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Free Sleuths Calendar Daily Challenge For Your Science Lover

December 31, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a fun freebie for your science lover. It is a science sleuths’ calendar daily challenge with answers.

A daily science challenge is a nice change to laid out science curriculum. And your child can do this independently or with you.

For example, kids can learn without burnout because there is no pressure. Too, it nurtures natural curiosity.

Free Sleuths Calendar Daily Challenge For Your Science Lover

Also, everyday turns to unforced learning moments.

In addition, I provided answers so it can be self-checking. Add this printable to a student’s notebook so your student can do it anytime and take it on the go.

So this science sleuth challenge invites students to observe, ask questions and make predictions. Besides, one of the questions and answers may spark a topic that can turn unit study.

SCIENCE BOOKS FOR KIDS

Next, look at these books that you can use for multiple ages or to spark an investigation, activity or experiment.

10 Science Books for Middle School

While not an exhaustive list, here is a good start on all three types of books to fill your bookshelves and offer your 6-8th graders brain food.

Image for Everything You Need to Ace Science in One Big Fat Notebook: The Complete Middle School Study Guide

Everything You Need to Ace Science in One Big Fat Notebook: The Complete Middle School Study Guide

The BIG FAT NOTEBOOK™ series is built on a simple and irresistible conceit—borrowing the notes from the smartest kid in class. There are five books in all, and each is the only book you need for each main subject taught in middle school: Math, Science, American History, English Language Arts, and World History. Inside the reader will find every subject’s key concepts, easily digested and summarized: Critical ideas highlighted in neon colors. Definitions explained. Doodles that illuminate tricky concepts in marker. Mnemonics for memorable shortcuts. And quizzes to recap it all.

Image for The Science Chef: 100 Fun Food Experiments and Recipes for Kids

The Science Chef: 100 Fun Food Experiments and Recipes for Kids

What melts in your mouth and not in your hands, plumps when youcook it, and comes in more than forty-eight scrumptious flavors?Give up? The correct answer is: Science!With The Science Chef you'll learn loads of basic science by doingfun, easy-to-perform cooking projects. And you get to eat theresults when you're finished!Why do onions make you cry? How does yeast make bread rise? Whatmakes popcorn pop, whipped cream frothy, and angel food cakefluffy? You'll discover the scientific answers to these and dozensof other tasty mysteries when you prepare kid-tested recipes foreverything from Cinnamon Toast and Basic Baked Potatoes toStromboli Pizzoli and Monkey Bread.Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cook, you can become agreat Science Chef. All 100 experiments and recipes require onlycommon ingredients and standard kitchen utensils. And The ScienceChef includes rules for kitchen safety and cleanup, plus a completenutrition guide.

Image for The Physics of Popcorn (Curious World of Kitchen Science)

The Physics of Popcorn (Curious World of Kitchen Science)

Learn how the microwave oven works, conduct experiments with static electricity, and discover the truth about toast!

Image for The Kingfisher Science Encyclopedia

The Kingfisher Science Encyclopedia

Science is vital for every inhabitant of today’s world, and being scientifically informed and literate is a crucial part of any child’s education. Science can seem daunting –- especially as scientific knowledge advances so quickly –- and this volume is the perfect purchase for any family. It will bear repeated use by all the family from 10+ through the teenage years.Fully updated for this new 4th edition with the very latest facts and data; clear text and more than 1000 photos and illustrations will inform and amaze.

Image for How to Survive Middle School: Science: A Do-It-Yourself Study Guide

How to Survive Middle School: Science: A Do-It-Yourself Study Guide

Learning is an adventure both inside and outside of the classroom with the How to Survive Middle School study guide series!These colorful, highly visual books cover all the essential info kids need to ace important middle school classes. Large topics are broken down into easy-to-digest chunks, and reflective questions help kids check understanding and become critical thinkers.Written by middle school teachers and vetted by curriculum experts, thisseries is the perfect school supplement or homeschool resource—and a great way to help create independent learners.

Image for The Chemistry of Cola

The Chemistry of Cola

Get ready to play (and learn) with your food! Discover the truth about the problems with plastic and recycling, learn how to read the periodic table, conduct experiments with soda rockets, and more.The Chemistry of Cola uses applied science for a fun and interactive approach to learning for the whole family.

Image for 7 Subject Science Portfolio - Minecraft & The Real World: Ages 10 to 17 - Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Meteorology, Physics, Technology and Zoology ... Homeschooling Workbooks by Thinking Tree)

7 Subject Science Portfolio - Minecraft & The Real World: Ages 10 to 17 - Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Meteorology, Physics, Technology and Zoology ... Homeschooling Workbooks by Thinking Tree)

7 Subject Science Portfolio - Minecraft & The Real World: Ages 10 to 17 - Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Meteorology, Physics, Technology and Zoology ... Homeschooling Workbooks by Thinking Tree)

Image for Exploring Creation with Human Anatomy and Physiology (Young Explorer Series)

Exploring Creation with Human Anatomy and Physiology (Young Explorer Series)

Exploring Creation with Human Anatomy and Physiology (Young Explorer Series)
Image for Science Comics: The Digestive System: A Tour Through Your Guts

Science Comics: The Digestive System: A Tour Through Your Guts

Your guide to the gut is a friendly bacterium who will take you on a journey beyond imagination. Uncover how food is transformed into nutrients! Explore strange and dangerous glands! Behold the wonders of saliva, mucus, and vomit! Writer Jason Viola and illustrator Andy Ristaino provide a trip to the toilet you will never forget!Every volume of Science Comics offers a complete introduction to a particular topic―dinosaurs, the solar system, volcanoes, bats, robots, and more! Whether you're a fourth grader doing a natural science unit at school or a thirty-year-old with a secret passion for airplanes, these graphic novels are for you!

