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How To Make A LEGO Map Of The Mesopotamian Civilization

July 30, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

A LEGO map of the Mesopotamian civilization is a fantastic use of creativity for a kid who loves building but maybe not so much history. Also, look at my page Ancient Mesopotamia Fun Facts For Kids Who Love History for more hands-on history ideas.

too, look at my Ancient Civilizations page and my page From Simple to Spectacular: Easy LEGO Ideas for Everyone for more LEGO ideas.

Combining hands-on play with history lessons is one of the best ways to make learning come alive in your homeschool. This project works well for a wide range of ages.

How To Make A LEGO Map Of The Mesopotamian Civilization

Younger kids will love simply building rivers and stacking bricks into temples.

Older kids can research major cities, recreate specific buildings (like ziggurats), or add historical labels and write-ups to go with their map.

It’s a great addition to any ancient history curriculum, or even as a stand-alone unit study.

Instead of just reading about it, your kids can build the region.

And bring it to life, and better understand the geography, culture, and innovations of the people who lived there thousands of years ago. They will probably remember building LEGO maps with you for years to come.

ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA BOOKS FOR KIDS

Next, look at a few books I’ve rounded up for your study of Ancient Mesopotamia.

7 Books to Read About Ancient Mesopotamia

Mesopotamia is a region situated within the Tigris–Euphrates River system, in the northern part of the Fertile Crescent. Today, Mesopotamia occupies modern Iraq.  In the broader sense, the historical region included present-day Iraq and parts of present-day Iran, Kuwait, Syria, and Turkey.

Image for Gilgamesh the King (The Gilgamesh Trilogy)

Gilgamesh the King (The Gilgamesh Trilogy)

Gilgamesh, half-god and half-man, in his loneliness and isolation becomes a cruel tyrant over the citizens of Uruk. To impress them forever he orders a great wall to be built, driving his people to exhaustion and despair so that they cry to the Sun God for help.

Image for The Golden Bull: A Mesopotamian Adventure

The Golden Bull: A Mesopotamian Adventure

5,000 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia during a terrible drought, Jomar and Zefa's father must send his children away to the city of Ur because he can no longer feed them. At fourteen, Jomar is old enough to apprentice with Sidah, a master goldsmith for the temple of the moongod, but there is no place for Zefa in Sidah's household. Zefa, a talented but untrained musician, is forced to play her music and sing for alms on the streets of Ur.

Image for Science in Ancient Mesopotamia

Science in Ancient Mesopotamia

Describes the enormous accomplishments of the Sumerians and Babylonians of ancient Mesopotamia in every scientific area, a heritage which affects our own everyday lives

Image for Ancient Mesopotamia: The Sumerians, Babylonians, And Assyrians

Ancient Mesopotamia: The Sumerians, Babylonians, And Assyrians

Explores Sumerian, Babylonian, and Assyrian cultures, discussing social structure, lifestyles, and the military in these societies.

Image for Lugalbanda: The Boy Who Got Caught Up in a War: An Epic Tale From Ancient Iraq

Lugalbanda: The Boy Who Got Caught Up in a War: An Epic Tale From Ancient Iraq

Lugalbanda woke with a jolt. He opened his eyes and what did he see but the terrible Anzu bird beating its wings in its nest high above. . . . Did he quake? Did he quail? No. Lugalbanda the Brave sat and stared, and into his head came a brilliant idea.

Image for Mesopotamia (A True Book)

Mesopotamia (A True Book)

Presents the history of ancient Mesopotamia, describing the different groups of people who lived there, and their government, cities, everyday life, religion, and writing.

Image for You Wouldn't Want to Be a Sumerian Slave!

You Wouldn't Want to Be a Sumerian Slave!

Invites readers them to become the main character. Each book uses humorous illustrations to depict the sometimes dark and horrific side of life during important eras in history.

Now let’s jump right into this ancient history lesson. Mesopotamia, meaning “land between the rivers,” was located between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers in what is now modern-day Iraq and parts of Syria and Turkey.

It’s where humans first formed cities, developed written language, built temples, and created legal codes.

HISTORY OF ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA

Mesopotamia wasn’t just “the place between rivers”, it was a place of innovation, culture, and power that shaped the course of human history.

Let’s explore what made this region so important and what life might have looked like thousands of years ago.

Water was important to civilization here. The Tigris and Euphrates rivers flooded each year, depositing rich silt that made the land incredibly fertile. This allowed people to grow barley, wheat, dates, onions, and more.

But too much water, or not enough, could ruin everything. That’s why Mesopotamians invented irrigation systems with canals, ditches, and levees to control water flow.

These early engineering feats turned dry land into farmland and allowed cities to flourish.

How To Make A LEGO Map Of The Mesopotamian Civilization

Instead of one big country, Mesopotamia was made up of city-states—independent cities with their own rulers and gods. Each city-state had a ziggurat (a step-like temple), its own military, and farmland.

Some of the most famous Mesopotamian city-states include:

  • Ur – An important Sumerian city
  • Uruk – Known for the legendary King Gilgamesh
  • Lagash and Eridu – Among the earliest settlements

As cities grew, so did the need for leadership and order. Kings were seen as representatives of the gods and were responsible for keeping the gods happy through temple building and offerings.

