history resources

Geronimo Stilton Time Travel How to Make a Medieval Stained Glass Craft

November 15, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

This Geronimo Stilton Time Travel book has your kids going back in time through the Medieval time. If you love the Geronimo Stilton Books, you’ll love this medieval stained glass window cling.

Let’s ride off with brave Geronimo Stilton through the Medieval Period straight into Camelot.

This first book in the series takes you through prehistory with the dinosaurs, and through Ancient Egypt and the Great Sphinx of Giza, and finally into Camelot.

Geronimo Stilton Time Travel: How to Make a Medieval Stained Glass Craft

The Medieval period is where we are going to hang out today with a colorful hands-on activity that you will love.

After reading Geronimo Stilton: The Journey Through Time (Geronimo Stilton), we decided to make a stained glass window craft.

This is a DIY window cling that you can use over and over and move it around as you like.

Start with a simple design like a window with big areas to fill in.

However, once you get the hang of it you can create beautiful flowers, swords, a coat of arms and more to deck your windows out in style.

About the Geronimo Stilton Time Travel Series

And the time travel series are a unique series. Like most all the books they have unique sections and pictures full of facts for the time period.

They are filled with maps that show your child where events are taking place.

Also, facts about the time period, detailed and labeled buildings, in this case a castle.

Throughout the reading there are important tidbits woven in like what they ate and wore during the time period.

So, the series is more than just fun reading, but a way to make science, history, and geography a meaningful part of the story.

Again, we’re focusing on only one section of the book.

History Middle Ages Hands-on Activities

Then, add a few more activities and fun items.

And you can create a simple and easy Middle Ages unit study that your royal knight will thoroughly enjoy.

Make a Coat of Arms Activity
How to Make a Codex
Build a fun Medieval Catapult to work in some STEM
These Safari Toob Knights and Dragons add to any unit study to encourage dramatic small world play but also they can be used in dioramas and sensory bins.

In addition, here is a fun role-playing costume.

Too, you’ll love these other Geronimo Stilton activities to go with the books.

Other Geronimo Stilton Chapter Book Activities

Finally, here are some tips to keep in mind before doing this craft.

How to Create a Medieval Stained Glass Window Craft

Before you get started, know this.

Keep a couple wet q tips on hand to clean up drips and overflow.
Start with a simple design for your first one, keep it large and with minimal detail.
Don’t use paint in place of food coloring or it will not have the translucent effect. You can use liquid food coloring though if that’s what you have on hand.

List of supplies.

Black craft paint
White craft glue
Gel food coloring
Dish soap
paint brushes
Gallon ziploc bag
paper
Paint palette or a paper plate

Start by designing your window by drawing it with a pencil on a sheet of white paper or cardstock.

Once you are happy with the design darken the lines by drawing over them with a black marker.

Slip your drawing inside a gallon sized ziploc bag.

To create the leaded paint lines, mix black paint into white craft glue.

This part does not need to be translucent and we want thicker lines here.

Just add enough paint to the glue to turn it black. Add 2 drops of dish soap and mix well.

Smooth out your plastic bag and “draw” over the outlines of your picture with the black glue mixture.

You will need to let this dry probably overnight so that it is completely dry and will not smear for the next step.

Once the black lines are dry you can add your color.

Geronimo Stilton Time Travel Stained Glass Craft

To do this, mix a drop of gel food color and a very small drop of dish soap to a couple teaspoons of glue.

Repeat this for as many colors as you would like.

Fill in all the open spaces.

Make the spaces solid or swirl to get a different effect.

Be sure to add a thick layer of paint so that your cling is sturdy and doesn’t fall apart when peeled off.

Use a wet q tip to clean up drips off the black paint if needed.

You will need to let this next step dry for a day as well.

Once everything is dry, carefully peel the window off the plastic bag.

Clean the window where you want to put it with a bit of windex and leave slightly damp.

Apply your stained glass to the window.

It will stick until you peel it off and can be stored in a plastic bag when not in use.

If you have them, separate multiple window clings with pieces of waxed paper.

What do you think? Ready to try another fun Geronimo Stilton activity?

