of the book if they like. Both free art and gently directed art are important parts of development.

Over And Under The Snow Activities For a Free Literature Unit Study

Once the paint has dried your child can add animals above and below the snow to re-enact the book.

You can use plastic animals, print out small pieces of paper of winter animals, or let them draw some in.

Over And Under The Snow Activities For a Free Literature Unit Study

You do not need or want a full math curriculum at this age. Simply focus on number sense to begin with.

Math Day 4

As you read the book, have them count with you the number of animals on different pages.

Over And Under The Snow Activities For a Free Literature Unit Study

Number sense includes counting and identifying quantities, number recognition, subitizing (glancing at small numbers and knowing the number).

One-to-one Correspondence- This is simply making the connection between a number and a physical item.

It involves the act of counting each object in a set once, with one touch per object.

 A simple activity you can do to help develop number recognition is to get multiples of an object.

For example, you can grab small styrofoam balls or white buttons to go along with the snow theme of the book and a single dice (two if they are working on higher than 1-5).

Let them roll the die and match the number with the correct number of objects.

Over And Under The Snow Activities For a Free Literature Unit Study

Use positional words like over, under, inside, outside, behind, etc. and have your child move an object to demonstrate them.

This simple spatial activity is a precursor to geometry and measurement.

You can use styrofoam balls for all kinds of counting and adding and subtracting.

More Over and Under the Snow Activities

  • Winter Craft Ideas for Kids Animals in Winter Fun Snow Slime
  • Over and Under the Snow Building Activity
  • Kindergarten Crafts for Winter An Easy and Fun Polar Bear Fork Painting
  • Over and Under the Snow – A Storytime Activity
  • Cardinal Birds in Winter and Birch Trees Easy Watercolor Kids Activity
  • Simple and Easy Instant Ice Kids Activity Homeschool Science Experiments
  • Free Amazing Winter Unit Study and Winter Lapbook for Kids

Science Day 5

The science possibilities are wonderful in this book.

You can study specific animals and their habits, winter weather or both. I have an activity suggestion for this that gives you a concrete example of both.

You can take a deep dive into learning about the creatures above and below the snow by watching short videos on various animals.

Pouring over your favorite zoology books, observing these animals in nature in your own backyard, or at the zoo.

Over And Under The Snow Activities For a Free Literature Unit Study

Or with fun hands-on activities like this Over and Under the Snow sensory bin with two ingredient snow as its base.

Over and Under the Snow Activities – Two Ingredient Snow

You will need:

  • Baking soda
  • unscented/sensitive shaving cream
  • Blue construction paper
  • Paintbrush

To create the 2 ingredient snow, combine baking soda with unscented shaving cream until a snowlike texture is reached.

If it’s too dry add more shaving cream, too wet, more baking soda.

I find that it is easiest to mix it with your hands. If it just holds together when squeezed it’s a great texture.

Over And Under The Snow Activities For a Free Literature Unit Study

Fill the bottom of your chosen shallow container for the sensory bin with the “snow”.

Add small pinecones, twigs, etc. as well as plastic animals mentioned in the book like foxes, squirrels, beavers, frogs, black bears snowshoe hares, and owls.

The sensory bin is used for dramatic small-world play, fine motor skills, and as a wonderful base to work in science learning about animals as well as snow.

Over And Under The Snow Activities For a Free Literature Unit Study

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, life science, science, snow, unit studies, unit study, winter crafts, winter season

10 Toilet Paper Roll Winter Crafts | Make An Adorable Toilet Roll Winter Village

November 9, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Toilet paper roll winter crafts are a fantastic way to add a little fun to your winter-themed lessons. Be sure you grab more ideas for winter fun on my page Winter Season Unit Study.

They are fun for themes like snow, snowflakes, animals in winter, or any other topic.

Besides, we are creating a unique winter village that one child can make or the whole family can join in giving you unique colors and styles for your decoration.

10 Toilet Paper Roll Winter Crafts | Make An Adorable Toilet Roll Winter Village

Additionally, I have another 10 cute toilet paper roll winter crafts, interesting winter weather facts, and resources to make your winter study fun and exciting.

In addition, winter provides a perfect opportunity to engage your homeschoolers’ creativity, keep them entertained, and explore the wonders of the season.

Besides, incorporating craft activities into your homeschool routine not only enhances your child’s motor skills but also promotes imagination and expression.