One of the most famous rulers was Hammurabi, who created a written legal code known as Hammurabi’s Code. It included over 200 laws, many starting with, “If a man…”

LEARNING MADE EASY: ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA UNIT STUDY OUTLINE

Additionally, grab my unit study outline to guide you in your study.

How To Make A LEGO Map Of The Mesopotamian Civilization
  • Learning Made Easy: Ancient Mesopotamia Unit Study Outline

    Learning Made Easy: Ancient Mesopotamia Unit Study Outline

    $2.75
    Add to cart

My Mesopotamia Unit Study Outline is a handy tool to help you teach or for child led learning.

There are many advantages to a unit study outline instead of a fully fleshed out study.

For example, look at the topics covered in this outline.

  • Introduction
  • Geography and Environment
  • Ancient Mesopotamian Civilizations
  • Agriculture and Irrigation
  • Writing and Communication
  • Religion and Beliefs
  • Science and Technology
  • Trade and Commerce
  • Arts and Crafts
  • Exploration and Legacy
  • Culminating Activity

Next, look at these other activities.

ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIAN ACTIVITIES

  • Ancient Mesopotamian Ziggurat Activity
  • How to Make Unleavened Bread Ancient Mesopotamia Bread Recipe
  • Some fabulous Ancient Mesopotamia STEM Ideas!
  • The creativity in this Hands-on Ancient Babylon: Hanging Gardens Fun Activity will appeal to kids who love to make things with their own hands.
  • Here are some fun and free Ancient Mesopotamian Cards you can use in many ways beyond learning facts like using it as a memory game.
  • Find out more about Ancient Mesopotamia (Hands-on History): and Cook Sebetu Rolls.
  • Create this Hands-on Ancient Mesopotamia: Easy STEM Irrigation Activity
  • Hands-on Geography Mesopotamia: Fun Salt Dough Map

HOW TO MAKE A LEGO MAP OF THE MESOPOTAMIAN CIVILIZATION

You will need:

  • LEGO baseplate -green or tan
  • Assorted LEGO bricks (greens, blues, browns, tans, grays)
  • A printed or digital map of Ancient Mesopotamia for reference
How To Make A LEGO Map Of The Mesopotamian Civilization

Start with a green baseplate for the fertile areas.

How To Make A LEGO Map Of The Mesopotamian Civilization

Then, use blue bricks or pieces to create the Nile River, Tigris, and Euphrates, the Persian Gulf and Mediterranean Sea.

Use flat pieces if you have them and leave space for placing deserts, farmland,etc…

How To Make A LEGO Map Of The Mesopotamian Civilization

Use beige bricks to show the surrounding deserts. This highlights how the Fertile Crescent stood out from the dry land around it.

Layer dark brown bricks in a small mountain form to represent the Zagros Mountains.

How To Make A LEGO Map Of The Mesopotamian Civilization

Add in farmland with brown tiles and LEGO greenery.

How To Make A LEGO Map Of The Mesopotamian Civilization

Build ziggurats by stacking tan pieces, the Mesopotamia version of a pyramid.

How To Make A LEGO Map Of The Mesopotamian Civilization

Finally, use sticky notes or cardstock to create handwritten labels for the rivers, cities, and modern-day countries.

How To Make A LEGO Map Of The Mesopotamian Civilization

You can also include:

  • Boats on the rivers
  • Minifigures or plastic ancient Egypt figures
  • Farms and irrigation canals
  • Brick pyramids or ziggurats
  • Animals like sheep and goats

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: ancient civilizations, Ancient HIstory, crafts, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, homeschool, homeschoolhistory, mesopotamia

How To Make A Tundra Biome Diorama With Free Printables

July 27, 2025 | 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a tundra biome diorama hands-on activity with free printables.Too, you’ll love my Arctic and Inuit Unit Study. Free Lapbook – Hands-on Ideas and my Arctic Region pages.

And creating a tundra diorama isn’t just a fun arts-and-crafts activity, but an educational experience.

The tundra biome is a unique ecosystem characterized by freezing temperatures.

How To Make A Tundra Biome Diorama With Free Printables

Too, doing this tundra biome diorama brings science to life. Instead of only reading about this amazing geographical area, your child learns hands-on about the animals and plants that live there.

In addition, your child can use my printables or use part of them and create the rest of the environment in a creative way.

However, before your child builds this diorama they need to learn about this area first.

Look at these books.

BOOKS ABOUT THE TUNDRA

We prefer to use living books when we can find them.

Books About the Tundra

Look at some of these books, resources, and fun things to add to your study of the tundra.

Image for A Walk in the Tundra (Biomes of North America)

A Walk in the Tundra (Biomes of North America)

Take a walk on the tundra. In this cold, harsh biome on the top of the world, summer is short. How do plants and animals of the tundra live? Discover how they depend on each other for survival as you travel through this fascinating land.

Image for Mini Arctic 10PCS Polar Animal Figurines Includes Polar Bear Seal Reindeer Wolf Rabbit Arctic Fox Igloo

Mini Arctic 10PCS Polar Animal Figurines Includes Polar Bear Seal Reindeer Wolf Rabbit Arctic Fox Igloo

Included-10 arctic animal toy set including 1 polar bear, 1 reindeer, 1 arctic hare, 1 arctic wolf, 1 walrus, 1 beluga, 1 killer whale, 1 arctic fox, 1 arctic seal , 1 igloo model.