15 World History Board Games Guaranteed to Make Learning Fun

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

Today, I’ve rounded up some fun world history board games. Also, you’ll love grabbing more ideas for history games on my page.

If you are digging deep into a study on Ancient Egypt, The Fall of Rome, or The Middle Ages the best ways to learn and have fun at the same time is with a great board game.

While not all may actually teach specifics of history they are a great way to get a taste and understanding of life back then.

15 World History Board Games Guaranteed to Make Learning Fun

Of course you don’t have to be studying a specific history topic.

All of these games are great for any history lover in general and have a lot to offer for fun and game schooling.

Learn about history through strategy, trivia, combat, role playing games and more.

Start by exploring three main periods of history

The three main time periods I’ve covered in these games are

The Ancient World
Middle Ages,
and Modern History of the world.

Cool History Games

After all, those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it according to George Santayana.

Besides the facts these games can help teach a period of history game play is just amazing for family bonding.

Too, family board games help your children learn other things like cooperation, strategy, memorization, and reading comprehension.

Besides being a diversion from the normal routine of your homeschool day, cool history games can motivate your kids if they find history boring.

I’ve divided up board games by time periods so that you can easily match to your unit studies.

15 World History Board Games Guaranteed to Make Learning Fun. I've rounded up some fun world history board games. Also, you’ll love grabbing more ideas for history games on my page. If you are digging deep into a study on Ancient Egypt, The Fall of Rome, or The Middle Ages the best ways to learn and have fun at the same time is with a great board game. While not all may actually teach specifics of history they are a great way to get a taste and understanding of life then. #worldhistoryboardgames

More Fun History Games

I know you’ll find something you’ll love in one of these time periods.

Ancient World History Board Games

This period covers the oldest records of human history from 3000 BCE – 500 CE. It ends with the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the Han Dynasty in China, and the Gupta Empire in India. It teaches us about origins, cultures, traditions, and beginning civilizations. Here is where we
learn of Egyptian Kings and Queens, the Trojan War, and Genghis Khan. It begins rising out of Mesopotamia and Egypt and ends with the fall of the Roman Empire

Imhotep Builder of Egypt | Family Board Game

Imhotep is the legendary architect of the Egyptian monuments like the Step Pyramid, in this game you play as him working to build in five different construction sites. This game is a great way to introduce or refresh some Egyptian vocabulary as well as just enjoy the theme.

Ancient Egypt Press Go Fish Cards

There is always a time and a place for a fun game of Go Fish, but these cards can be used for more than that.

Pandemic Fall of Rome Board Game

There are several versions of this game but in this one you travel back in time and try to stop the fall of Rome. This is a cooperative game for 1-5 players and is a great family game.

Age of Civilization Strategy Card Game

Get ready for war in this card game that can be played in as little as 30 minutes. Wage war, build civilizations with this set in ancient times, build wonders like the Hanging Gardens, Machu Pichu,
Great Pyramids, and Stonehenge. This is such a fun way to learn about ancient history.

Middle Ages World History Board Games

The Middle Ages refers to that time in European history that started with the collapse of Roman civilization in the 5th century CE to the Renaissance. It is full of conquerors, explorers, scholars, brave knights and Vikings.

Carcassonne Board Game

This strategy game lets you develop your medieval city and can be played with as few as 2 players and up to 5, or more with expansion packs! If you are into the Middle Ages this is your game.

Battle Line: Medieval

If you want a Medieval card game with quick play this is one to grab. Win battlefields with your strong card formations, recommended for 14 and up. You can also get this in other versions as well-
WWII or Ancient Greek.

Raiders of The North Sea

Do you wish to set sail with the adventurous Vikings? This game takes a little over an hour on average and puts you right in the action assembling a crew, battling, and on journeys.

(Dungeons & Dragons Intro Adventure Set)

While it is a fantasy game, Dungeons & Dragons develops strategy, risk assessment, communication, math, science, history, culture, ethics, critical reading, and introduces lots of Medieval vocabulary.

CATAN Cities & Knights Board Game

Defend against attack and build up the land of Catan of the Middle Ages in this expansion pack with knights, barbarians, merchants, and more. You will need the base Catan to play this version as it is an add on.