7 Winter Weather Facts

  1. Winter solstice, which usually occurs around December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere, marks the shortest day and longest night of the year.
  2. Aomori in Japan is considered one of the snowiest cities in the world.
  3. The Northern Hemisphere experiences winter during the months of December, January, and February
  4. The Northern and Southern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis and Aurora Australis, are more visible during winter due to the longer periods of darkness.
  5. The Earth is closest to the Sun in winter, in January the Earth reaches the point in its orbit that’s nearest to the Sun.
  6. It can take a snowflake up to two hours to fall to the ground from a cloud.
  7. The North Pole is warmer than the South Pole.
10 Toilet Paper Roll Winter Crafts | Make An Adorable Toilet Roll Winter Village

Also, include some of these fun books about winter.

I lean toward living books for all subjects and add in non-fiction books too.

26 Winter Books to Read to Kids and For Kids Who Love to Read

Add in a few books to make your winter unit study complete. Add books for all ages.

Image for Winter Is Coming

Winter Is Coming

Day after day, a girl goes to her favorite place in the woods and quietly watches from her tree house as the chipmunks, the doe, the rabbits prepare for the winter.

As the temperature drops, sunset comes earlier and a new season begins.

Image for Hanna's Cold Winter

Hanna's Cold Winter

Hanna was a hippopotamus in the Budapest Zoo. Hanna and the other hippos thrived in the warm springs which flowed from the ground. One winter, however, it was so cold that the river froze.

Image for Over and Under the Snow

Over and Under the Snow

Part of the acclaimed nature book series that includes Over and Under the Pond, Over and Under the Rainforest, and Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt, this volume takes readers on a cross country ski trip through the winter woods to discover the secret world of animals living under the snow.

Over the snow, the world is hushed and white. But under the snow lies a secret world of squirrels and snow hares, bears and bullfrogs, and many other animals making their winter home under the snow. This beloved nonfiction picture book reveals the tunnels and caves formed beneath the snow but over the ground, where many kinds of animals live through the winter, safe and warm, awake and busy, but hidden beneath the snow. 

ENCHANTING AND EDUCATIONAL: A charming story and beautifully rendered illustrations invite readers of all ages to explore and learn about the "subnivean zone" (the space between the colder snow and the warmer ground) where many animals live in the winter, opening a fascinating window into the natural world.

Image for The Snow Day

The Snow Day

A young rabbit wakes up to wonderful news: A snow day! School is canceled, and the day that follows is rich with the magic and delight of the falling snow.

Image for Animals in Winter

Animals in Winter

This is a clear and appealing book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom. Introduce kids to basic science ideas as part of discussions about the seasons and animals.

Image for Breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs

Once upon a time, Hazel and Jack were best friends. But that was before he stopped talking to her and disappeared into a forest with a mysterious woman made of ice. Now it's up to Hazel to go in after him. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's "The Snow Queen,"

Image for Brave Irene: A Picture Book

Brave Irene: A Picture Book

This winning heroine will inspire every child to cheer her on as she ventures through a bitter cold snowstorm in William Steig's classic Brave Irene.

Image for Moominland Midwinter

Moominland Midwinter

Everyone knows the Moomins sleep through the winter. But this year, Moomintroll has woken up early.

So while the rest of the family slumber, he decides to visit his favorite summer haunts. But all he finds is this strange white stuff. Even the sun is gone! Moomintroll is angry: whoever Winter is, she has some nerve.

Image for Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow

Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow

Blessed--or cursed--with an ability to understand animals, the Lass (as she's known to her family) has always been seen as strange.

And when an isbjorn (polar bear) seeks her out, and promises that her family will become rich if only the Lass will accompany him to his castle, she doesn't hesitate. But the bear is not what he seems, nor is his castle, which is made of ice and inhabited by a silent staff of servants

Image for If Polar Bears Disappeared

If Polar Bears Disappeared

The freezing ecosystem in the far north of the globe is home to many different kinds of animals.

They can be Strong, like a walrus Tough, like a lemming Resilient, like an arctic fox.

But no arctic animal is as iconic as the polar bear.

Image for The Very, Very Far North

The Very, Very Far North

An inquisitive polar bear named Duane befriends an array of animals as he discovers where he belongs in this charming classic-in-the making

Image for The Longest Night

The Longest Night

It is the longest night of the year, and the snow lies deep. All through the forest, animals long for dawn's warmth.