Image for Arctic Tundra

Arctic Tundra

It’s a land of riddles, where a winter night can last for weeks and where the ground is full of water though it rarely rains or snows. Bears, hares, wolves, and foxes roam the ice-crusted earth, as flowers follow the sun as it moves across the sky. Young readers may never come to the Arctic tundra, but now it can come to them―in a book chock full of fun-to-do experiments and activities for children ages 6 and up that help them to solve some of the mysteries of this strange and forbidding world. Arctic Tundra includes a picture field guide, a glossary-index, and a resource list.

Then look at more activities about the tundra.

TUNDRA ACTIVITIES

  • How to Make an Easy 3D Tundra Biome Poster Project
  • How to Make a Biome Triorama That Explores Alaska’s Amazing Features
  • How to Craft a Stunning Wolf Animal Triorama
  • 4 Week Free Alaska Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas

Then, look to see what is included in the download.

You will need:

  • Free Printable Diorama (add your email to the link at the end of this post and get the freebie instantly. no waiting)
  • Glue
  • Scissors
  • Crayons, markers, or colored pencils

Print out all of the diorama pages onto thick sturdy cardstock.

Encourage your child to color the pieces or leave them as they are.

I included a photo in the download to show you were to place the pieces.

Also, here are more diorama ideas.

MORE DIORAMA IDEAS

  • Easy Diorama About The Civil War For Elementary Students
  • How To Make A Desert Diorama With Free Printables
  • How To Make A Shoebox Water Cycle Diorama With Free Printables
  • Free Printable Colorful Frog Diorama: Cool Frog Life Cycle Facts
  • Step-by-Step: Building a Colorful Pond Diorama with Free Printables
  • Rocky Mountains Oregon Trail Fun Large Diorama Craft for Kids
  • How To Make A Shoebox Toucan Habitat Diorama With Waterfall
  • How to Make An Everglades Diorama: Explore the Wild Wetlands
  • How to Make an Easy Antarctica Diorama With Your Kids
  • 6 Facts About Mountain Lions and How to Make a Fun Mountain Lion Diorama
  • 5 Tide Pool Facts and Create An Edible Tide Pool Diorama Ideas
  • How to Make an Easy Wetlands Paper Plate Habitat Diorama
  • How to Make A Pyramid Diorama For States Of Matter
  • Fun Arctic Habitat Diorama and Fascinating Facts About Walruses
How To Make A Tundra Biome Diorama With Free Printables

Finally, look at how to get this fun tundra printable diorama.

HOW TO GET THE FREE PRINTABLE TUNDRA BIOME DIORAMA

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

That means when you sign up to follow me, you get my emails in your inbox and you get this freebie.

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

2) Grab the freebie instantly.

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

2 CommentsFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history

Paper Crafts For Kindergarten | How To Make A Zebra Papercraft

July 26, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Paper crafts for kindergarten are a great and inexpensive way to have fun while learning. Also, look at my page Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum for more ideas.

Too, I’m sharing a fun zebra papercraft with a free template that you download at the bottom. Also, look at my Free Africa Unit Study for more hands-on ideas.

Paper crafts encourage kids to think outside the box.

Paper Crafts For Kindergarten | How To Make A Zebra Papercraft

And one of my favorite things about paper crafts for kindergarten is that fine motor skills are strengthened in a fun way.

So any paper or paper scrap can be turned into beautiful artwork that stirs the imagination. In addition, kids learn to follow steps and paper crafts build confidence.

Besides, paper crafts can create lasting keepsakes.

KIDS BOOKS ABOUT ZEBRAS

Next, look at these books about zebras which may become your children’s favorites too.

5 Zebra Books

Zebras can be fun to learn about. Add one of these books to your reading day.

Image for Shanti the Zebra

Shanti the Zebra

When a herd of zebras flees from a hungry lioness, Shanti can't keep up with the others and is soon left behind. Desperately looking for her friends, she asks the other animals for help. But a mysterious old snake makes a strange prediction.

Image for Zella, Zack, and Zodiac

Zella, Zack, and Zodiac

Zella the zebra helps Zack the ostrich when he is young and helpless. When he grows up Zack returns the favor by saving Zella's young offspring from a lion.

Image for A Zebra's Day (National Geographic Kids Readers, Pre-Reader)

A Zebra's Day (National Geographic Kids Readers, Pre-Reader)

Zebras are one of Africa's most interesting animals, and in this pre-reader, young readers will learn all about here they live, what they eat, and how they survive in the herd. Perfect for beginning and young readers, National Geographic Pre-readers include simple, expert-vetted text and large, engaging photos on every page. A vocabulary tree at the beginning of the book introduces kids to key words in concept groups, helping them make connections between words. Plus, a wrap-up activity gives kids a chance to use what they've learned, while expanding their knowledge of the world.

Image for Zee

Zee

Zee brews a pot of coffee to wake his parents so he can climb into bed with them, but after spilling two full mugs he has too little coffee left to do the job unless he can think of a new plan.

Image for The Zebra's Stripes: And Other African Animal Tales

The Zebra's Stripes: And Other African Animal Tales

The craft I’m showing you today is an adorable zebra but first look at these other paper crafts.