Image for Stargazer's Guide to the Night Sky, The

Stargazer's Guide to the Night Sky, The

The Stargazers Guide to the Night Sky offers everything you need to explore the remarkable beauty of the stars, moon, and planets. Dr. Jason Lisle, a research scientist with a masters and Ph.D. in astrophysics provides a very thorough, practical and easy to read resource to fuel the curiosity of amateur astronomers ages 10 to 100.

  • Understand how the eye works to enhance your views of the night sky
  • Study the 150 stunning, full-color star charts to learn the names and placement of constellations
  • Discover how to observe the galaxies with the naked eye
  • Learn how to choose and use a telescope
  • Investigate the celestial motions and events
  • Learn best practices for astrophotography

These simple tips and tricks from Dr. Lisle will make your stargazing sessions go from mediocre to spectacular. The Stargazers Guide to the Night Sky is the size of a hardcover textbook, boasting 240 glossy pages of education for the hobby astronomer or science student. This resource is excellent for the family, couples, or individuals who like to learn and explore

Then, look at these activities to pair with this free printable challenge.

ACTIVITIES FOR YOUR SCIENCE LOVER

  • Easy Earth Science: Create Layers Of The Earth With Playdough
  • Science Books for Middle School: An Easy Guide for Parents
  • How Cacti Drink: A Fun and Easy Desert Science Experiment
  • Backyard Science Fun and Amazing Spider Web Facts For Kids
  • Chemistry Activities & Free Printable Science Behind Everyday Compounds
  • Oreo Phases Of The Moon Kids Science They’ll Love
  • How to Choose the Right Homeschool High School Science 
  • Online High School Science Courses For Homeschoolers Who Love Choices
  • How To Create An Edible Brain Model For Fun Science
  • How To Build High School Environmental Science Homeschool Curriculum
  • Biology Science Curriculum For Elementary Students They Love & Tiger Craft
Free Sleuths Calendar Daily Challenge For Your Science Lover

This is a subscriber freebie.

HOW TO GET THE FREE SCIENCE SLEUTHS CALENDAR DAILY CHALLENGE & ANSWERS

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: 1. My FREE Learning Printables {Any Topic} Tagged With: freeprintables, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, homeschoolscience, printable, science, science challenges

Stitches Through Time: Colonial And Pioneer Quilts History & Easy Collage

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

Learning about colonial and pioneer quilts and their history gives a unique glimpse into the past.

Quilting is a handicraft that has been around for years. There is evidence that they were used in ancient times. Quilted garments were under armor to protect impact.

Quilts were not just used for warmth as we do today. Normally, a quilt is made of three layers.

Stitches Through Time: Colonial And Pioneer Quilts History & Easy Collage

There is a top layer, middle layer and a backing. Actually, the word quilt comes from a Latin word meaning “stuffed sack. ”The layers are stitched together in patterns.

And when settlers came to America, fabric was expensive. So nothing went to waste. Flour sacks, worn out clothes and scraps could be use to make a quilt.

But quilts are more than just blankets. They’re a glimpse into history through fabric.

BOOKS ABOUT QUILTS FOR KIDS

Next, look at some of these fun books about quilts.

I prefer living books when I can find them.

8 Quilts And The History of Quilts Books

Grab some of these books and resources. You can use a book as a unit study spine to learn about quilts and the history of quilts.

Image for Quilting Now & Then

Quilting Now & Then

Quilting Now & Then explains how quilts are made and compares today's methods with those used in olden days. Nineteen exquisite quilts sewn exclusively for this book brighten the 36 pages of full-color illustrations.

Image for Papa And The Pioneer Quilt

Papa And The Pioneer Quilt

Collecting pieces of cloth along her family's long journey on the Oregon Trail, Rebecca looks forward to the day when they are finally in their new home out west and can make her special quilt that will forever remind her of this amazing experience.

Image for The Patchwork Quilt

The Patchwork Quilt

Tanya finds her grandmother sitting by the window one day surrounded by pieces of material. Grandma has decided to make herself a patchwork quilt to replace the old one her mother made her. This story covers the progress of the quilt.

Image for Colonial Craftsmen: And the Beginnings of American Industry

Colonial Craftsmen: And the Beginnings of American Industry

The vanished ways of colonial America's skilled craftsmen are vividly reconstructed in this superb book by Edwin Tunis. With incomparable wit and learning, and in over 450 meticulous drawings, the author describes the working methods and products, houses and shops, town and country trades, and individual and group enterprises by which the early Americans forged the economy of the New World.

In the tiny coastal settlements, which usually sprang up around a mill or near a tanyard, the first craftsmen set up their trades. The blacksmith, cooper, joiner, weaver, cordwainer, and housewright, working alone or with several assistants, invented their own tools and devised their own methods. Soon they were making products that far surpassed their early models: the American ax was so popular that English ironmongers often labeled their own axes "American" to sell them more readily. In the town squares a colonist could have his bread baked to order, bring in his wig to be curled, have his eyeglasses ground, his medicine prescription filled, or buy snuff for his many pocket boxes. With the thriving trade in "bespoke" or made-to-order work, fine American styles evolved; many of these are priceless heirlooms now―the silverware of Paul Revere and John Coney, redware and Queensware pottery, Poyntell hand-blocked wallpaper, the Kentucky rifle, Conestoga wagon, and the iron grillework still seen in some parts of the South. The author discusses in detail many of the trades which have since developed into important industries, like papermaking, glassmaking, shipbuilding, printing, and metalworking, often reconstructing from his own careful research the complex equipment used in these enterprises.