Modern Age World History Board Games

Explore card and strategy games that take place from the end of the Middle Ages to the middle of the 20th Century. Test your knowledge on things like the Industrial Revolution, Cold War, and the Wright Brothers first flight.

CHRONOLOGY - The Game Where You Make History

This timeline board game has you racing to be the first to place 10 timeline cards in the correct order. Do you know if the first bikini was introduced before the first man landed on the moon? This is a great family game for learning and reinforcing what you know about Modern History.

Anno 1800 - | A Civilization Game

Explore and build a city during the Industrial Revolution in the old world. Plot trade routes and gather resources to grow. This game is great for teaching about exploration and trade routes, the importance of gathering resources, and civilization growth and development

Axis & Allies Pacific 1940 Second Edition WWII Strategy Board Game

This strategy game is a great way to learn about the cold war playing as either President John F. Kennedy or the USSR Premier Nikita Khrushchev with the goal to avoid nuclear war.

World History Board Games Covering Multiple Time Periods

These games cover ancient to modern history for those that want a broader scope of time. Test your knowledge of everything from Ancient Egypt to Adolph Hitler and see who will hold the title of Hero of History.

Trekking Through History

Pack your bags and prepare to travel through 108 of some of the most famous achievements
in history with this beautifully designed game. From the board to the cards this one is a beautiful gift to give to yourself or someone else.

World History Card Game

Brain Box Games are amazing for younger kids but are fun to play for their grown ups as well. Simple and quick play make these games a great choice for entertainment and learning.

History of the World

Forge your empire in one of 5 epochs of history covering important periods from the ancient 3000 B.C. Sumerians to pre-WW1 Germany.

Geronimo Stilton Journey Through Time Series Fifth Journey Fun Eiffel Tower

October 31, 2022 | 3 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

The Geronimo Stilton Journey Through Time Series has so many topics in one book. If your child is loving the Geronimo Stilton books, your child will love making a fun Eiffel Tower.

In Geronimo Stilton No Time To Lose The Fifth Journey Through Time Geronimo jumps from Napoleon’s Time to the Vikings’ Time and finally to King Solomon’s time in the Whisker Wafter time machine.

We are going to ride with him to France to Napoleon’s Court for his coronation ceremony to crown him as emperor of France.

Geronimo Stilton Journey Through Time Series Fifth Journey Fun Eiffel Tower

And then we will work on a hands-on activity which combines several areas of stem.

technology
engineering
math
art and
some history, and geography as we learn about a famous French landmark.

Geronimo Stilton Hands-on Literature

As usual these great Geronimo Stilton adventures take you through the clothing of the time periods in the books.

No Time To Lose (Geronimo Stilton Journey Through Time #5) is no exception.

You get to meet interesting historical figures like Napoleon and Josephine, and your kids learn so much about history through an entertaining little chapter.

Was the Eiffel Tower part of the landscape when Napoleon charged through?

No, but it was built to celebrate the centennial of the French Revolution at the World’s Fair.

While it is not a part of the story it is unarguably one of the most famously identifiable landmarks in the world.

Too, this is a great way to introduce a timeline to learn about events before, during, and after the French Revolution.

Also, you’ll love my French Revolution Unit Study and Lapbook to go with this craft.

6 Hands-on Activities for Geronimo Stilton Journey Through Time Series

Then, look at these 6 ways to enhance the book and timer period about the French Empire.

Pull up a world map online, check out the map on your wall, or use an atlas to help your child identify France.
Give them a hands- activity like this Edible Eiffel Tower to make.
Learn a few words in French – Bonjour-Hello, Au Revoir- Goodbye, Merci- Thank You, Oui- Yes and Non- No
Check out a few French artists through their paintings online or in a book.
Free Storming the Bastille Game
Learn About the Geography of France by Creating A Solar Oven

French Empire Hands-on Activity

First, before I get to the directions I want to say you should definitely let your kids learn through trial and error in making this edible Eiffel Tower.

This is a great learning experience but I do want to give you a few tips that we learned along the process that will make it a little bit easier for you.