PAPER CRAFTS FOR KINDERGARTEN

  • Fun and Easy Tissue Paper Crafts for Kindergarten
  • Kindergarten Paper Crafts and a Fun Tissue Paper Painting
  • How to Make a Paper Cone Fairy | Fairy DIY Crafts | Free Template
  • Easy Human Body Crafts For Elementary Featuring A Tongue Project
  • How To Make A Kids Origami Easy And Fun Whale
  • Facts About Japan | How To Make Kids Easy Origami Fish
  • How to Make A Fun Origami Frog Amazon Rainforest Craft
Paper Crafts For Kindergarten | How To Make A Zebra Papercraft

Next, look at how to make this adorable papercraft zebra.

PAPERCRAFT ZEBRA FOR KIDS

List of Supplies

  • Colored craft papers
  • Scissors
  • Pencil
  • Craft glue
  • Sharpies
  • Zebra template (download below by adding your email and you get it instantly)

Instructions:

Step 1:

Select black, grey, white and pink colored craft papers for the zebra craft. Print and prepare the template patterns.

The template includes patterns for the head, lower body, inner ear parts, and mouth part, tail, tail tip, mane strips and mane base.

Use a pencil to trace the template patterns on the selected colored craft papers and use scissors to cut the traced patterns neatly.

Paper Crafts For Kindergarten | How To Make A Zebra Papercraft

Step 2:

Glue the tail tip to an open end of the tail cutout. Glue the inner ear parts to the ear parts and the mouth part to the front part of the head cutout.

Paper Crafts For Kindergarten | How To Make A Zebra Papercraft

Step 3:

Glue the tail pattern to the backside of the lower body cutout.

Paper Crafts For Kindergarten | How To Make A Zebra Papercraft

Step 4:

Take the mane base cutout and glue the mane strips to the base along the top side.

Paper Crafts For Kindergarten | How To Make A Zebra Papercraft

Step 5:

Glue the open end of a strip to its inner end, on the base. Do not make any fold in the middle of the strip, simple draw the strip to its other end and glue them.

Paper Crafts For Kindergarten | How To Make A Zebra Papercraft

Step 6:

Join all the strips similarly.

Paper Crafts For Kindergarten | How To Make A Zebra Papercraft

Step 7:

Glue the mane base to the backside of the head pattern, keeping the mane part placed along the top side of the head.

Paper Crafts For Kindergarten | How To Make A Zebra Papercraft

Step 8:

Glue the head pattern to the top, front side of the lower body base (opposite side of the tail).

Paper Crafts For Kindergarten | How To Make A Zebra Papercraft

Step 9:

Use a pencil to draw the face and strip outlines on the papercraft zebra.

Paper Crafts For Kindergarten | How To Make A Zebra Papercraft

Step 10:

Use a black sharpie to fill the traced outlines neatly and allow the ink to dry completely.

Paper Crafts For Kindergarten | How To Make A Zebra Papercraft

HOW TO GRAB THE FREE ZEBRA PAPER CRAFT TEMPLATE

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

Paper Crafts For Kindergarten | How To Make A Zebra Papercraft

That means when you sign up to follow me, you get my emails in your inbox and you get this freebie.

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

2) Grab the freebie instantly.

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

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: Africa, crafts, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, zebra

Easy Peru Crafts For Kids And Unit Study Outline

July 25, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have some fun and easy Peru crafts for kids. Also, look at my page South America Unit Study Resources for more ideas about South America.

Too, I have a Ancient Peru Unit Study outline that you can grab at the bottom.

Peru is a beautiful country with at least three geographical regions and much history to explore.

Easy Peru Crafts For Kids And Unit Study Outline

For example, the ruins of Machu Picchu, an ancient city built by the Inca people are still standing.

Too, Peru has part of the amazing Amazon rainforest which is filled with an abundance of flora and fauna to learn about.

But too from the sky you can see the mysterious Nasca drawings which are patterns and some shaped like animals.

BOOKS FOR KIDS ABOUT SOUTH AMERICA

Next, look at some of these books to add to your study of Peru and South America.

13 Resources for a Study of South America

Add some of these fun books and resources to your study of South America.

Image for South America (Rookie Read-About Geography: Continents)

South America (Rookie Read-About Geography: Continents)

An incredible variety of climates and biomes span the territory of South America. As a result, the continent contains some of the greatest biodiversity on Earth.

Rookie Read-About: Continents series gives the youngest reader (Ages 3-6) an introduction to the components that make each continent distinctive and exceptional. Readers will get to know each continents' geography, history, and wildlife. In this book readers learn about the continent of South America, including the geography, native animals, people and more.

Image for Ancient Civilizations: Aztecs, Maya, Incas!: With 25 Social Studies Projects for Kids (Explore Your World)

Ancient Civilizations: Aztecs, Maya, Incas!: With 25 Social Studies Projects for Kids (Explore Your World)

A full-color, compelling book for ages 7 to 10 offers a deep dive into the three sophisticated ancient civilizations of Mesoamerica―the Aztecs, Maya, and Incas― through hands-on STEAM projects, essential questions, and loads of fascinating facts!

Why were there more than 3,000 steps built at Machu Picchu? Why did the Aztecs roam Mexico for nearly 200 years before finding a place to settle? How did the Maya study the movements of the stars and the planets? Ancient Civilizations: Aztecs, Maya, Incas! With 25 Social Studies Projects for Kids takes kids ages 7 to 10 on a guided tour to experience the history, culture, economics, and daily life of the Aztecs, Maya, and Incas.