Image for Mother Earth and Her Children: A Quilted Fairy Tale

Mother Earth and Her Children: A Quilted Fairy Tale

The incredibly intricate and vivid illustrations in this book are details of a modern quilt inspired by Sibylle von Olfers' classic storybook Mother Earth and Her Children. This vibrant new translation, in turn inspired by the quilt, explores the changing of the seasons and delicately touches upon the circle of life. When Mother Earth calls her children to prepare for spring, the earthly children yawn and stretch before they busy themselves with
beautification. They dust off the bumblebees, scrub the beetles, paint bright new coats on the ladybugs, and rouse the caterpillars from their cocoons. Bedecked with new blossoms, the children emerge from the earth
and become spring flowers that frolic through the summer and autumn, until the leaves begin to fall and they return to Mother Earth, bringing the weary bugs and beetles back to their winter refuge.

Image for Early Family Home (Early Settler Life)

Early Family Home (Early Settler Life)

Describes the life of early settlers, including the construction of a home, the clearing of land, folk medicine, candle making, quilting bees, weaving, and wedding parties

Image for Made By Hand: A Crafts Sampler

Made By Hand: A Crafts Sampler

Whirr, buzz, hum. Before busy machines in factories turned out most of what we need and use, people crafted these items by hand. From a globe to a pie crimper, a butter churn to a rocking horse, this unique collection highlights fourteen one-of-a-kind objects — each one drafted, stitched, painted, or engraved by hand. Author Carole Lexa Schaefer draws inspiration from real historical artifacts to create thirteen short works of fiction, imagining the hands that might have made and used each item. Several artifacts can be traced to their origin, while others remain complete mysteries, making for a fascinating patchwork of fact, guesswork, and imagination. Illustrator Becca Stadtlander breathes color and charm into this handmade history, bringing to life the different objects, people, and times. The result is a singular glimpse of everyday objects and
treasures alike — back when such things were made by hand.

Image for The Quiltmaker's Gift

The Quiltmaker's Gift

In this enchantingly told original folktale, a wise quiltmaker makes the most beautiful quilts in the world – but she will give them only to those who have nothing. When a rich, dissatisfied king insists that she give him one of her quilts, she gives him what seems an impossible task: to give away all he owns. One by one, the king gives away his many possessions, and finds that the more he gives away, the happier he is. Finally, when the king has nothing, the quiltmaker gives him the promised quilt. But he knows that the true reward for his generosity has been the smiles of those he has helped.The Quiltmaker's Gift has touched the hearts of readers young and old, bringing it to the PW bestseller list and earning it numerous awards and commendations. The heartwarming, strongly moral tale supports important values, and the detailed illustrations, featuring dozens of lovingly rendered quilt patterns, offer hours of delight.

Image for Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt (Reading Rainbow Books)

Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt (Reading Rainbow Books)

Clara, a slave and seamstress on Home Plantation, dreams of freedom—not just for herself, but for her family and friends. When she overhears a conversation about the Underground Railroad, she has a flash of inspiration. Using scraps of cloth from her work in the Big House and scraps of information gathered from other slaves, she fashions a map that the master would never even recognize. . . .From the award-winning author-illustrator team of Deborah Hopkinson and James Ransome, this fictional tale of the Underground Railroad continues to inspire young readers 25 years after its original publication.

Also, look at some of the other activities about colonial and pioneer quilts.

MORE COLONIAL AND PIONEER QUILT CRAFTS

  • Post It Note Paper Quilt Art
  • Paper Quilts
  • Colonial Quilt
  • A Brief History of Quilting in America
  • Make a Pioneer Quilt Craft
  • Kirsten Pioneer Craft – Crazy Quilt

Finally, look how to make this easy paper quilt.

QUILTING SQUARE COLLAGE

This paper collage activity introduces kids to the look and layout of traditional colonial quilts using simple shapes and patterns.

By arranging colorful paper squares into repeating designs, kids explore symmetry, patterning, and early American history in a hands-on way.

Stitches Through Time: Colonial And Pioneer Quilts History & Easy Collage

Supply List

  • Construction paper in a variety of colors
  • Scissors
  • Optional: Glue
Stitches Through Time: Colonial And Pioneer Quilts History & Easy Collage

First, cut construction paper into small, evenly sized squares.

Invite kids to arrange the paper squares into a quilt-style pattern.

Stitches Through Time: Colonial And Pioneer Quilts History & Easy Collage

Encourage rows, repeating colors, or mirrored designs inspired by traditional quilts.

Optional: Once the design is complete, glue each square down one at a time on a piece of paper.

Stitches Through Time: Colonial And Pioneer Quilts History & Easy Collage

Benefits

  • Supports creativity while working within simple design rules
  • Builds pattern recognition and early math skills
  • Strengthens fine motor skills through cutting and gluing
  • Encourages planning, sequencing, and visual organization
  • Introduces children to colonial history and traditional textile art

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

Free Guide: Financial Literacy Lessons And Activities Kids Will Love

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

i have a free printable that will guide you to teach financial literacy lessons and activities.

We wear many hats as homeschool moms because we don’t just educate but teach our children valuable life skills.

For example, financial literacy should start as early as possible. Budgeting, saving, avoiding debt, and making wise financial choices are topics we want to teach naturally each day.

Free Guide: Financial Literacy Lessons And Activities Kids Will Love

And grocery shopping becomes a budgeting lesson. Saving for a goal becomes a math and character lesson.

And you can teach other concepts through everyday life. For instance, earning versus spending, making wise choices with money and learning what is a budget.