We originally set out to make our Eiffel Tower with just the cookies and the frosting which was not a strong enough glue.

Definitely, include toothpicks as well as anything else you think might be helpful for the building process and then let your child experiment with what works and what doesn’t.

Second, I found the sugar wafers cut very nicely with a butter knife but they make a huge mess from the minute they leave the package.

I’m talking worse than those little green packages of granola bars that leave crumbs everywhere.

I highly recommend you do this somewhere that is easily swept up or possibly even outside.

Will it be perfect? No it won’t, but remember momma, that’s okay the goal here is for them to learn and most importantly have fun while figuring it out.

Add these Safari Ltd Around the World figurines to your collection.

They can be used as art inspiration like for the Eiffel Tower, in sensory bins and dioramas, and so much more.

Build a Fun Edible Eiffel Tower

You will need:

Vanilla sugar wafers
Frosting
Plastic or metal butter knife
Toothpicks, skewers, etc…
Plate, cookie sheet or other base

Next, the directions to make this fun craft Geronimo Stilton Journey Through Time Series

This is an activity where you want your kid to be in the lead.

Let them solve with as little support as possible.

Try to keep your help as open ended as possible by forming it into a question.

I see your tower is leaning, what do you think you could do to help that?
You did a great job on the base, what is your next step going to be?

That being said I will give you a few tips and things that worked for us to share with your child to help them get started.

Dip both ends of your cookies in the frosting to help hold it into the base and each other as you secure it.

Start by making the base with 4 cookies in each corner.

Using another cookie in between is a good way to measure equal distances between the corners.

I found the easiest way to do this was to carefully press a toothpick through two, slide them apart to the ends and bend them slightly to get an angle. Two made a stronger connection.

Then build your “platform”.

This is easily done by piercing two wafers through the sides at each end like this.

Place it on top of the angled corners and secure.

You can then “wrap” cookies all around the side or just leave the platform depending on your little one’s level.

Repeat the same steps and cut your cookies slightly smaller for each level to create the tall tapering look. Use lots of toothpicks.

This is what happened before we started using lots of toothpicks to secure everything- a great lesson in why the strength of the foundation and each subsequent level to support your structure is so important.

Continue building all the way up as high as your child wants to go.

They will find after a certain point it will not hold well. Another great lesson they can learn on their own by doing.

Here is what your final structure may look like.

Finally, look at these other Geronimo Stilton books.

Other Geronimo Stilton Chapter Book Activities

For younger children or those who may become too frustrated due to coordination or learning challenges you may just choose to let them copy the Eiffel Tower on a flat surface.

You can still talk about the structure, the shape, what makes the Eiffel tower strong, etc.

18 American History Board Games Which Brings History to Life

October 30, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I have 18 American history board games which breathe life into your history teaching. You’ll love the other history games I have too.

I am a big fan of gameschooling.

No matter what your homeschooling style is, gameschooling can add a fun element which helps kids retain more than just facts.

Playing American history games can help them gain an understanding of the why, how, where, when, and who of history through learning geography, trivia, strategy, and general information.

Today we are focusing on some American history board games to add to your homeschool day.

I have drawn deep from the Amazon well and found games to cover quite a few major periods of American history and they’re ones we’ve used too.

From the first people that set sail on the soil of the new world to revolutions, Civil War within America, westward expansion to a cover up at the Watergate hotel, your kids will love them.

American History Games

You can play them at home as a supplement to your history lessons or in place of a lesson some days for a fun break.

They are a great tool for co-op days as well.

And small card games can be great for waiting at restaurants or doctor’s offices.

Additionally, look at some of the topics your child can learn about.

Political History
Social History
Economic History
Religious History
Diplomatic History
Art History
Women’s History
Science/Medicine History
Food History
Environmental History

Then there are academic skills as well. Look at this list below.

reading fluency
comprehension
problem solving skills
critical thinking, reasoning
self regulation
verbal communication skills
increased vocabulary
social skills, patience, resilience, logic,
and a lot more skills that come with board game play whether its trivia, strategy, or role playing.

Did I also mention that a lot of these games below will also teach civics, geography, math and science? Yes! yes!