Image for Biblioburro: A True Story from Colombia

Biblioburro: A True Story from Colombia

A man, his burros, and his books bring joy to children in remote Colombian villages in this inspiring book based on a true story by celebrated picture book creator Jeanette Winter.Luis loves to read, but soon his house in Colombia is so full of books there’s barely room for the family. What to do? Then he comes up with the perfect solution—a traveling library! He buys two donkeys—Alfa and Beto—and travels with them throughout the land, bringing books and reading to the children in faraway villages.

Image for Secret of the Andes (Puffin Newberry Library)

Secret of the Andes (Puffin Newberry Library)

An Incan boy who tends llamas in a hidden valley in Peru learns the traditions and secrets of his ancestors. 

Image for My Mama's Little Ranch on the Pampas

My Mama's Little Ranch on the Pampas

In the sequel to On the Pampas, the author recalls her first year on the small Argentinian ranch purchased and managed by her mother, in an account that includes a visual dictionary of the Spanish words and geographical terms used in the text.

Image for Tales from Silver Lands

Tales from Silver Lands

Atmospheric woodcuts illustrate this Newbery Award–winning collection of 19 South American folktales. Charles J. Finger heard the tales firsthand from native storytellers, whose fables of talking animals, witches, giants, and ordinary people in supernatural settings provide remarkable insights into regional values and culture. The first of the stories, "A Tale of Three Tails," tells of an age when the rat had a tail like a horse, the rabbit had a tail like a cat, and the deer's tail was plumed like the tail of a dog. "The Magic Dog" recounts an act of kindness to a stray animal that helps overcome a witch's curse. In "The Calabash Man," the creatures of the jungle assist a suitor in winning his bride, and in "El Enano," a greedy troll's insatiable appetite leads to his downfall. Packed with adventure and full of surprises, these and other stories emphasize the importance of hard work, courage, and loyalty.

Image for Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time

Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time

In 1911, Hiram Bingham III climbed into the Andes Mountains of Peru and “discovered” Machu Picchu. While history has recast Bingham as a villain who stole both priceless artifacts and credit for finding the great archeological site, Mark Adams set out to retrace the explorer’s perilous path in search of the truth—except he’d written about adventure far more than he’d actually lived it. In fact, he’d never even slept in a tent.

Image for Journey to the River Sea

Journey to the River Sea

With the memorable characters and plot twists she brings to her best-selling fantasies, acclaimed author Eva Ibbotson has written a hair-raising novel, set in turn-of-the-last-century Brazil.Accompanied by Miss Minton, a fierce-looking, no-nonsense governess, Maia, a young orphan, sets off for the wilderness of the Amazon, expecting curtains of orchids, brightly colored macaws, and a loving family. But what she finds is an evil-tempered aunt and uncle and their spoiled daughters. It is only when she is swept up in a mystery involving a young Indian boy, a homesick child actor, and a missing inheritance that Maia lands in the middle of the Amazon adventure she's dreamed of. Readers of every generation will treasure Ibbotson's lush historical adventure that harkens back to the beloved classics of Frances Hodgson Burnett and Louisa May Alco

Image for This Place Is Wet

This Place Is Wet

Can you imagine living in a place where there is so much water some houses need to be built on stilts to protect them when the river rises? Or where it is so wet that some plants can grow on the sides of trees with their roots gathering water from the air? In This Place Is Wet, you'll find out all sorts of things about what it's like to live in the rain forest of Brazil. Try to imagine living there!

Image for Bolivar: American Liberator

Bolivar: American Liberator

It is astonishing that Simón Bolívar, the great Liberator of South America, is not better known in the United States. He freed six countries from Spanish rule, traveled more than 75,000 miles on horseback to do so, and became the greatest figure in Latin American history. His life is epic, heroic, straight out of Hollywood: he fought battle after battle in punishing terrain, forged uncertain coalitions of competing forces and races, lost his beautiful wife soon after they married and never remarried (although he did have a succession of mistresses, including one who held up the revolution and another who saved his life), and he died relatively young, uncertain whether his
achievements would endure.

Image for Ada's Violin: The Story of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay

Ada's Violin: The Story of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay

Ada Ríos grew up in Cateura, a small town in Paraguay built on a landfill. She dreamed of playing the violin, but with little money for anything but the bare essentials, it was never an option...until a music teacher named Favio Chávez arrived. He wanted to give the children of Cateura something special, so he made them instruments out of materials found in the trash

Image for Mayans Aztecs Incas Coloring Book: Coloring Pages of Ancient Mexico Civilizations for Adults and Teens

Mayans Aztecs Incas Coloring Book: Coloring Pages of Ancient Mexico Civilizations for Adults and Teens

Mayans Aztecs Incas Coloring Book – Fun And Education For Adults and TeensMake the perfect gift for anyone who loves coloring! Enjoy this Mayans Aztecs Incas Coloring Book for Adults and Teens. Click the cover to reveal what’s inside!About this book:

  • 40 original pages drawings of Symbols, Warriors, Masks and Mandalas.
Image for The Inca Empire (A True Book: Ancient Civilizations) (A True Book (Relaunch))

The Inca Empire (A True Book: Ancient Civilizations) (A True Book (Relaunch))

Explore the Inca empire, including how the Incas survived in the mountains, how the empire was built, and why it disappeared.