BOOKS ABOUT MONEY AND FINANCES FOR KIDS

Next, look at these books to help your kids learn about money and finances.

8 Rad Money Resources to Teach Money For All Ages

Grab some of these money resources to teach your children about how to save and budget money.

Image for Not Your Parents' Money Book: Making, Saving, and Spending Your Own Money

Not Your Parents' Money Book: Making, Saving, and Spending Your Own Money

For the first time, financial guru and TODAY Show regular Jean Chatzky brings her expertise to a young audience. Chatzky provides her unique, savvy perspective on money with advice and insight on managing finances, even on a small scale. This book will reach kids before bad spending habits can get out of control. With answers and ideas from real kids, this grounded approach to spending and saving will be a welcome change for kids who are inundated by a consumer driven culture. This book talks about money through the ages, how money is actually made and spent, and the best ways for tweens to earn and save money.

Image for The Toothpaste Millionaire

The Toothpaste Millionaire

Sixth-grader Rufus Mayflower is betting that he can make a whole gallon of toothpaste for the same price as one tube from the store.
There’s just one problem, he has to solve real-life mathematical
equations first! With help from his good friend Kate Mackinstrey, can
these two entrepreneurs keep up with the high demand for their popular product? Beloved children’s author Jean Merrill introduces readers to the ins and outs of a budding business, from costs to profits, in this exciting tale about perseverance, ingenuity, and underdogs.

Image for Learning Resources Money Bags Coin Value Game

Learning Resources Money Bags Coin Value Game

  • MONEY GAME FOR KIDS: Players collect, count, and exchange money all the way to the finish line
  • MONEY SKILLS: Learn valuable money skills through fun game play
  • PLAY MONEY: Includes game board with spinner, 100 plastic coins, play bills, markers, and dice
Image for Smart Money Smart Kids - Raising the Next Generation to Win with Money

Smart Money Smart Kids - Raising the Next Generation to Win with Money

In Smart Money Smart Kids, financial expert and best-selling author Dave Ramsey and his daughter Rachel Cruze equip parents to teach their children how to win with money. Starting with the basics like working, spending, saving, and giving, and moving into more challenging issues like avoiding debt for life, paying cash for college, and battling discontentment, Dave and Rachel present a no-nonsense, common-sense approach for changing your family tree.

Image for I Want More Pizza: Real World Money Skills For High School, College, And Beyond

I Want More Pizza: Real World Money Skills For High School, College, And Beyond

The perfect gift! Give the gift of financial literacy to your teen - they will thank you for a lifetime. You are not alone; it is often difficult to reach young adults on the topic of money management, but look no further. I Want More Pizza finally has teenagers excited about personal finance and is giving them the confidence that they can succeed. This resource is being used in classrooms around the nation as young adults enjoy the pizza model for learning about money management. Now available for the first time for you to bring into your home, give your young adult the gift of financial literacy and they will thank you for a lifetime. Primary topics discussed include saving, spending, prioritization, goal setting, compound growth, investing, debt, credit cards, student loans, mental blocks, and taking real world action.I am sure you have heard a few of these: "I don't need it", "I'm too young", "I need to spend my money on _____ ", and the list goes on. The pizza model for learning personal finance breaks down those barriers because, well, everyone loves pizza! Just because money management is extremely important doesn't mean that it has to be extremely complex. I Want More Pizza leaves them in complete control to find the plan that works for your young adult - it's their choice. If they don't enjoy math or don't like to plan, no problem, we've got them covered as well. And it's only ~100 pages, which young adults love given their busy social calendars. Money doesn't have to be stressful. Finally reach your young adult and help them become financially literate for a lifetime. After all, there is a lot of pizza in life to enjoy!

Image for Managing Your Money (Usborne Life Skills)

Managing Your Money (Usborne Life Skills)

This down-to-earth guide is filled with practical advice on everything from how to budget and be a smart shopper to student loans, mortgages and insurance. An essential book for equipping young people with the skills they need to manage their money now and in the future. Includes links to websites with more tips and advice.

Image for 12 Ways for a Homeschooled Teen to Earn Money - A Budding Entrepreneur?

12 Ways for a Homeschooled Teen to Earn Money - A Budding Entrepreneur?

Long before they are of age to start working, kids want their own money. And whether they count bricks at a construction site as a kid like my entrepreneur husband did or just want some spending money, kids are looking for creative ways to earn their own bucks.

Image for Economics for Beginners

Economics for Beginners

Nobody has everything they need, all the time – so how can we make do with what we have? Economics is all about understanding the choices we make to solve this problem. With bright, infographics pictures, this informative book describes why markets are so important, how businesses work out what to sell, and how governments choose how to run a country. Includes Usborne Quicklinks to specially selected websites for more information.

Next, look at these financial literacy lessons and activities.

MORE FINANCIAL LITERACY LESSONS AND ACTIVITIES

  • Math Lapbook Ideas And Free Time And Money Lapbook
  • Pizza Party Math: Exciting Money Math Activities with Felt Pizzas
  • 12 Ways for a Homeschooled Teen to Earn Money – A Budding Entrepreneur?
  • Easy Fall Crafts To Make And Sell By Kids & Scarecrow Candy Jar
  • Successful Entrepreneur-3 Best Homeschooled Teen Resources
  • High School Elective: Peek at Principles and Precepts of Economics
  • Middle School Hands-on Math Activities & Free Prime Numbers Printable
  • Easy and Fun Coin Hunt Sensory Bin For Kindergarten
Free Guide: Financial Literacy Lessons And Activities Kids Will Love

Then, look at how to grab this guide.

