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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

Easy Hands-on Fun Ancient Greek Games for Kids DIY Knucklebones

October 16, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

If you’re doing hands-on history and want to add ancient Greek games for kids, you’ll love this knucklebones game and the other history games on my page.

I am sharing with you how to make and play Knucklebones.

It’s one of the oldest discovered ancient games.

Knucklebones is an ancient Greek game typically played with 5 small objects.

Easy Hands-on Fun Ancient Greek Games for Kids DIY Knucklebones

They were initially made from the knuckles of sheep or goats.

It was also called Tali, 5 stones, Jacks, scatter jacks, dibs, jackstones, or astragalus.

It is a primitive form of the modern game of jacks that is played with little metal pieces and a rubber ball.

The game of Knucklebones is 2,000 years old.

How Knucklebones Was Invented

The official rules are not known as it is such an ancient game.

But several versions have been guessed at through paintings and sculptures.

We are making the version that is like the more modern jacks game.

According to Sophocles, the mythical figure Palamedes invented te game of Knucklebones.

And taught it to Greek soldiers during the Trojan War.

Here is an image of a sculpture depicting two Greek girls playing Knucklebones.

They look so much like two little modern girls playing on the sidewalk, don’t they?

Ancient Greek Games for Kids

Look at some other toys ancient Greek children played with or spent their day being entertained with. And learn the Greek name for them.

Spinning Top-Stromvos
Rattles- Platagi
Animal Figurines- Athyrma
Marbles- Spheria
Piggyback game- Ephedrismos
Ourania- Game with a ball
Passe-boule- Similar to basketball

Here are some images of Ancient Gr e ek Toys to get an idea of what they looked like.

Ancient Greece Game Knucklebones Rules

You can play this game with 1 to 4 players. Cast (or toss) the knucklebones the same way you would dice.

Toss one knucklebone up into the air and try to grab one off the ground. Catch the falling one before it hits the ground.

Repeat but grab 2, then 3, then 4 to complete a sequence.

The winner is the first person to complete all the required sequences.

You can also play by tossing up all into the air and trying to catch as many as you can on the back of the hand or in your palm.

If you are going to play this version make your knucklebones smaller so they are easier to catch and don’t hurt.

Yet another variation is to try to toss one up and grab as many as you can in your hand before it falls.

You will want to practice.

Don’t scatter them to much or throw them too high. This will give you more control over catching them or grabbing them up.

Also, a completely different take on knucklebones assigns a points system to each side of the die.

And the winner is the one with the highest point value after tossing the knucklebones and counting up where they land. This is where the numbers or symbols you added come into the game.

Encourage your children to make up their own game with the Knucklebones. See what their imagination comes up with.

Next, look how to make your own DIY Knucklebones.

How to Make DIY Knucklebones Game

I found this terra cotta air dry clay at dollar tree and thought it looked pretty ancient so it was perfect.

You will need:

Air dry clay
Paint pen or permanent marker

Then, create a rustic dice shape by first rolling 4 to 5 similar sized balls of clay out.

Next, pinch to create a bowed shape on the top and bottom of one face. But don’t invert too much if you plan on writing/drawing on them.

Rotate and repeat this step all the way around, this will give us a basic shape similar to real knucklebones.

Allow the clay to dry completely. This is what your final shape should look like.

Decorate your sides with numbers or symbols if you like using a small paintbrush and paint or a paint pen.

We researched ancient Greek numbers and used those. This will give your child some math practice too. You could also make up your own symbols for your family if you want.

Make a key like I did here to keep track of what each Greek number represents.

What do you think? What other Ancient Greek games for kids will you add to your Ancient Greece Unit study?

Other History Games for Kids

And finally, here are some other Ancient Greece activities.

Other Ancient Greece Activities

15 Fun Resources For History for Kindergarten Homeschool

September 24, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

These 15 fun resources for history for kindergarten homeschool can be added to the solids tips I share for kindergarten homeschool curriculum.

In addition, teaching history to a kindergarten aged child is not easy to know how to do.

In my 20+ years of homeschooling, I am familiar with how some public school teach it.

Combining an amalgam of subjects that fall under the social studies umbrella is how many schools teach kindergarten homeschool history.