A True Book: Ancient Civilizations series allows readers to experience what makes each ancient civilization distinctive and exceptional as well look at its influence on the some of the practices of the modern world. This series includes an age appropriate (grades 3-5) introduction to curriculum-relevant subjects and a robust resource section that encourages independent study.

Also, look at more activities about the continent of South America.

MORE SOUTH AMERICA ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

  • 9 Free South America Country Reports for Kids Notebooking Pages
  • Geography Salt Dough Map + Printable Pennants
  • South America Unit Study resources
  • How to Memorize the Countries of South America & Mountain Climate Zones Minibooks
  • Appreciating the Culture of South America Through Dance

Next look at these Peruvian crafts for kids.

10 PERU CRAFTS FOR KIDS

  1. Llama Love And Creative Machu Picchu Crafts for Kids
  2. Easy Llama Mini Piñata Craft
  3. Trek back to ancient Meso-American and Make Stunning Salt Dough Incan Jewelry | Incan Crafts for Kids.
  4. Llamas with Peruvian Textiles
  5. Check out these great free Peru color pages.
  6. Create your own colorful felt landscape with my How to Make a Felt Mountain Craft | 7 Andes Mountain Facts For Kids.
  7. Easy Nazca Lines Craft for Kids
  8. Peru crafts: Weaving
  9. Peru – Bird Gourd Craft
  10. Traditional Gourd Carving

Finally, look at this homeschool Ancient Peru unit study outline.

ANCIENT PERU UNIT STUDY OUTLINE

My Ancient Peru Unit Study Outline is a handy tool to help you teach or for child led learning.

There are many advantages to a unit study outline instead of a fully fleshed out study.

For example, look at these ways an outline guides your study.

  • Outlines give you a clear structure.
  • They help break down big tasks into manageable steps.
  • Extensive lessons plans can make some kids lose focus.
  • And outline keeps the main topics to be learned on topic.
  • In addition, you can go down rabbit trails IF you want to. However, for some kids it can be overwhelming. You have the option to go deep or stay on topic with an outline.
  • Looking at the outline at a glance is a super roadmap. Again, you can go straight to your destination or facts or stay longer on an objective.
  • By listing an objective it guides you as the teacher to add your own slant.
Easy Peru Crafts For Kids And Unit Study Outline

Also, look at the topics covered in this outline.

  • Introduction
  • Geography and Environment
  • Ancient Peruvian Civilizations
  • Agriculture and Food
  • Arts and Crafts
  • Religion and Beliefs
  • Communication and Writing
  • Exploration and Discovery
  • Culminating Activity
  • Resources and References

HOW TO USE THE OUTLINE

Each topic has two or three topics or objectives for the subject. You decide which ones to use.

And if you stay on 1 topic per week and cover all 9 topics it would equal a 9 week unit study.

Additionally, only use the objectives on the topic your child is interested in and move on to other unit studies. This would make a shorter unit study.

For example, cover the introduction and perhaps the Peruvian culture for younger children.

Then save the other topics for when your children are older.

You will like this unit study outline if:

  • you want the freedom to flesh out topics and not be tied to day to day lesson plans
  • you prefer to flesh out day to day lesson plans or do not prefer them at all and
  • you want a guide for topics to study so you have a sweeping overview of the unit.

You will not like this unit study outline if:

  • you want to day to day lesson plans guiding each day and worksheets and
  • you don’t want to teach all your kids together.

HOW TO GET THE ANCIENT PERU UNIT STUDY OUTLINE

You can download the printable Peru Unit Study Outline now!

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Easy Peru Crafts For Kids And Unit Study Outline
  • Learning Made Easy: Ancient Peru Unit Study Outline

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Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: ancient, ancient civilizations, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, homeschool, Peru, south america

Explore Viking Activities | How To Make A Chess Hnefatafl Game

July 20, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Viking activities are a fabulous way to teach your child about the exciting world of seafaring raiders..Also, I have this Vikings Lapbook Unit Study and Hands-on Activities.

The Vikings are one of the most fascinating groups in history—seafaring warriors, skilled craftsmen, daring explorers, and clever traders.

For homeschoolers in elementary through middle school, studying the Vikings is an exciting way to explore history, geography, culture, and even strategy games.

Explore Viking Activities | How To Make A Chess Hnefatafl Game

The Vikings were Norse people from what we now call Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.

From about 793 to 1066 AD, they sailed across Europe, raided villages, traded goods, and settled new lands like Iceland, Greenland, and even parts of North America (long before Columbus!).

The word “Viking” actually refers to the activity of raiding or exploring by sea.

BOOKS ABOUT VIKINGS FOR KIDS

Next, look at these books about Vikings to add as reading.

12 Viking Resources & Books for Multiple Ages

Grab some of these books and resources for multiple ages about Vikings.

Image for Viking Adventure

Viking Adventure

Sigurd, a Viking boy, cannot see the value of learning to read and write. All he can think of is adventure. But then he has an adventure that he cannot help but tell. And to do that, he decides, he must learn to write. A fine story for young readers.