HOW TO GET THE FREE A GUIDE TO FINANCIAL LITERACY FOR KIDS

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: finances, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, money

How to Create a Snowstorm in a Bottle: Fun Kids Project

December 23, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

A snowstorm in a bottle is an easy hands-on science activity that blends chemistry, weather science, sensory exploration, and creativity. Also, grab more ideas and a free lapbook for winter fun on my page Winter Season Unit Study.

Too, you’ll love my Arctic and Inuit Unit Study. Free Lapbook – Hands-on Ideas and my Arctic Region pages. Winter weather brings snowflakes, frosty mornings, and swirling storms.

With a few simple supplies, you can bring all that wintry wonder right into your homeschool room as part of a mini or larger winter unit.

How to Create a Snowstorm in a Bottle: Fun Kids Project

Whether you’re studying winter weather patterns, states of matter, or just want a fun seasonal project, this glowing little experiment will captivate kids of all ages.

Go from a simple, fun winter activity to a whole amazing winter unit study by adding a few resources like books, more hands-on activities, videos, and more.

No need to look further than just a little lower on the page for all the cool things I found.

BOOKS ABOUT SNOW FOR KIDS

Next, make it a full day of learning about the cold and snow through these books I’ve rounded up.

I prefer living books and have added them to the list.

13 Snow, Snowman, Animals, and Winter Books

Add one or more of these books to your learning day if you're learning about snow, snowflakes, winter or just for fun.

Image for Winter Cottage

Winter Cottage

Immerse Yourself in This Story of Love and Companionship Amidst Deprivation

It is the fall of 1930, and America has plunged into the Great Depression. On a remote dirt road deep in the snowy woods of northern Wisconsin, misfortune forces the impoverished Sparkes family to take desperate measures.

A wayfaring quartet consisting of thirteen-year-old Araminta (nicknamed Minty), her recently unemployed father-a poetry-quoting widower called Pops-and her younger sister, Eglantine (known as Eggs-a dreamer like Pops), and their dog, Buster, are on their way to Minneapolis to live with the curmudgeonly Aunt Amy. When their car breaks down and they are unable to fix it, the homeless four stumble upon a vacant summer cottage by a lake. In desperate straits, they decide to settle in.

Image for 1. The Story of Snow: The Science of Winter's Wonder

1. The Story of Snow: The Science of Winter's Wonder

How do snow crystals form? What shapes can they take? Are no two snow crystals alike? These questions and more are answered inside this exploration of the science of snow, featuring photos of real snow crystals in all their beautiful diversity. Perfect for reading on winter days, this book by a nature photographer and a snow scientist will inspire wonder and curiosity about the marvels of snow. 

Image for 2. Sneezy the Snowman

2. Sneezy the Snowman

B-R-R-R-R! AH-CHOO! Sneezy the Snowman is cold, cold, cold. To warm up, he drinks cocoa, sits in a hot tub, stands near a warm fire–and melts! But the children know just what to do to build him up again–and make him feel “just right”.

Image for 3. Snowmen at Night

3. Snowmen at Night

Have you ever built a snowman and discovered the next day that his grin has gotten a little crooked, or his tree-branch arms have moved? And you've wondered . . . what do snowmen do at night? This delightful wintertime tale reveals all!

Image for 4. The Biggest Snowman Ever

4. The Biggest Snowman Ever

When the mayor of Mouseville announces the town snowman contest, Clayton and Desmond claim that they will each make the biggest snowman ever. But building a huge snowman alone is hard! They work and work, but their snowmen just aren't big enough. Soon they have an idea. As the day of the contest approaches, Clayton and Desmond join forces to build the biggest snowman ever.

Image for 5. Over and Under the Snow

5. Over and Under the Snow

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

Image for A Hat for Minerva Louise

A Hat for Minerva Louise

"Stoeke's second book about that intrepid screwball, Minerva Louise, is a rare find."—The Horn Book, starred review. The other chickens hate snowy mornings. But not Minerva Louise! To her a snowy day—like everything else—is an adventure. But this chilly, chipper hen needs something to keep her warm. What she finds—and how she finds it—will keep young readers cackling.

Image for 6. How to Catch a Snowman

6. How to Catch a Snowman

Our heroes' entry for the snowman contest has magically come to life―and ran away! Can YOU help catch it? Get ready for snow much fun as you travel through a winter wonderland with running, skating, and bouncing through trap after trap to catch the snowman and claim the winning prize. Will the snowman teach our heroes a lesson they'll never forget?

Image for The Big Snow

The Big Snow

When the geese begin to fly south, the leaves flutter down from the trees and the cold winds begin to blow from the north, the animals of the woods and meadows, big and small, prepare for the long, cold winter ahead when the countryside is hidden under a deep blanket of snow. They gather food and look for warm, snug places in the ground, trees, caves or thickets, where they can find protection against the icy winds.It might have been hard for the birds and animals of the hillside to survive when the Big Snow came if their good friends, who lived in the little stone house, had not remembered to put food out for them.Here, in many beautiful pictures, the Haders show how winter comes to the woodland as the busy animals make their preparations.

Image for 7. Curious About Snow (Smithsonian)

7. Curious About Snow (Smithsonian)

The Smithsonian does things right and this Curious About Snow book is a
great introduction for curious kiddos with real images and simple explanations.