Other Fun History Games Resources

Too, look at these other fun history games resources:

You’re sure to find something here to go with your unit studies, unschooling, relaxed schooling, or gameschooling.

Let’s jump into finding your family the perfect American history board game.

18 American History Board Games to Bring History to Life

No matter what your homeschooling style is, gameschooling can add a fun element that really helps kids retain more than just facts.

1775 Rebellion The American Revolution | Board Game |

A historical strategy boardgame that takes you into battle with a bright beautiful map and several historical scenarios to help with game play.

Professor Noggin's History of The United States Trivia Card Game

FUN FACTS: Get ready for a fun card game that teaches about famous discoveries, people of the Revolution, and African Americans in history! This kids card game makes learning history fun for all ages!

Professor Noggin's American Revolution Trivia Card Game

FUN FACTS: The American Revolution was a serious time in history when thirteen colonies joined together to break away from the British Empire. In this kids card game, adults and kids can have fun learning the history of our great North America! Topics include Life before the war, Heroes, and the Battle for the Sea.

Professor Noggin's Civil War Trivia Card Game

FUN FACTS: History can be a tough subject to make fun for some children. The Civil War card game takes fun facts beyond dates and timelines to make it an interesting and engaging subject to learn about. Famous Battles, Heroes, and 'Life As..' topics make this a fun kids card game.

American History Deck

A simple deck of cards for playing whatever card game you like but this one features American historical figures and comes with a book to tell about each. But you can use these for other things
too…Can’t decide who to learn about next? Draw a card to pick. Take out one of each figure and have your child line them up in timeline order. Call out a historical fact about one of the figures and have your child flash the matching
person.

Fifty-two portraits adorn these 55 cards of this stately deck. The four suits are periods of U.S. History-Colonial, Federal, Civil War and Frontier. These include a detailed biographical booklet and rules for various card games.

TUSA US Presidents Card Game

Entertaining, educational card game brings American history to life

Find out which year Jimmy Carter took office, whose presidency saw the first American in space, and how many pets Calvin Coolidge owned

American Trivia Game

FUN PARTY GAME: American Trivia features two-sided cards, with 1,000 questions that cover five categories: Geography, History, Pop Culture, Sports, and General trivia. Making this a great party game that can be played by a wide range of ages.

The Oregon Trail: Journey to Willamette Valley by Pressman

It's a race to Willamette Valley as you join the wagon train and seek your fortune in the West!

Place tiles to discover the trails, rivers, forts, and towns that lie ahead

Constitution Quest Game

Simple directions with added twists for fun, interesting, engaging game play

Play in less than an hour...the more you play, the more you learn!

Catan Histories: Settlers of America Board Game

Catan is a homeschooling favorite and there are many version and expansions.

This one is set in a young United States and explores the country by laying railroads to move and transport goods around the country.

Ticket to Ride Board Game |

STRATEGY GAME: Build your tracks across the United States in this fast-paced and strategic board game. Connect iconic North American cities across a map of the 20th-century USA and build your train routes to earn points

Freedom The Underground Railroad | Board Game

A very important part of history was the Underground Railroad, players of this cooperative game become abolitionists raising money and helping escaped slaves to freedom.

Watergate

Learn about the events, the people, and the politics of one of the biggest presidential scandals in history in this two player card game. One player is the Nixon Administration and the other is a
journalist gathering evidence.

Bold Made Card Games Features Portraits of Amazing Women in History

MADE FOR ALL AGES - This fun card game is designed for the whole family. It's perfect for bonding with kids, chlidren, teens, adults and grand parents. Bust it out during a reunion and watch everyone dive in! Perfect family games for kids 4 and up!

Historical Miniatures Battle Game

For the child that is wild about military history this is a great strategy game that you will want to add to your collection. Lead your little troupe of plastic army men to battle with accurate historical terrain and objectives.

Monopoly World War II

Is there anything they haven’t made into a Monopoly game? Properties are named after famous battles and there are WWII facts on the backs of the property cards as well.

The Colonists

The Colonists is a strategy game where you work to establish and develop a new colony. While it does not specifically teach about American Colonies it gives a good understanding of what was needed for one.