Strong and clever creatures boast that only they can bring back the sun. But the wind knows better.

Image for The Adventures of a South Pole Pig: A novel of snow and courage

The Adventures of a South Pole Pig: A novel of snow and courage

Flora the pig was born for adventure: “If it’s unexplored and needs to get dug up, call me. I’m your pig,” she says.

The day Flora spots a team of sled dogs is the day she sets her heart on becoming a sled pig.

Before she knows it, she’s on board a ship to Antarctica for the most exhilarating—and dangerous—adventure of her life.

Image for Wolf in the Snow

Wolf in the Snow

A girl is lost in a snowstorm. A wolf cub is lost, too. How will they find their way home?

Image for The Snowflake Sisters

The Snowflake Sisters

Crystal and Ivory snowflake take full advantage of this beautiful snowy evening in New York City as they travel to the park, fly through Time Square, journey past the Statue of Liberty, and more before coming in for their final landing of the day.

Image for Mr. Popper's Penguins

Mr. Popper's Penguins

A classic of American humor, the adventures of a house painter and his brood of high-stepping penguins have delighted children for generations.

Image for One Snowy Night (Percy the Park Keeper)

One Snowy Night (Percy the Park Keeper)

Percy the Park Keeper always feeds the animals in the park where he lives.

But one cold winter’s night Percy discovers that his little friends need more than food and he must find a way to help them find a warm place to sleep for the night.

Image for Dog Driven

Dog Driven

From the author of Ice Dogs comes a riveting adventure about a musher who sets out to prove her impaired vision won't hold her back from competing in a rigorous sled race through the Canadian wilderness. Perfect for fans of Gary Paulsen.

Image for Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

There are more animals to find among the trees, and the kindly figure with his "promises to keep" exudes warmth as he stops to appreciate the quiet delights of winter.

Image for Stranger in the Woods: A Photographic Fantasy (Nature)

Stranger in the Woods: A Photographic Fantasy (Nature)

Forest animals, awakened by the birds' warning that there is a stranger in the woods, set out to discover if there is danger and find, instead, a wonderful surprise.

Image for Owl Moon

Owl Moon

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.

Image for Here Comes Jack Frost

Here Comes Jack Frost

One cold morning a lonely boy wishes for something to do. His animal friends are hibernating, and he has nobody to play with―even all the birds have flown south.

When he meets Jack Frost, the last thing he expects is to make a new friend . . . or to discover how enchanting winter can be!

Image for Twelve Kinds of Ice

Twelve Kinds of Ice

With the first ice—a skim on a sheep pail so thin it breaks when touched—one family’s winter begins in earnest. Next comes ice like panes of glass. And eventually, skating ice! Take a literary skate over field ice and streambed, through sleeping orchards and beyond.

Image for Blizzard

Blizzard

With accounts from the survivors and period photos, a tale by the author of the Newbery Honor book, The Great Fire tells what is was like to live through the Great Blizzard of 1888 that crippled New York City with its fierce winds and blinding snow.

Image for Grandmother Winter

Grandmother Winter

Grandmother Winter lives all alone with her snow-white flock of geese. All through the spring, summer, and fall, Grandmother Winter tends her geese and gathers their feathers. Why?

To bring snowfall as soft as feathers and bright as a winter moon. To the woodland and all of its creatures, the arrival of winter is a gift.

Image for Wild Child

Wild Child

Lynn Plourde's text snaps and crackles like the leaves of fall as Mother Earth gently gets her daughter ready for bed.

And Greg Couch's extraordinary illustrations take readers from the soft greens of late summer through the fiery oranges of a fall sunset to the peaceful blues of early winter's eve.

10 Toilet Paper Roll Winter Crafts

  1. You will love my tutorial How to Make an Adorable Toilet Roll Snowman for Winter Crafts too.
  2. You won’t have to worry about this little Cardboard Roll Gingerbread Man Craft running away as fast as he can, Isn’t he just too cute?
  3. The Glittery Birds on Snowy Log Favor Boxes would be a great art challenge for older kids.
  4. Cute waddling penguins make a great winter study, at least when studying the 4 that live in arctic climates- emperors, gentoos, chinstraps, and Adélies. Make these Toilet Paper Roll Penguins Easy Winter crafts for Kids.
  5. If you are studying the tundra, Alaska, or Canada here is a cute Toilet Roll Reindeer craft.
  6. Winter Toilet Paper Roll Animals.
  7. Make this wintery Adorable Toilet Paper Roll Owl Craft for fun or to give your winter owl study a little depth.
  8. Arctic animals are a topic that you definitely want to cover in your winter study, this Cardboard Tube Polar Bear goes along perfectly with that.
  9. Winter Windsocks Craft.
  10. Last, can you imagine your living room filled with gorgeous glittering snowflakes you made during a lesson on how snowflakes are formed? Learn How to Make Paper Roll Snowflakes.
10 Toilet Paper Roll Winter Crafts | Make An Adorable Toilet Roll Winter Village

Next, add in some resources and activities for winter.