Image for 8. Animals in Winter

8. Animals in Winter

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

Image for 9. Arctic Figurines, Including A Harp Seal, Husky, Caribou, Arctic Rabbit, Killer Whale, Walrus, Arctic Fox, Beluga Whale, Igloo, And Polar Bear

9. Arctic Figurines, Including A Harp Seal, Husky, Caribou, Arctic Rabbit, Killer Whale, Walrus, Arctic Fox, Beluga Whale, Igloo, And Polar Bear

SET OF 10 FUN AND FRIGID FIGURES – It’s hard to stay warm at the North Pole, but you can discover its wonders in your home with these frigid friends. This TOOB includes a Harp Seal, Husky, Caribou, Arctic Rabbit, Killer Whale, Walrus, Arctic Fox, Beluga Whale, Igloo, and Polar Bear.

Image for 10. Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World

10. Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World

See the world in a whole new way! Acclaimed illustrator Julia Rothman combines art and science in this exciting and educational guide to the structure, function, and personality of the natural world. Explore the anatomy of a jellyfish, the inside of a volcano, monarch butterfly migration, how sunsets work, and much more. Rothman’s whimsical illustrations are paired with interactive activities that encourage curiosity and inspire you to look more closely at the world all around you.

Let’s dive into how it works, why it works, and how you can expand the lesson into a multi-day winter science unit.

A snowstorm in a bottle is a simple experiment where white paint or glitter “snow” floats and falls inside a liquid-filled jar, mimicking the swirling movement of a winter blizzard and the snowy drifts too.

The magic happens through differences in density: materials of different weights and thicknesses interact inside the bottle, creating a realistic falling snow effect.

SNOWSTORM IN A BOTTLE: WINTER WEATHER FACTS

  • Snowflakes always have six sides because of the hexagonal lattice structure of water molecules as they freeze.
  • No two snowflakes are identical, although they often share similar patterns.
  •  To be labeled as a blizzard, the storm must have winds of at least 35 mph, heavy blowing snow, and last for at least three hours.
  • The largest snowflake ever recorded reportedly measured 15 inches wide (observed in Montana in 1887).
  • Snow is not actually white; it looks white because ice crystals reflect all wavelengths of light.
  • About 80% of all freshwater on Earth is frozen in glaciers and ice caps.
  • Snow acts as a natural insulator, keeping animals like foxes and mice warm under the snowpack.
How to Create a Snowstorm in a Bottle: Fun Kids Project

Then look at these other activities.

SNOW, SNOWSTORMS, AND OTHER WINTER WEATHER RESOURCES

  • Check out my Winter Craft Ideas for Kids: Animals in Winter, Fun Snow Slime.
  • Research why certain regions get more snow than others, which area on the globe gets the most? Who has the most snowstorms?
  • Try these Easy Hands-on Snowflake Winter Craft for Kids Who Don’t Have Snow.
  • Learn about windchill, whiteout, and frostbite.
  • Compare Storms- Blizzards, ice storms, nor’easters,  and snow squalls.
  • Find out How To Make Frozen Bubbles- A Winter Science Activity.
  •  Give your older children creative writing prompts…
  •        “Imagine you are a snowflake inside this storm. What do you see?”
  •        “Describe a winter adventure that happens inside the bottle.”
  •       “Tell a story about a winter storm from an 8-year-old boy’s point of view.”
  •  Watch the fun in The Exploding Snowman Science Experiment
  • W Is For Winter | Snowman Oobleck Activity

Finally, look at how to this fun and easy snowstorm in a bottle.

HOW TO CREATE A SNOWSTORM IN A BOTTLE

You will need:

  • A clear plastic or glass jar
  • Baby oil or vegetable oil
  • Water
  • White washable paint
  • Glitter-optional
  • Alka-Seltzer tablets
How to Create a Snowstorm in a Bottle: Fun Kids Project

Most of these items can be found in your craft bin or at a dollar store, making it an accessible project for any budget.

Fill the jar ¼ of the way with water.

How to Create a Snowstorm in a Bottle: Fun Kids Project

Stir in white craft paint.

How to Create a Snowstorm in a Bottle: Fun Kids Project

Fill the jar three-quarters full with baby oil. Don’t fill it all the way to the top, or it may overflow which can still be fun.

How to Create a Snowstorm in a Bottle: Fun Kids Project

Add glitter to the oil if you like to give it a fun sparkle.

How to Create a Snowstorm in a Bottle: Fun Kids Project

Allow the paint and water to sink to the bottom of the jar below the oil. Oil has a lower density than water, allowing the water mixture to sink and rise.

How to Create a Snowstorm in a Bottle: Fun Kids Project

Drop in a broken Alka-Seltzer tablet. This is where the magic happens! The tablet reacts with the water to form carbon dioxide bubbles.

How to Create a Snowstorm in a Bottle: Fun Kids Project

As the bubbles rise, they carry bits of the painted water upward through the oil. When the bubbles pop, the water “snow” falls again—just like a swirling winter storm.

How to Create a Snowstorm in a Bottle: Fun Kids Project

Alka-Seltzer contains citric acid and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). When it dissolves in water:

  • The ingredients react and form carbon dioxide gas.
  • Bubbles lift the heavier painted water upward.

Repeat the reaction with more pieces of the tablet anytime you want another snowstorm. You may find your child loves seeing the reaction over and over. Be sure to grab a whole box!

I recommend you go with clear baby oil because you can see the reaction much better than you can in the yellow vegetable oil.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, homeschoolinginwinter, science, winter crafts, winter season

Free Printable Lessons Learned From Fables Like Rapunzel Folklore

December 21, 2025 | Leave a Comment
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I have a free printable which is lessons learned from fables like Rapunzel folklore and lessons kids learn from fairytales.

Short stories still matter because they help kids understand the world, themselves, and other people.

For example, a story like Rapunzel is a simple fairytale and immediately kids think about a tower, long hair and daring escape.