15 Fun Resources For History for Kindergarten Homeschool

And many homeschool families of kindergarten children are not even sure what is social studies.

In addition, if not taught at the level your child can understand history can go right over a child’s head.

Then, the next important thing to consider about teaching history is to know what is your local homeschool law.

4 Ways to Teach Kindergarten Homeschool History

Look at what is important to know about how to teach history to kindergarten aged children.

1. Start With An All About Me Focus

Unlike many history resources which start from the beginning like ancient history and move forward that concept can be hard to understand by young children.

Until a child is older, he doesn’t have a full grasp on understanding the passing of time or how earlier cultures influenced later ones.

So, the point I’m making is that if you start by teaching history by teaching the child about him and his family.

Learn about the house, city, state, country and continent where your child lives and work from the inside out.

Too, learning what are community helpers, helping a five-year-old learn about past and present, and simply reading aloud are effective ways of teaching beginning history.

One of the reasons this is a powerful way for a child this age to learn is that it helps them to make the connection of what is history.

2. History Should be Play-Based.

In addition, some families feel homeschooling should be worksheet based or homeschool like a public school.

I don’t embrace those mindsets for the fact that learning should be developmentally appropriate.

Although these mindsets have loomed in the homeschooling community, it’s more prevalent now.

Perhaps it’s because we have many post pandemic homeschooling families now.

Whatever the reason, the way children at this age learn best for any subject is play-based.

And incorporating play-based learning into history for kindergarten homeschool is not as hard as it may seem.

For example, look at a few of these ideas which can be used for any history topic.

Play dough is timeless. Your child can create any landmark, history figure, or play food.
Dress up for any time period or to act any event is memorable. Your child won’t easily forget what you’re teaching.
Get outside. Many history topics like all homeschool subjects are intertwined with science. Whether you child is on the hunt for something that looks like a fossil or arrow heads, you’ll give him a creative outlet.

3. Understand what is Social Studies.

Additionally, as I mentioned many subjects are intertwined.

There are certain times in your journey when children need exposure to a variety of topics to see their connection.

Understanding what is meant by social studies can help you to intertwine or make connections for your child.

For example, there are many definitions for social studies, but one general one is that the term means to combine learning bits on these topics:

History
Geography
Social science
American government and
World Geography.

As you can see doing map work along with learning about cultures, countries, foods, and animals around the world stimulates a love of history in your child.

So, history is much more than about dead people or much more than map work. It’s far from boring.

4. Use Living Books.

Finally, use living books. I had a love of books and classics when I began to homeschool but didn’t understand what is a living book.

Look at these things that are tell-tale signs of a living book.

Opposite a textbook is a book written by an author that is passionate about the subject. He either is knowledgeable about the subject because it could be his lifework or it’s personal experience.
Instead of presenting dry hard facts, a reader is drawn in through a story, which is always the best way of remembering any set of facts.

And if you’re teaching multiple ages, it can be hard to find resources.

So, be sure you look at 35 Simple But Powerful American History Homeschool Resources K to 12.

More Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum Resources

Then, you’ll love these other kindergarten homeschool resources:

Whether you want to do a basic history introduction or a full-blown curriculum, you have many ways to keep history fun.

More Homeschool History Curriculum Tips

Besides, you have many years ahead to teach a five-year-old. Make the beginning fun and spark a love of history.

History for Kindergarten Homeschool

Finally, unless you state requires it, you can follow your child’s lead and learn what interests your child.

A lot of social studies curriculum include some of the following concepts:

What is a town
Where are you on a map
What is a map
Introducing the cardinal directions
What are American symbols
What is a citizen
and I mentioned about community helpers before.

Field trips and visiting museums are the backbone of a amazing history experience.

Reading aloud, doing fun hands-on history activities, and taking field trips you’re sure to nurture a budding history lover.

Lastly, look at these history resources for kindergarten.

History Resources for Homeschool Kindergarten

Because homeschool kindergarten history can be taught in many ways, you'll want curriculum and resources along with hands-on fun.

Photo Credit: blossomandroot.gumroad.com

Arts and the History of Me

- History and geography with a focus on your child's own ancestry, family, and community. Adaptable to your home country! Includes child workbook.