Image for Guts & Glory: The Vikings (Guts & Glory, 2)

Guts & Glory: The Vikings (Guts & Glory, 2)

From battle-axe-wielding tribes plundering the greatest cities of Europe to powerful kings and queens ruling their dominions with iron fists, the Vikings were some of the most feared and fearless figures in European history. Find the bravest heroes, the most menacing villains, and unbelievably awesome facts and myths inside this action-packed overview that will amaze kids with tales of a people so incredible...it's hard to believe they were real.

Image for Viking: Discover the Story of the Vikings―Their Ships, Weapons, Legends, and Saga of War

Viking: Discover the Story of the Vikings―Their Ships, Weapons, Legends, and Saga of War

The most trusted nonfiction series on the market, Eyewitness Books provide an in-depth, comprehensive look at their subjects with a unique integration of words and pictures. Loaded with superb color photographs of Viking ships and swords, clothes and shields, memorial stones and beautiful brooches, this revised and updated edition of Eyewitness: Viking offers a unique view into the lives of the Norse people and their outstanding achievements.

Image for LEGO Creator Viking Ship

LEGO Creator Viking Ship

Kids can experience thrilling adventures on land and sea with this 3in1 set featuring a toy Viking ship, Viking house and Fenris wolf figure

Image for A Child's Introduction to Norse Mythology: Odin, Thor, Loki, and Other Viking Gods, Goddesses, Giants, and Monsters

A Child's Introduction to Norse Mythology: Odin, Thor, Loki, and Other Viking Gods, Goddesses, Giants, and Monsters

The newest book in the best-selling, award-winning A Child's Introduction series explores the popular and captivating world of Norse mythology. Organized into two parts, part one introduces characters like Odin, the leader of the Norse gods; Thor and his mighty hammer Mjollner; Frigg, weaver of the destinies of humans and gods; frost and fire giants; cunning dwarves like Brokk and Eitri; and many more. Part two tells the stories of the suspenseful myths themselves including The Creation of the Cosmos, The Aesir-Vanir War, Loki Bound, Thor's Hammer and many more.

Image for Renegade Game Studios Raiders of The North Sea,Multi-colored

Renegade Game Studios Raiders of The North Sea,Multi-colored

Play Raiders of The North Sea, a worker-placement board game where players work to assemble a crew and outfit a longboat to raid settlements for gold and fame.(For 2-4 players)
Image for Odd and the Frost Giants

Odd and the Frost Giants

Odd, a young Viking boy, is left fatherless following a raid. In his icy, ancient world there is no mercy for an unlucky soul with a crushed foot and no one to protect him. Fleeing to the woods, Odd stumbles upon and releases a trapped bear…and then Odd's destiny begins to change.

The eagle, bear, and fox Odd encounters are Norse gods, trapped in animal form by the evil frost giant who has conquered Asgard, the city of the gods. Now our hero must reclaim Thor's hammer, outwit the frost giants and release the gods…

Image for Viking Quest Series Set of 5 Volumes Including Raiders From the Sea, Mystery of the Silver Coins, the Invisible Friend, Heart of Courage, and the Raider's Promise

Viking Quest Series Set of 5 Volumes Including Raiders From the Sea, Mystery of the Silver Coins, the Invisible Friend, Heart of Courage, and the Raider's Promise

Raiders from the Sea: Viking raiders capture Bree and her brother Devin and take them from their home in Ireland. After the young Viking prince Mikkel sets Devin free on the Irish coast far from home, Bree and Devin embark on separate journeys to courage. Readers will be captivated by the unfolding drama as Bree sails to Norway on the Viking ship and Devin travels the dangerous road home.

Image for Black Fox of Lorne

Black Fox of Lorne

Set in 1005 AD, twins Brus and Jan go a-Viking with their father Harald Redbeard and all their household. They plan to settle in England with Danish relatives there. But, their ships are caught in a fierce gale on the North Sea, and they are taken far off course to the western shore of Scotland. Held captive by a cunning Scottish Laird, Jan and Brus must navigate the political intrigue of chieftain, clan, and king without the help of their father, who has been killed and their mother, who is believed lost at sea. They follow adventure after adventure until they earn their freedom and find a home in Scotland at last.

Image for Make This Viking Settlement (Usborne Cut-Out Models)

Make This Viking Settlement (Usborne Cut-Out Models)

Printed on stiff card, this book contains templates to cut out and construct a model of a Viking settlement crammed with authentic detail. The base of the completed model measures 61 x 46cm, and includes 16 houses with doors and windows that open to reveal the details inside, and two Viking trading ships. It contains over 40 cut-out figures including merchants, traders and towns people to recreate scenes of everyday life in a bustling riverside settlement.

Image for Who Were the Vikings Internet-Linked (Starting Point History)

Who Were the Vikings Internet-Linked (Starting Point History)

Answers questions about the everyday life of the Vikings, including clothing, homes, religion, medical care, food, entertainment, ships, shops and towns, government, warfare, and the travels of the Northmen in Asia and the North Atlantic.

Image for Viking Ships At Sunrise (Magic Tree House, No. 15)

Viking Ships At Sunrise (Magic Tree House, No. 15)

"Beware of Vikings!" warns Morgan. Then Jack and Annie are whisked back to ancient Ireland. They land on a cliff on a misty island. How will they find the story they are looking for? It will take a Viking invasion, the help of a jolly monk, and a lot of courage for Jack and Annie to succeed in Viking Ships at Sunrise.

