handsonhomeschooling

Rainforest Crafts for Kindergarten: Make an Easy Paper Plate Monkey

September 9, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Rainforest crafts for kindergarten encourages creativity, fosters imagination, and strengthens fine motor skills. Crafts are part of kindergarten homeschool curriculum.

And learning about the rainforest with a unit study approach is one of the best ways to teach kindergarten aged children.

Rainforest crafts for kindergarteners introduces young children to one of the most important ecosystems in the world.

Rainforest Crafts for Kindergarten: Make an Easy Paper Plate Monkey

And a fun paper plate monkey craft encourages young children to understand the diversity of the rainforest.

Not only can you help your child understand the difference between plants and animals, but your child can use their sense of hearing.

Howler Monkey Facts

First, help your child know how the animals of the rainforest depend on the trees (canopy) and even the understory (layer of vegetation under the canopy) to survive.

The understory is where tree trunks, vines, and bushes grow. Animals who live here in this section can climb very well.

But the emergent layer or the layer above the canopy is bright and sunny and animals with good balance like howler monkeys live here.

Then, look at a few facts about the howler monkeys.

Howler monkeys are one of the loudest animals in the rainforest.
Their howls sound like a strong wind blowing through a tunnel. Have you child stand up and see how loud he or she can howl. Watch the video above and listen to the male howler monkey.
Monkeys live in the trees and eat only vegetation like fruit and flowers.

However, more than just the howler monkey makes its home in the Amazon Rainforest.

What Monkeys Live in the Amazon Rainforest

Squirrel monkeys also live there and are very intelligent animals.

Squirrel Monkey Facts

Look at a few fun facts about squirrel monkeys to share with your child.

They are not the same color all over which makes it harder for predators to see.
Long tails are used for balance.
Also, they have hands with thumbs and can grip branches and food.
Squirrel Monkeys live in large groups like 100 in a group and this way they can warn each other of predators.

However, besides the howler monkey and squirrel monkey there are many species which live in the rainforest.

Some other monkeys are

Pygmy marmoset
Gray woolly
Emperor tamarin
Peruvian spider
Dusky titi

Your child will love the book Fourteen Monkeys: A Rain Forest Rhyme.

In this book there is not only rhyming language to share with your child but it about the Manú National Park in Peru where an amazing fourteen different species of monkeys live together.

Add in some sweet lovable friends, and you can study the rainforest a couple of days or even extend it to a week.

Make a Rainforest Paper Plate Monkey

Next encourage your child to make this easy rainforest paper plate monkey.

We simply followed the instructions at the adorable paper plate monkey at Easy Peasy and Fun.

Look at this list of things we used.

two paper plates
beige paper
glue
scissors
pencil
black marker

This was such a fun and easy rainforest activity. We traced Mr. MunchKing’s hands on light brown paper.

Then we pained the paper plates.

And cut out the legs, arms and face on lighter paper we already had.

Following the instructions for the craft on Easy Peasy and Fun we outlined a face.

We cut out the ears and tails separately and glued on.

Mr. Munchking loved his craft.

More Rainforest Crafts

If you’re looking for more rainforest crafts for kindergarten, you’ll love my huge Amazon Rainforest Unit Study and Lapbooks.

Also look at:

Look at these other posts for Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum

Geronimo Stilton Field Trip to Niagara Falls Summary And Fun Corn Craft

September 3, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, for the book Geronimo Stilton field trip to Niagara Falls summary, we’re making a fun flint corn craft. Your kids will love book number 24 Field Trip to Niagara Falls of the Geronimo Stilton books series.

We are back on another adventure with the globetrotting time traveling fabumouse Geronimo Stilton.

Geronimo Stilton Field Trip to Niagara Falls Summary And Fun Corn Craft

While we’re visiting Niagara Falls, we are learning about camping, the waterfall, various trees and animals of the area, and the Native Americans that called it home.

The book Field Trip to Niagara Falls is book 24 and we loved it.

These books pack a lot of great information into fun and easy to read stories that will get the most reluctant reader excited to see what Geronimo Stilton is up to.

In addition, this book has many ideas for unit studies.

But today we are going to learn more about the Attawandaron tribe.

Geronimo Stilton Field Trip to Niagara Falls Summary

The Attawandaron tribe lived on the shores of the lakes Erie, Huron, and Ontario making the area around the falls their home.

And the Attawandaron tribe was part of the Neutral Confederacy of the Iroquois people.

They were a semi-nomadic group who lived in bark-covered longhouses.