Free Printable Lessons Learned From Fables Like Rapunzel Folklore

However, turning that fun story into a meaningful lesson can be fun. For example, Rapunzel’s curiosity about the world beyond her tower teaches kids to balance curiosity with safety.

Despite being isolated, Rapunzel stays hopeful and resourceful.

Her journey shows children that it’s okay to develop independence.

BOOKS ABOUT FAIRYTALES AND FABLES

15 Books for Kids Who Love Reading and Being Read To About Fairy Tales, Legends, and Folk Tales

You’ll love adding these books to your home library about fairy tales, legends and folk tales.

Image for The Complete Grimms' Fairy Tales

The Complete Grimms' Fairy Tales

For over a century, the Grimm brothers' fairy tales have captivated the popular imagination. Their enduring magic and wonder have led to countless adaptations in film, theatre, opera, and animation, firmly establishing them as part of our cultural heritage. Now, in this exquisite leather-bound edition, experience the timeless enchantment of two hundred fairy tales and ten children's legends. Translated from German by Margaret Hunt, these cherished stories, including Cinderella, Hansel and Gretel, Snow White, Rapunzel, and Rumpelstiltskin, offer a treasure trove of imagination for both children and adults. Step into a world of enchantment and embrace the legacy of the Grimm brothers' extraordinary tales.

Image for Fairy Tales Treasury: A Timeless Collection of Favorite and Classic Fairy Tales Stories for Children

Fairy Tales Treasury: A Timeless Collection of Favorite and Classic Fairy Tales Stories for Children

Dive into the magical worlds of your most beloved fairytales with this adorable storytime treasure both kiddos and their grown-ups will enjoy. Young readers will be whisked away to 8 wondrous adventures designed to entertain and spark one’s imagination. This deluxe treasure trove of stories celebrates all the well-loved classics including: The Gingerbread Man, Cinderella, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Little Red Riding Hood, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Hansel and Gretel, and The Three Little Pigs. An enchanting collection of favorites boys and girls will love!

Image for Rapunzel

Rapunzel

This retelling of a favorite fairy tale, illustrated by award-winning artist Trina Schart Hyman in an edition Publishers Weekly called "spellbinding," has been lovingly restored. Digital technology brings back the clarity and brightness of Hyman's original watercolor paintings to illuminate the terrifying woods, handsome prince, and Rapunzel's lustrous hair, as Hyman originally painted them.

Image for Little Red Riding Hood

Little Red Riding Hood

Traveling alone, deep in the woods, Elisabeth suspects her basket of treats isn’t the only thing a sly wolf is after . . .Surrounded by an abundance of wildflowers, mushrooms, pinecones, and birds, Elisabeth heads off in her red cloak to visit her ailing grandmother. She's all alone—until she is joined by a wicked wolf, who urges her to stray from her wooded path.Framed with hand-drawn patterns and textured vignettes, Trina Schart Hyman's illustrations add intrigue to the familiar story, filled with subtle detail and depth.With the help of a brave woodsman, Elisabeth and her grandmother are saved—and Little Red Riding Hood learns a valuable lesson.

Image for Snow White: Silver Anniversary Edition

Snow White: Silver Anniversary Edition

Retells the familiar story of the beautiful young princess, the wicked stepmother, the seven gold-mining little men, and the handsome prince

Image for The Blue Fairy Book

The Blue Fairy Book

Once upon a time in a certain country there lived a king whose palace was surrounded by a spacious garden. But, though the gardeners were many and the soil was good, this garden yielded neither flowers nor fruits, not even grass or shady trees. The King was in despair about it, when a wise old man said to him: “Your gardeners do not understand their business: but what can you expect of men whose fathers were cobblers and carpenters? How should they have learned to cultivate your garden?” “You are quite right,” cried the King. “Therefore,” continued the old man, “you should send for a gardener whose father and grandfather have been gardeners before him, and very soon your garden will be full of green grass and gay flowers, and you will enjoy its delicious fruit.” So the King sent messengers to every town, village, and hamlet in his dominions, to look for a gardener whose forefathers had been gardeners also, and after forty days one was found. “Come with us and be gardener to the King,” they said to him. “How can I go to the King,” said the gardener, “a poor wretch like me?” “That is of no consequence,” they answered. “Here are new clothes for you and your family.” “But I owe money to several people.” “We will pay your debts,” they said. So the gardener allowed himself to be persuaded, and went away with the messengers, taking his wife and his son with him; and the King, delighted to have found a real gardener, entrusted him with the care of his garden. The man found no difficulty in making the royal garden produce flowers and fruit, and at the end of a year the park was not like the same place, and the King showered gifts upon his new servant.

Image for Tales from Grimm (Fesler-Lampert Minnesota Heritage)

Tales from Grimm (Fesler-Lampert Minnesota Heritage)

Renowned children’s book author Wanda Gág presents these classic Grimm tales, accompanied by whimsical illustrations. Drawing on her peasant heritage and childlike sense of wonder, Gág translated the fairy tales in a uniquely American vernacular tongue. In Tales from Grimm we find her touch on timeless stories like “Hansel and Gretel,” “The Musicians of Bremen,” “Rapunzel,” and others. No other editions of Grimm’s fairy tales for children can match Gág’s richness of prose and the humor, beauty, and sheer magic of her pictorial interpretation. Best known for her Newbery Honor winner Millions of Cats, Wanda Gág (1893–1946) was a pioneer in children’s book writing, integrating text and illustration. Born in New Ulm, Minnesota, she rose to international acclaim. In recognition of her artistry, she was posthumously awarded the 1958 Lewis Carroll Shelf Award for Millions of Cats and the 1977 Kerlan Award for her body of work.