Though Vikings are often portrayed as fierce warriors in horned helmets (which they didn’t actually wear), they were also farmers, blacksmiths, weavers, shipbuilders, and traders.

Families lived in longhouses, kept animals, and followed Norse mythology, which included gods like Odin, Thor, and Freya.

They were also excellent storytellers. Much of what we know about their beliefs and adventures comes from sagas—long stories that were told aloud and eventually written down.

With hands-on activities, historical games, and exciting tales, a Viking unit is a fun and meaningful way to bring ancient history alive.

Whether you’re sailing longships or writing in runes, the spirit of discovery and adventure will inspire your homeschooler’s imagination.

VIKING ACTIVITIES AND RESOURCES TO EXPLORE FURTHER

Next, look at these other activities to learn more about Vikings.

  • 10 Viking Explorer Project Ideas and Make a Trollen Wheel Viking Braid
  • Try a simple Viking meal using ingredients they might have used- oatcakes or flatbread, stew with root vegetables, dried fruits and nuts.
  • Cardboard box Viking shield. – This Crafty Family – Crafts for kids
  • The Vikings wrote using runes, a symbolic alphabet called the Elder Futhark. Teach students a few basic runes and let them write secret messages or even their names by learning how to Make Viking Runestones.
  • STEM and Geography: How to Build an Ancient Viking Ship
  • Have your student choose a Norse god or legend and turn it into a Norse comic strip or short graphic novel. For example, the story of Thor losing his hammer or Odin trading his eye for wisdom.
  • The BEST Viking Unit Study for Homeschooled Kids
  • Using a blank map of Europe and the North Atlantic to mark Viking homelands (Norway, Denmark, Sweden), trace Viking routes to England, France, Iceland, Greenland, and North America, and Identify where major raids or settlements occurred.
  • The Best Free Viking Lapbook and Hands-on Ideas
  • Bring It all together by ending your unit with a viking day- dress up in DIY tunics and belts, present the comics or longship models you made, serve viking food, tell a long story around a fake fire.
Explore Viking Activities | How To Make A Chess Hnefatafl Game

Then learn how to play this fun Viking game.

LEARN TO PLAY HNEFATAFL (VIKING CHESS)

Hnefatafl (pronounced nef-ah-tah-fel) was a strategic board game played by the Viking. It is similar to chess but with different rules and goals.

The game involves a king trying to escape attackers.

How to Play:

  • The board is a grid (11×11 or 13×13).
  • One player is the attacker, with more pieces.
  • The other is the defender, with fewer pieces and a king in the center.
  • The goal is for the king to escape to the corner squares, while attackers try to trap him.

Printable boards and pieces can be found online.

Or you can make your own using a checkerboard and small objects (like coins, buttons, or LEGO pieces).

But today we are going to create a replica of Hnefatafl using air dry clay, paint, and an inexpensive board. Continue all the way to the bottom of this post for those directions.

Here is a great video I found on YouTube giving directions for Hnefatafl game play.

Then look at how to make Hnefatafl.

HOW TO MAKE A CHESS HNEFATAFL GAME

You will need:

  • Air dry clay
  • Craft paint
  • 12×12 wood board
  • Cup of water
  • Paintbrushes
  • Paint pen
Explore Viking Activities | How To Make A Chess Hnefatafl Game

First, roll air dry clay into long snakes, about 1/2” thick.

Explore Viking Activities | How To Make A Chess Hnefatafl Game

Cut into 24, 1” pieces-opposing forces.

Explore Viking Activities | How To Make A Chess Hnefatafl Game

Wet your fingers and smooth out and shape each piece into a barrel shape, pressing to flatten the bottom so that it stands on its own.

Explore Viking Activities | How To Make A Chess Hnefatafl Game

Repeat to make another 12 but this time you will wet your finger and shape the top into a point-kings guard. Again press the bottoms flat so they will stand well.

Explore Viking Activities | How To Make A Chess Hnefatafl Game

Finally take one last piece of clay and make a slightly thicker and taller shape, we tried to give ours a crown shaped top to create a king.

Explore Viking Activities | How To Make A Chess Hnefatafl Game

Allow clay to dry for 24 to 72 hours until completely dry.

Paint the painted shapes and the king one color and the barrel shapes another color.

Explore Viking Activities | How To Make A Chess Hnefatafl Game

Once the paint dries you can use a paint marker to draw runes on your pieces if you like.

Explore Viking Activities | How To Make A Chess Hnefatafl Game

While the clay is drying you can create your board. Start by marking off 11 spaces slightly larger than 1” on all sides with a ruler.

Explore Viking Activities | How To Make A Chess Hnefatafl Game

Use the straight edge of the ruler and a pencil to draw lines vertically and horizontally on the board to create an 11×11 grid.

Explore Viking Activities | How To Make A Chess Hnefatafl Game

Now go over your lines with a paint pen or permanent marker to darken them.

Explore Viking Activities | How To Make A Chess Hnefatafl Game

Mark off the 4 corners with an X or a rune, these are the spots only the king can go.

Explore Viking Activities | How To Make A Chess Hnefatafl Game

Finally place your prepared pieces like this, king in the center, king’s gourd around the king, and opposing forces on the 4 sides, 5 in back and one centered in the front.

Explore Viking Activities | How To Make A Chess Hnefatafl Game

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: Ancient HIstory, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, homeschool, Vikings

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