Also, The Maid of the Mist is a legend believed to have come from the Iroquois people and Geronimo does a lovely job of relaying the story.

Next, we’re making a hands-on fall craft that not only provides the perfect set up to teach your child about indigenous people of the area but also makes a beautiful fall decoration.

Types of Corn

While researching we also discovered that Indian corn is now commonly called flint corn or ornamental corn.

It’s been said that these colorful ears are named after the indigenous people of North America, but that is folklore.

It is still okay to call it Indian corn.

Many present day Native Americans call it that.

It was used for food rather than decoration the way we use it now.

Give your child a few other activities to turn this book, Field Trip to Niagara Falls, into a mini unit study.

Geronimo Stilton Niagara Falls Unit Study Ideas

Research the difference between Indian (flint) corn and regular corn.
Have your child identify on a map where the Attawandaron are thought to have lived.
Paint a watercolor picture of Niagara Falls.
Create a diorama of the falls with Safari LTD Native Americans
A lot of the book covers camping near Niagara Falls, have your child list all the things you would need if you were going on a camping trip.
Use the Leaf Snap app to identify trees in your yard.

And a lot of the book covers camping near Niagara Falls.

Have your child list all the things you would need if you were going on a camping trip.

How to Make an Indian Corn Fall Craft

The book has a great section on Native Americans and the area they lived in and covered.

It gives your child a great base for the craft.

List of materials needed for the Indian corn fall craft

54 small wood beads,16 or 20 mm
3 pipe cleaners
Raffia
Craft paint/brushes
Paper plate
Hot glue gun/sticks

First, twist together 3 pipe cleaners directly in the center and fan them out evenly. Set aside.

Add orange, yellow, and red craft paint to a paper plate or bowls. Add a little water to thin it and stir well.

If you want darker colors add less water.

And if you want more of a wash like my example add more water to thin it out more. This will create a light stained look.

Add ⅓ of the beads to each plate and roll around to coat completely.

I left 12 of my beads unpainted to give it a fourth color.

Transfer to a paper towel to dry. Allow to dry completely.

Once dry, your child can begin adding the beads to the pipe cleaner in any pattern they like or no pattern at all.

Each half holds about 9-10 beads of this size, leaving ½” to 1” unbeaded at the top of each.

Once all your stems are filled, bend them up and twist the ends together securely.

Adjust and bend to make it full and round.

Grab a chunk of long raffia and fold it in half.

This will become the husk.

Lay your corn over it to measure how much space it takes up and knot just above the corn.

Add some hot glue to the raffia and press the corn into place.

Tuck the twisted pipe cleaner tip into the knot as much as you can.

Pull some around to the sides and glue it as well. Trim the top if you like.

You could also just go with fall colored pony beads and feel to make it a bit simpler and save a few steps.

But I like the look of these wood beads, don’t you?

Other Geronimo Stilton Resources

This Indian corn craft gives your child a chance to express their creativity, work on fine motor skills, and keeps hands busy while they listen to a read aloud, audiobook, or add it to your unit study.

It makes a lovely decoration for home doesn’t it?

You can prop it up on your desk to add a little fall flair or decorate your table with a whole bundle.

Easy Fall Crafts for Middle School: DIY String Pumpkin Art

August 31, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

If you’re wanting fall crafts for middle school for a fall unit study you’ll love this project. And look on my page homeschool middle school for more tips.

It may not quite be fall but pumpkin season seems to already be in full swing.

The stores have already begun to release all their fabulous pumpkin and pumpkin spice flavored goodies.

And the craft stores have had their decor out since summer.

Easy Fall Crafts for Middle School: DIY String Pumpkin Art

So, it feels like a great time to begin working pumpkins into a fall unit study.

This art project adds some fun decor for the house which also works in fine motor skills and practical living skills (learning to use a hot glue gun, hammer and nails).

This is a fantastic activity for middle schoolers to do completely on their own with a bit of instruction.

But this activity can also be done by kids in upper elementary with a little more help.

Too, I was able to get all the supplies from Dollar Tree making this project a grand total of $3.75.

And I barely put a dent in the yarn and have plenty of nails left.

If you have any of the items lying around already you can make yours cheaper or even free.

Pumpkin Unit Study Ideas

You can easily turn this into more than just an art project by giving your middle schooler a few other activities to do before or after completing their string pumpkin art.

Research the different varieties of pumpkin.
List 10 pumpkin facts.
Complete the journal prompt – One night while I was walking in the pumpkin patch . . .
Research a recipe for pumpkin pie and bake it.
Find out which state grows the most pumpkins.
Find out how Native Americans cooked pumpkin compared to the colonists.
Weigh, measure, and compare a variety of pumpkins.
Make a pumpkin catapult – large or small.