Image for Chinese Fairy Tales and Legends: A Gift Edition of 73 Enchanting Chinese Folk Stories and Fairy Tales

Chinese Fairy Tales and Legends: A Gift Edition of 73 Enchanting Chinese Folk Stories and Fairy Tales

Chinese folklore is as colourful and captivating as the Arabian Nights or the work of the Brothers Grimm or Hans Christian Andersen, yet the stories themselves remain largely undiscovered in the West. Written with economy and wit, the short, one- or two-page tales exhibit those distinct aspects of the Chinese character and approach to life which derive from the values of Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism. These include moderation, the value of promises, respect for one's elders, justice and injustice, and the power of wisdom.

Image for Tales of East Africa: (African Folklore Book for Teens and Adults, Illustrated Stories and Literature from Africa)

Tales of East Africa: (African Folklore Book for Teens and Adults, Illustrated Stories and Literature from Africa)

Translated and transcribed by folklorists and anthropologists in the early 20th century, these stories evoke the distinctive beauty and irresistible humor of East African folklore.• The tales come alive alongside bold, contemporary art in this special illustrated edition.• Each story transports readers to an enthralling world.• Part of the popular Tales series, featuring Tales of Japan, Celtic Tales, and Tales of IndiaTales of East Africa will enthrall fans of fairytales and captivate those interested in East Africa's rich history and culture.Readers will encounter mischievous animals, plucky heroes and heroines, and monsters, and artist Jamilla Okubo pairs each tale with a bold and vibrant illustration.

Image for Once on a Time: An English Fairy Tale For Adults (Annotated)

Once on a Time: An English Fairy Tale For Adults (Annotated)

"Once on a Time" is a delightfully satirical and sophisticated fairy tale by A. A. Milne, inspired in part by his wife and the captivating character of Countess Belvane. Set in the fantastical realms of Euralia and Barodia, this enchanting narrative offers a fresh take on traditional fairy tale tropes through Milne's signature wit and keen sense of humor. The tale follows the charming King Merriwig, the misguided King of Barodia, the enchanting Princess Hyacinth, and the alluring Countess Belvane, among other colorful characters. With its playful storytelling and richly layered narrative, this fairy story captures the hearts and imaginations of discerning adult readers, showcasing Milne's versatility as a writer and his unique ability to craft timeless stories that resonate.

Image for Rumpelstiltskin (Paul Galdone Nursery Classic)

Rumpelstiltskin (Paul Galdone Nursery Classic)

Paul Galdone’s masterful storytelling brings new life to this familiar high-stakes tale of a mysterious little man who makes a devastating deal with the miller’s daughter. Sold to a king who expects her to spin straw into gold, she promises Rumpelstilstkin the most valuable thing of all in exchange for his help, and she must outwit him when he comes to claim his due.

Children will delight in the illustrations, replete with details and rich colors. This new addition to the Folk Tale Classics series is an outstanding addition to any fairy tale collection.

Image for Jack and the Beanstalk (Paul Galdone Nursery Classic)

Jack and the Beanstalk (Paul Galdone Nursery Classic)

Young readers are sure to delight in Galdone's version of this classic story, and the lively illustrations and rhythmic storytelling make it perfect for reading aloud with little ones. With a gorgeous cover in keeping with the rest of the Folk Tale Classics series, the story of Jack and his magic bean has never been more irresistible.

Image for The Three Billy Goats Gruff (Paul Galdone Nursery Classic)

The Three Billy Goats Gruff (Paul Galdone Nursery Classic)

Can the three Billy Goats Gruff cross the troll’s bridge without being eaten? Find out in the perfect introduction to the beloved must-have classic by two-time Caldecott Honor-winner Paul Galdone.  

The three Billy Goats Gruff are hungry! They want to go over the bridge and up the hillside to a fine meadow full of grass and daisies where they can eat and eat and eat.

But under the bridge lives a troll who's as mean as he is ugly… How will they ever get past him?

An energetic, predictable chorus makes for a wonderful read-aloud of this classic tale.

Don't miss Paul Galdone's favorite board books, including:

  • The Gingerbread Boy Board Book
  • Henny Penny Board Book
  • The Three Little Pigs Board Book
Image for The Gingerbread Boy (Folk Tale Classics) (Paul Galdone Nursery Classic)

The Gingerbread Boy (Folk Tale Classics) (Paul Galdone Nursery Classic)

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

Image for The Three Bears

The Three Bears

When three bears leave their house to go for a walk in the wood, leaving their porridge to cool, a young girl named Goldilocks comes calling....and what a mess she makes!

Great Big, Middle-Sized, and Little Wee readers alike will love Paul Galdone's delightful depiction of the original folk tale.

Also, look at these other activities about fairytales, fables, and folklore.

RAPUNZEL FOLKLORE & LESSONS LEARNED FROM FOLKTALES & FABLES

  • Grimm’s Myth Stories For Kids | How to Make a Rapunzel Craft
  • 25 FREE Resources to use with Aesop’s Fables
  • Download 147 of Aesop’s Fables
  • FREE Rapunzel Engineering Challenge
  • Free Fairy Tales Preschool Lesson Plans
  • Fairy Tales Reading Unit of Study
  • Rapunzel Braid Bookmark
Free Printable Lessons Learned From Fables Like Rapunzel Folklore

Finally, look at how to get the free printable lessons kids can learn from fairytales.

HOW TO GET THE FREE PRINTABLE LESSONS KIDS CAN LEARN FROM FAIRYTALES AND FABLES

Now, how to grab the freebie.  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 instantly.

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

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