Deal or Duel Hamilton Game: An Alexander Hamilton Card Game

In the face of the political instability and financial turmoil of the American Revolution, only one individual always came out on top: Alexander Hamilton. Pit your survival instincts and spending savvy against all the founding fathers (and mothers) in this historic action card game whose simple objective is as old as Ameritocracy itself: get all the money or die trying.

Amazing and Free American Revolution Lapbook for Multiple Ages

October 19, 2022 | 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

This free American Revolution lapbook and hands-on unit study for multiple ages is fun to use as spine. Be sure you grab my other lapbooks for hands-on history.

The American Revolution was the political upheaval during the last half of the 18th century in which thirteen colonies in North America joined together to break free from the British Empire, combining to become the United States of America.

Amazing and Free American Revolution Lapbook for Multiple Ages

And using a history lapbook to contain all the subtopics which interests your children is a fun way to not only learn, but memorize important parts.

American Revolution Facts for Kids

Here is some information about the colonies which will help you to start your lapbook and unit study.

New England Colonies

Connecticut
New Hampshire
Massachusetts
Rhode Island

Middle Colonies

Delaware
New Jersey
New York
Pennsylvania

Southern Colonies

Maryland
Georgia
North Carolina
South Carolina
Virginia

Also, look at this book The American Revolution for Kids: A History with 21 Activities.

There are many ways you can arrange the lapbook and it’s necessary to use all my minibooks.

Mix and match my lapbook with other topics that interest your children.

Minibooks for an American Revolution Unit Study

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

There are 6 cover pages
Battles of the American Revolution
Boston Massacre
Boston Tea Party and the Sugar Act
Can You Answer
Causes of the War
England’s Reason for Taxing the Colonist
Join or Die political cartoon
Map of the 13 colonies
Patriots
Road to Liberty timeline
The Stamp Act
Paul Revere
Taxation Without Representation
Who was King George and Who Were the Colonist

Too, you’ll love these ideas for a fun co-op or just to do at home.

Besides, it’s the hands-on fun which make history come alive.

American Revolution Hands-on Ideas

First, we made a trip to Goodwill and picked up teacups (mismatched is perfect), some fall foliage from Hobby Lobby. and we picked up a lot of clothes.

As you can see in the picture above, our table decorations for the Early American co-op rocked.

We had different tables or stations set up for the following activities.

Because silhouette photos were popular, we had a station for pictures. Bring a lamp, and a chair, and tape paper to the wall for your little artist to trace their sibling or friend.
Of course we had to try different flavored teas.

In addition, we had other activities.

One table we had corn husk doll making and another table the kids made bead decorating or flint corn.
Additionally, we had a guest speak from the Daughters of the American Revolution who was “George Washington’s” mom and told us stories about him.
We learned George Washington’s favorite dance, the Minuet. He was supposed to be quite the dancer.

Also, one of the activities the kids loved the most was the Minute Man race.

Our co-op bought tons of oversized clothes and just like the Minute Man, the kids had a minute to change into them.

Remember to buy the clothes oversized so the kids can leave their clothes on. (lol). Then have them race for their teams.

How to Get the American Revolution Lapbook

Finally, how to Grab the Free 33 page lapbook. It’s a subscriber freebie.

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

2) Grab the freebie now.

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

Exploring Space and Astronomy Free Unit Study for Multiple Ages

history resources

About the Geronimo Stilton Time Travel Series

History Middle Ages Hands-on Activities

Other Geronimo Stilton Chapter Book Activities

How to Create a Medieval Stained Glass Window Craft

Geronimo Stilton Time Travel Stained Glass Craft

Cool History Games

More Fun History Games

Geronimo Stilton Hands-on Literature

6 Hands-on Activities for Geronimo Stilton Journey Through Time Series

French Empire Hands-on Activity

Build a Fun Edible Eiffel Tower

Other Geronimo Stilton Chapter Book Activities

American History Games

Other Fun History Games Resources

American Revolution Facts for Kids

Minibooks for an American Revolution Unit Study

American Revolution Hands-on Ideas

How to Get the American Revolution Lapbook

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