I know those ideas will get you started and use the beautiful book Farm Anatomy as a science reference to learn about pumpkins.

Here is a beautiful page from Farm Anatomy to research the different varieties of squash.

Pumpkin Art Supplies

Next, look at the easy supplies you need to make this diy string pumpkin art.

½” to ¾” nails
Orange yarn
Green yarn
Small piece of stick
Glue gun/sticks
Scrap board
Hammer

Again, some of these supplies you may already have.

Here is how you make your own pumpkin string art:

DIY Pumpkin String Art

First, choose whether to make your pumpkin art horizontal or vertical.

This depends on your piece of scrap wood.

Then lightly draw out the shape with a pencil.

This piece of wood was in the craft section at Dollar Tree and they have several sizes and shapes to choose from.

Once you are satisfied with the general shape of the pumpkin you can begin to place the nails.

You can either guesstimate the space as you go or make little dots that are roughly the same distance all the way around.

You know where you will start and end with the nails when you do it this way.

Tap the nails into place, knocking them in about halfway because you want them secure.

Continue all the way around until you have the outline of your pumpkin completed.

Knot one end of the orange yarn around one of the nails.

Then wrap it all the way around the outside of the nails to make an outline.

Your child can do this once or twice to create a thicker outline.

This next part is fun and easy.

We are going to fill in the pumpkin.

So all you have to do is crisscross vertically and horizontally around the pumpkin until you have filled it in completely.

Each nail should allow for the yarn to wrap around at least 5-6 times.

Tie the end of the yarn around a nail and cut off the excess.

Press your yarn down so that it is against the wood to show your nail heads.

This adds more texture and contrast to your art piece.

Once your pumpkin is filled in you can add your details like the vine.

Wrap green yarn once around the top center nail head.

And then twist it around the top and sides of the pumpkin.

Secure it down at the loops with a bit of hot glue.

Hot glue a small piece of a stick/limb from the yard to the top to make the stem.

You could also use a wine cork piece or another small bit of scrap wood.

To make a hanger, flip your piece over.

And hot glue a small length of yarn to either corner.

Make several of these to hang around the house for fall.

Also, this makes a great family night or co-op activity. Start with pumpkin and build your ideas out from there.

Other Fall Unit Study Resources

Look at some of these other fall unit study activities:

This was so fun to create. You’re ready to ring in the fall season.

I guarantee you and your kids are going to want to come up with more shapes to make for all the seasons and favorite themes.

Don’t forget to check at Dollar Tree. They carry a ton of yarn and wood pieces in the craft section now.

Kids Fun Glue and Watercolor Fall Pumpkin Unit Study

August 26, 2022 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Your kids will love this glue and watercolor pumpkin to include in a pumpkin unit study. Too, you can add this activity to my huge fall unit study.

Besides loving unit studies, I love watercolor as a medium for art.

I put the two together to give you a start for your own pumpkin unit study.

Kids Fun Glue and Watercolor Fall Pumpkin Unit Study

Watercolor is forgiving. And whether child or adult, you don’t need to be an artist to make wonderful images to display.

If you are hesitant but want to give it a try, then, today’s tutorial is the place to start.

This fall watercolor painting goes great with a pumpkin unit study.

And besides the simple tutorial I have some great ideas for you to create your own study.

Pumpkin Art

This dramatic pumpkin watercolor painting is great on its own as a simple art project.

One easy way to create contrast and drama in a simple watercolor picture is to make the outlines black and raised.

We do this with school glue colored with black craft paint.

The other way to make the watercolor stand out is to cover the entire page and leave no white space.

We are doing both of these today.

First, to make your own pumpkin unit study, always start with a couple of books that draw in your kids.

The Anatomy Series by Julia Rothman is great for so many studies.

They are worth the investment

Here is a beautiful page from Farm Anatomy to research the different varieties of squash.

They make for great art inspiration as well.

For younger children Pumpkin Jack is a great read aloud, but also teaches about the life cycle of a pumpkin.