More Winter Crafts to Do at Home

  • Here are Snow and Snowflake Facts for Kids and a Fun Hands-on Exploding Snowman activity.
  • Winter Craft Ideas for Kids Animals in Winter Fun Snow Slime.
  • Crafts for Winter An Easy and Fun Polar Bear Fork Painting.
  • Let me show you How to Make an Adorable Toilet Roll Snowman for Winter Crafts.
  • Two Fun Candy Cane Hands-on Science Winter Experiments.
  • Cardinal Birds in Winter and Birch Trees Easy Watercolor Kids Activity.
  • These Cute and Simple Snowman Story Stones Winter Art Activities For Preschoolers are a great tool for open-ended play but also can encourage your child to develop their imagination and storytelling skills.
  • Julie of the Wolves Free Hands-on Arctic Unit Study.
  • Winter Craft Ideas How to Make Fun Pinecone Flowers.
  • Easy and Fun Pine Cone Snowy Owl Winter Craft for Kindergarten.
  • Fun Selfie Salt Dough Gingerbread Kids Activity for Long Winter Nights.
  • Easy DIY Fun Salt Winter Watercolor Art Project for Kids.

Finally, look how to make this adorable toilet paper winter village.

Make An Adorable Toilet Roll Winter Village

You will need:

  • Empty toilet paper rolls.
  • Craft paint
  • Card stock
  • Paint brushes
  • Paint pens or markers 
  • Glue gun/glue sticks
  • scissors
10 Toilet Paper Roll Winter Crafts | Make An Adorable Toilet Roll Winter Village

Pinch the top of each of your empty toilet paper rolls together and hot glue them all the way across.

10 Toilet Paper Roll Winter Crafts | Make An Adorable Toilet Roll Winter Village

Use a paper plate to make a pallet for all the paint colors that you want to use.

10 Toilet Paper Roll Winter Crafts | Make An Adorable Toilet Roll Winter Village

Also, once the glue has set completely, paint the exterior of the toilet paper rolls in whatever color(s) you like.

10 Toilet Paper Roll Winter Crafts | Make An Adorable Toilet Roll Winter Village

In addition, while you’re waiting for the paint to dry cut enough pieces of a neutral card stock into 2” x 3” rectangles, find the middle and bend it.

This will be the peak of your roof.

Use markers or paint pens to make shingles lines and whatever other textures you like on the roofs, make each unique.

10 Toilet Paper Roll Winter Crafts | Make An Adorable Toilet Roll Winter Village

Then, once the paint on the rolls has dried completely use markers or paint pens to decorate the houses.

Too, add windows, doors, and bushes outside the house, etc.

10 Toilet Paper Roll Winter Crafts | Make An Adorable Toilet Roll Winter Village

Add details like light in the windows, doorknobs and even a little snowman outside.

10 Toilet Paper Roll Winter Crafts | Make An Adorable Toilet Roll Winter Village

Add snow to your roofs by drizzling white paint straight from the bottle along the ridge line and letting it naturally drip or you can use a paintbrush to spread it as you like.

10 Toilet Paper Roll Winter Crafts | Make An Adorable Toilet Roll Winter Village

Lastly, once your roof is dried, you can hot glue it to the top of the house.

Use a small paintbrush to create icicles, drifts of snow on the ground, around the windows, and anywhere else you like to enhance the wintery scene.

Keep on creating an entire village and use them to decorate your tables or put them in a window to enjoy.

10 Toilet Paper Roll Winter Crafts | Make An Adorable Toilet Roll Winter Village

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: crafts, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, homeschoolinginwinter, toilet paper roll, winter crafts, winter season

DIY Adorable Salt Dough Gingerbread House To Make With Kids

November 8, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Instead of using a box kit, look at this easy salt dough gingerbread house which you can keep year after year. Be sure you grab more ideas for winter fun on my page Winter Season Unit Study with free lapbook.