Geronimo Stilton Field Trip to Niagara Falls Summary

The series of Geronimo Stilton books includes history and geography and is geared toward budding readers.

The best thing is that there are so many ideas for fun hands-on ideas.

Around the World Coloring Book

Ideal for home or classroom use, this entertaining and educational coloring book helps youngsters identify and locate Mexico, Argentina, Saudi Arabia, India, Spain, France, Nigeria, and 23 other countries of the world.

And because Dover makes such beautiful quality coloring books, they are perfect for teaching children history.

Photo Credit: www.bfbooks.com

AROUND THE WORLD WITH PICTURE BOOKS

Then Beautiful Feet has living literature and I've used them for years from K to 12.

Il love that they give a framework to learn with beautiful literature.

Reading aloud and learning about other countries through picture books is one of the best ways to learn.

All your children are sure to love their literature.

180 Days of Social Studies: Grade K

Although I'm not a fan of worksheets, some color pages and activities have merit.

Plus, the pages are great at helping your and your child to understand what is history and civics, etc.

I've used these books to get an idea of what to make hands on to teach concepts.

And as it states, it has a mix of social studies topic.

The Story of the World: History for the Classical Child: Volume 1: Ancient Times: From the Earliest Nomads to the Last Roman Emperor

Story of the World is one of the first resources I used when I had a Kindergartener and older children.

Don't be put off by the fact it says it's for 1 to 6th grade.

It's a VERY flexible resource in helping you to teach multiple ages.

I list books based for different levels and explains history in a story format.

The 50 States: Activity Book: Maps of the 50 States of the USA

And children are at different levels of maturity, but most doing some kind of activity and sticker book.

Me on the Map

What a beautiful resource to help even the younger learner to learn about maps.

Maps can show you where you are anywhere in the world!

A beloved bestseller that helps children discover their place on the planet.

Photo Credit: buildyourlibrary.com

Level 0 curriculum Around the World

.Buiild Your Library is an unusual curriculum resource in that you buy or borrow your own books and use the download as a guide. Here is what it says about Level O Around the World

You are about to embark on an adventure around the world with your kindergarten child! We’ll be visiting each of the seven continents and exploring the amazing places found on our planet earth! This is a gentle but exciting tour around the world.

The White House Cut & Assemble

Simple instructions and clear diagrams to create an expertly designed, beautifully crafted, authentically detailed model of the White House.

And the best part about books like this is that all your children can join in.

George Washington Coloring Book

Born and raised among the wealthy, slave-holding aristocracy of colonial Virginia, George Washington devoted his life to the establishment and success of America as an independent nation

Who Was Anne Frank? (Who Was? Series)

And you'll love the Who Is Series for your kids. Read aloud and learn about different characters.

You can go through part of the collection or just add a few famous history makers.

Bede's History of ME

Bede is a timeline ... who strongly resembles a ball of yarn.

This loveable character introduces young children to the basics of history in a fun way-once a week, all year long.

Standups! Presidents: 8 Easy-to-Make Models!

Then I've always had books like these stand up presidents around. However, this book is now limited availability.

But I'm still putting it here in case you come across it. Too, Dover makes this book and hopefully will come out with more models.

It's fun to have some thing hands on as you're teaching about the presidents.

History, Geography, and Hands On Learning Ideas for Homeschool Kindergarten

Children this age love to learn about the world around them, but it doesn't have to be complicated.

World Map Puzzle for Kids -With Continents

World Map Puzzle set is an entertaining educational activity for kids to help stimulate and challenge their minds, and aid in development as they play and learn

United States Puzzle for Kids

United States Puzzle for Kids set is an entertaining educational activity for kids to help stimulate and challenge their minds.

Geronimo Stilton Adventures The Journey Through Time #2: Back in Time (Colosseum Craft)

August 25, 2022 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Geronimo Stilton adventures abound. And your kids will love the Geronimo Stilton book, The Journey Through Time #2: Back in Time for the next time travel adventure.

Too, I have a hands-on history Ancient Rome Colosseum craft idea for this book.

Not only is this activity a great way to use up some of those Amazon boxes, but it is a great hands-on way to study one of the most famous historical landmarks and Ancient Rome.