Hands-on Activities for a Pumpkin Unit Study

Make a pumpkin watercolor
Pumpkin Experiments
Taste pumpkin in different ways-fresh, canned, seeds, pie, muffins,etc..
Bake a pumpkin pie
Roast pumpkin seeds

Use pumpkin seeds as manipulatives for math.
Measure, weigh, and compare pumpkins.
Label the parts of a pumpkin-stem, ribs, pulp, tendrils
Visit a pumpkin patch and talk to the farmer.
Test the density of pumpkins and seeds

Draw the pumpkin life cycle
Write a poem about a pumpkin
Give pumpkin related journaling prompts
Make a list of questions for your child to research online or in books
Create a fall bucket list – great writing practice

In addition, have your child research about pumpkins. Look at these questions below.

Research Facts about Pumpkins

How many different things can be made from pumpkins?
What state produces the most pumpkins?
How long do pumpkins take to reach maturity?
What vitamins do pumpkins contain?

Finally, gather up all your items and enjoy your delicious pumpkin themed unit study.

Begin with this fun watercolor painting.

How to Do A Pumpkin Watercolor Painting

You will need:

Watercolor paper
Watercolor paints
Brushes
Spray bottle of water
Black craft paint
Craft glue

You can create any pumpkin design you like- an entire patch, a side view of a large pumpkin, or a close up view of the top of a pumpkin.

Today, I’m giving you step by step directions for the top view.

Start by drawing your design in pencil until you like the general shape.

I started with a stem.

Easy Fall Art

Then drew the ribs of the pumpkin starting from the stem and working my way out all the way to the edge of the page.

Keep the curve moving in the same direction all the way around.

Now we are going to create a dramatic black outline and give it some texture.

You want to start with a bottle of glue that is no more than ⅔ of the way full.

This is a great way to use up those partial bottles.

Add black paint and shake the glue and paint up. If need be use a craft stick to stir it a bit more.

Once it is mixed well trace the drawing you made in pencil with the black paint, allow it to dry completely.

Once the glue is dry, lightly spritz the tray of watercolors as well as the entire page with water.

This is a trick I learned that helps the color spread better easier and allows you to layer color. This will create some dimension.

Next, mix orange watercolor and a little brown, black, or red with it.

This will make it a little darker than the rest of the pumpkin.

Go along each of the ribs with this darker color to create shading.

Make sure you do it on the same side of the ribs all the way around so it looks like the light is coming from one direction.

Fill in the rest of your pumpkin with color, adding water as needed.

Once the painting is dry add some more watercolor with less water to deepen the color.

Dry the remaining of your painting and it’s ready to share.

What do you think? Are you read to get started on a fall themed unit study?

Other Fall Unit Study Resources

Kids Fun Pumpkin Catapult STEM Challenge for Medieval Unit Study

August 23, 2022 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Your kids will love making this fun pumpkin catapult stem challenge where you’re doing a fall unit study or medieval unit study.

This pumpkin catapult stem challenge will incorporate science, technology, engineering, math, and history into one fun activity.

This is a cool activity that will definitely earn you a lot of cool mom points.

A medieval times unit study is the perfect time to try out this hands-on activity to teach weaponry that was used during the period as well as those STEM skills.

Kids Fun Pumpkin Catapult Stem Challenge for Medieval Unit Study

You don’t have to make yours as large as this one, but I found this pack of huge craft sticks at Hobby Lobby.

So, I thought they would put a fun twist to it.

Instead of using little marshmallow pumpkins, we were able to launch larger decor pumpkins (they are just inexpensive stuffed ones from Dollar Tree).

Also, if your child enjoys history, consider adding the Kingfisher History Encyclopedia and Usborne Encyclopedia of World History.

They both contain wonderful illustrations and information that is easy for children to understand.

And they are a great addition to round out any unit study.

Medieval Catapult Facts

Before, after, or during your activity give your child some of the research questions below to find in books or online.

What are the 4 Types of catapults? trebuchet, mangonel, onager, and ballista.
What were catapults used for in Medieval Times? Siege, vaulting things over castle walls
What time period is considered Medieval/Middle ages? 500 to 1400-1500 CE
What event marked the beginning of the Middle Ages? The fall of Rome 476 AD
What is the hierarchy of feudal society during this time? Monarchs, Lords/Ladies (Nobles), Knights, and Peasants/Serfs

Vocabulary Words for Medieval Unit Study

Then, here are a few vocabulary words for this unit.

Projectile
Force
Fulcrum
Lever
Peasant
Vassal

Furlong
Squire
Clergy
Plunder
Troubadour
Guild

Catapult Science

Next, learn about some of the science of the catapult.

When you draw back the craft/popsicle stick, potential(resting) energy is being built up.

After you release it, it becomes kinetic (moving) energy.

Finally, gravity pulls the launched object back down.

This stem activity shows Newton’s three laws of motion.