This salt dough version of a gingerbread house is far easier to make and assemble than the “edible” version which let’s face it isn’t edible at all.

Too, hot glue is much faster to work with than icing.

We are going to make our houses in the style of those lovely old-fashioned cinnamon ornaments.

DIY Adorable Salt Dough Gingerbread House To Make With Kids

Not only do they smell wonderful, but cinnamon will naturally give your gingerbread house its rich warm brown color. 

You can also add more cinnamon essential oil every so often to boost the scent, it will soak right in.

Younger children can make a salt dough gingerbread house with help.

But your middle and highschooler will be able to make their whimsical creation on their own from start to finish.

However, while you are working on your gingerbread house why not turn it into a fun mini-lesson complete with trivia, edible versions, books, and a few more hands-on activities to make it even better?

6 Facts About Gingerbread

  1. National Gingerbread Cookie Day is celebrated annually on November 21st.
  2. Historians say that the first known recipe for gingerbread came from Greece in 2400 BC.
  3. The largest gingerbread house ever built was made in Bryan, Texas. It stood a whopping 60 feet long, 42 feet wide, and 10.1 feet tall. 
  4. The initial popularity of gingerbread houses in Europe was because of the Grimm story Hansel and Gretel.
  5. The word gingerbread is from the old French word ‘ gingerbras’ which means preserved ginger.
  6. It is believed that the concept of the gingerbread man was first proposed by Queen Elizabeth I, gingerbread animals were already popular, but she wanted to give little edible caricatures to nobility. 

DIY Adorable Salt Dough Gingerbread House To Make With Kids

Add a living book to this fun hands-on activity.

8 Books and Resources Studying About Gingerbread

Add some of these books and resources for a gun Gingerbread theme.

Image for The Plan for the Gingerbread House: A STEM Engineering Story

The Plan for the Gingerbread House: A STEM Engineering Story

The gingerbread man and woman need a new home! A team of kids struggle to create the perfect gingerbread house. The project guidelines are clear: the winning house must stand upright on its own and a gingerbread boy and girl must fit inside.Sounds easy?But creating is hard. Cookie burn, the icing it too thin, the house caves-in, someone is eating the candy decorations, and—Oh!—they forgot about putting the gingerbread boy and girl inside the house. Engineering is a creative process. That means you must learn to

  • overcome problems
  • and persevere.

Inspire budding engineers to think about the classic gingerbread house in new ways.

Image for Gingerbread House Cookie Cutter Set

Gingerbread House Cookie Cutter Set

SAFE AND HEALTHY FOR YOUR FAMILY - The simple stainless steel Gingerbread House Cookie Cutter Set design is easy to clean, the folded edges are kind to hands, and the welded seam won’t come unstuck

Image for The Gingerbread Man Padded

The Gingerbread Man Padded

"Run, run as fast as you can. You can't catch me, I'm the gingerbread man!" Follow the gingerbread man as he runs from the old woman, the old man, pig, cow, and horse, and meets a sly fox. This padded storybook of the classic fairy tale features engaging text and delightful, colorful illustrations by Gail Yerrill. Designed to encourage vocabulary development and help children read aloud, this story uses large font types and vibrant, contemporary illustrations to help early learning skills. It's a perfect addition to any children's library.

Image for The Gingerbread Boy (Paul Galdone Nursery Classic)

The Gingerbread Boy (Paul Galdone Nursery Classic)

The classic tale of the old couple, with no children of their own, who bake a gingerbread boy to keep them company. Just as the little old woman is about to take him from the oven, he slips away and runs out the door past a cow, a horse, a group of threshers, mowers, etc. All follow in hot pursuit until the gingerbread boy meets up with a wily fox, and ‘at last and at last he went the way of every single gingerbread boy that ever came out of an oven . . . He was all gone!’ A wonderfully frenetic cross-country chase is depicted in Galdone’s broadly humorous color wash drawings.

Image for Gingerbread Baby

Gingerbread Baby

Fairy tale about the Gingerbread Baby. Full-color illustrations.