Geronimo Stilton Adventures The Journey Through Time #2: Back in Time (Colosseum Craft)

Your child can learn about the advanced building techniques, the events, the people, their homes, clothes, and more through eyes of that fun loving mouse, Geronimo Stilton.

As you peek into ancient Rome through the eyes of Geronimo Stilton in The Second Journey Through Time, he travels to Ancient Rome in the year 45 BCE.

Hands-on History Activity

While the Colosseum wasn’t built until later than is depicted in this Geronimo Stilton story, you can hardly talk about the incredible architecture of Ancient Rome without mentioning the Colosseum.

This gives you the perfect opportunity to talk about when each building was created and perhaps even make a timeline to help make it more concrete. See how naturally a unit study grows from a topic of interest?

Geronimo Stilton gives a colorful and interesting view into the Circus Maximus, Roman mythology, a great visual of Roman attire and a Roman House.

These would all make great unit study topics taken from The Second Journey Through Time.

The books are thorough on the topics they cover and pull kids in with pictures and words. This is just part 1 of 3 parts of the book.

Also, Safari Toobs are a great addition to hands on homeschool activities.

They can be added to simple or complex sensory bins, used in dioramas, or as art inspiration.

And the toobs set can be a visual for people and landmarks of those times or even to make our cardboard Roman Colosseum come alive.

Ancient Roman Colosseum Facts

Next, look at some Ancient Roman Colosseum facts to share while you’re teaching this hands-on cardboard history craft.

The Colosseum was originally called the Flavian Amphitheater
It was completed in the year 80 AD
In medieval times the colosseum was used as a church
The Colosseum is made of travertine stone and thousands of iron clamps.
It’s oval not round as it tends to look in photos.
Beneath the Colosseum is the Hypogeum, a complex network of tunnels that animals, gladiators, and prisoners were kept prior to events.
The last record of gladiator battles in the Colosseum are from the year 435.

These books also make fantastic supplements to an Ancient Rome Unit Study and round it out nicely

Look at these other books.

Easy Books about Ancient Rome

Where is the Colosseum? Perfect for read aloud or independent reading time.

Tools of The Ancient Romans – This has some fantastic information as well as hands on activities for the time period.

Again, they make great add-ons for this unit study and to compliment the Geronimo Stilton adventures.

How to Make An Ancient Rome Cardboard Colosseum

Finally, here is what you will need to build your own Cardboard Roman Colosseum:

Corrugated cardboard boxes
Packaging tape
craft paints
Straight edge cutter
Baking soda
paint brushes, sponge brush

You will need a larger box or several to join together to create the largest piece

First, slice your cardboard into a large strip.

Because mine had flaps already on it, I just left one that I trimmed down rather than cutting it off and reattaching it to create the taller portion of the Colosseum.

I found that if you cut the bottom flaps off the box from the inside so that your hand/knife rests on the bottom it is much easier to cut a straight line.

Peel off as much of your tape and labels as you can.

If some doesn’t come off its okay, the textured paint will help cover these up.

Score from the top to the bottom down the inside the long piece about every 4-6”.

Make sure you just go through the first layer of cardboard as this will make it easier to create the curved shape of the exterior.

Paint a basecoat of white all over the box template.

Allow to dry on one side and then repeat on the other. Allow to dry partially before moving on to the next step.

Create a mixture of 3 parts paint to 1 part baking soda. This combo gives a great texture like limestone or plaster to make it a little more realistic.

Ancient Rome Project

I added a little bit of brown to mine to dull the brightness of the white as well.

Paint this on thickly, tap with brush and do some areas thinner and thicker to create an aged effect.

You only need to paint this on the outside of your structure but you can do both if you like. Allow to dry completely.

Draw on the many windows with a pencil and then paint them in.

This technique is easiest and the best choice for younger children. You could make it even easier by using a paint pen or just a black sharpie to color in the windows.

For older children you may choose to pencil in the windows and have them cut them out with a sharp blade.

Another option is to cut out a bunch of hte rounded windows and let your child glue them into place.

Curve your cardboard template into a circle shape and tape the back seam, you can use clear packing tape or box tape on the inside.