Newtons 3 Laws of Motion

Newton’s law of inertia– An object in motion stays in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an external force.
Newton’s law of force and acceleration– When an external force acts on an object, it produces an acceleration (change in velocity) in the object in the direction of the force.
Newton’s third law- The law of action and reaction states that every action has an equal and opposite reaction.

You can try using different objects with different sizes and weights.

Change the thickness of the fulcrum to achieve different results.

And add a measuring tape or yard stick to figure out the various distance. Then, record your information.

Here is how to put together your own pumpkin catapult stem challenge. You will need:

Jumbo craft sticks
Rubber bands
A large metal or plastic lid
E6000 or hot glue
Pumpkins

If you want to add these fun knights and horses you can grab these Safari Toobs.

They are also great to use in diorama, sensory bins, as models for drawing, and in dramatic small world play.

How to Make a Medieval Catapult

You can paint or use markers to color your popsicle sticks if you like as your first step or keep them natural like this one.

Just be sure to let them dry thoroughly before putting it together.

Starting by making a stack of craft sticks.

I ended up using 14 of the jumbo sticks to create more leverage for the catapult, placing rubber bands securely on each end about 1 ½” from the end.

Stack two jumbo craft sticks and place a rubber band only over one end, 1 – ½” away from the end.

Open the two craft sticks that are banded at one end and slip the large stack of sticks through, pushing them about ¾ of the way up close to the rubber band.

Next, take a larger rubber band and crisscross it over a few times where your two stacks of sticks intersect.

Use hot glue or something like e6000 (which will take longer to set) to affix your lid to the end of the top craft stick.

Press it in place firmly and let it dry all the way. Be sure that you use plenty of glue so that it is very secure to the craft stick.

To launch you just need to press down on the back and release,

Let the launching fun begin!

You are ready to lay siege and launch objects over castle walls ( or at least over the ottoman) in a battle for riches and power.

Add a few more items to your study to really give it some hands-on fun like this 3d Puzzle Castle or these knight decorations to kick off a new Medieval unit study.

handsonhomeschooling

Rainforest Crafts for Kindergarten: Make an Easy Paper Plate Monkey

Howler Monkey Facts

What Monkeys Live in the Amazon Rainforest

Make a Rainforest Paper Plate Monkey

More Rainforest Crafts

Look at these other posts for Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum

Geronimo Stilton Field Trip to Niagara Falls Summary And Fun Corn Craft

Geronimo Stilton Field Trip to Niagara Falls Summary

Types of Corn

Geronimo Stilton Niagara Falls Unit Study Ideas

How to Make an Indian Corn Fall Craft

List of materials needed for the Indian corn fall craft

Other Geronimo Stilton Resources

Easy Fall Crafts for Middle School: DIY String Pumpkin Art

Pumpkin Unit Study Ideas

Pumpkin Art Supplies

DIY Pumpkin String Art

Other Fall Unit Study Resources

Kids Fun Glue and Watercolor Fall Pumpkin Unit Study

Pumpkin Art

Hands-on Activities for a Pumpkin Unit Study

Research Facts about Pumpkins

How to Do A Pumpkin Watercolor Painting

Easy Fall Art

Other Fall Unit Study Resources

Kids Fun Pumpkin Catapult STEM Challenge for Medieval Unit Study

Medieval Catapult Facts

Vocabulary Words for Medieval Unit Study

Catapult Science

Newtons 3 Laws of Motion

How to Make a Medieval Catapult

Other Fall Unit Study Resources

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handsonhomeschooling

Howler Monkey Facts

What Monkeys Live in the Amazon Rainforest

Make a Rainforest Paper Plate Monkey

More Rainforest Crafts

Look at these other posts for Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum

Geronimo Stilton Field Trip to Niagara Falls Summary

Types of Corn

Geronimo Stilton Niagara Falls Unit Study Ideas

How to Make an Indian Corn Fall Craft

List of materials needed for the Indian corn fall craft

Other Geronimo Stilton Resources

Pumpkin Unit Study Ideas

Pumpkin Art Supplies

DIY Pumpkin String Art

Other Fall Unit Study Resources

Pumpkin Art

Hands-on Activities for a Pumpkin Unit Study

Research Facts about Pumpkins

How to Do A Pumpkin Watercolor Painting

Easy Fall Art

Other Fall Unit Study Resources

Medieval Catapult Facts

Vocabulary Words for Medieval Unit Study

Catapult Science

Newtons 3 Laws of Motion

How to Make a Medieval Catapult

Other Fall Unit Study Resources

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