Image for 12PCS Measuring Cups, Little Cook Colorful Measuring Cups and Spoons Set

12PCS Measuring Cups, Little Cook Colorful Measuring Cups and Spoons Set

The 12 different spoon sizes in this measuring cup set make it versatile for measuring a wide range of ingredients. The measuring spoons range from 1/8 tsp teaspoon up to 1 cup tablespoon, allowing you to measure small or large quantities with ease. This makes the measuring spoons set perfect for home cooks and professional chefs alike, as it can be used for a variety of recipes, from baking to cooking and more.

Image for Gingerbread Man Cookie Cutter Set (Gingerbread Man 3 Piece)

Gingerbread Man Cookie Cutter Set (Gingerbread Man 3 Piece)

Gingerbread Man 3 Piece

Image for How to Catch a Gingerbread Man

How to Catch a Gingerbread Man

Do you have what it takes to catch the Gingerbread Man? The famous storybook character has magically come to life and leapt from the pages during story time! Follow along as the Gingerbread Man runs loose in a bookstore with the help of Robin Hood, Sherlock Holmes, Peter Rabbit, nursery rhyme characters, and more! If you set the right traps, you might…just might be able to catch this wily cookie and finish the fairy tale!

Then here are more ideas for a gingerbread house.

More Gingerbread House Ideas

For a little variety here are a few more ways to celebrate National Gingerbread Cookie Day or any day.

  • If you want to go edible here are some easy but precious Graham Cracker Gingerbread Houses to make as well.
  • For younger children, this Gingerbread House Paper Bag craft is perfect and uses easy supplies you already have on hand.
  • Popsicle sticks are always a fabulous craft Popsicle Stick Gingerbread House
  • You could make this Gingerbread House Craft For Kids half-size, make a bunch, and create a fun garland with an entire neighborhood of gingerbread houses.
DIY Adorable Salt Dough Gingerbread House To Make With Kids

Finally, look how to make this fun gingerbread house.

How to Make a Kids Salt Dough Gingerbread House

You will need:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup table salt
  • ¾ cups cinnamon
  • 1 Tablespoon cloves
  • 1 Tablespoon ginger
  • ¾ cup water
  • Rolling pin
  • Hot glue gun/sticks
  • Craft paint
  • Cardstock
DIY Adorable Salt Dough Gingerbread House To Make With Kids

The first thing you want to do is decide how large you want your gingerbread house or decide how many you want to make.

The recipe above creates one house that is roughly 4 1”2 inches long on each side and 5” tall.

Choose your size and then shape, cut the 4 walls and 2 roof pieces out of cardstock making sure that facing walls and roof pieces are symmetrical.

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Combine all dry ingredients until well-mixed.

DIY Adorable Salt Dough Gingerbread House To Make With Kids

Add water and stir until combined, you want to add water until mixture sticks together but not sticky.

DIY Adorable Salt Dough Gingerbread House To Make With Kids

If it’s too wet add more flour, too dry add water.

DIY Adorable Salt Dough Gingerbread House To Make With Kids

Lay a silicone liner or parchment paper on a large baking sheet.

DIY Adorable Salt Dough Gingerbread House To Make With Kids

I find it’s easiest to roll the dough and cut it right on the cooking surface because moving it tends to stretch and distort the shape.

Roll your dough out pretty thin about 1/8” to 1/4” thick is good.

DIY Adorable Salt Dough Gingerbread House To Make With Kids

Lay your cardstock templates on top of the dough and cut around them using a sharp knife.

DIY Adorable Salt Dough Gingerbread House To Make With Kids

Remove excess dough from between the pieces and discard or you can use them to make extra little decor items.

DIY Adorable Salt Dough Gingerbread House To Make With Kids

Bake for 3 hours, flipping the pieces halfway through. If at the end there still seems to be moisture in the dough let them sit a bit longer in the warm oven until completely dried.

Remove it from the oven and let cool.

Now, you can either assemble and then decorate with paint or do most of your painting.

Let it dry, and then glue it together, adding additional paint to cover up your joints.

I like to paint the basics before assembling.

DIY Adorable Salt Dough Gingerbread House To Make With Kids

Hot glue one joint at a time and hold it into place until the glue sets.

Use white craft paint and a small brush or white puffy paint to add on your snowy icing.

Add a thicker amount to the peak of the roof by squeezing it right out of the bottle to cover the roof joint and make it look as if snow has piled up.

Once all the paint is dry your gingerbread house is ready to go on display.

DIY Adorable Salt Dough Gingerbread House To Make With Kids

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: crafts, gingerbread, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, winter crafts, winter season

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