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Inexpensive Preschool Winter Activities & Simple Winter Busy Book

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Today, I have some inexpensive preschool winter activities and a simple winter busy book. Also, look at my page How to Homeschool Preschool for more ideas.

When teaching preschoolers about winter it’s important to incorporate hands-on activities.

Even add stories, music, and playing.

Inexpensive Preschool Winter Activities & Simple Winter Busy Book

Play learning is essential for preschoolers.

It allows them to use their imagination and creativity.

And if snow is available, play snowball toss game. Games that require steps nurtures focus and self-regulation.

Too, although I don’t like the word busy book, it does describe activities that enhance eye-hand coordination.

WINTER BOOKS FOR PRESCHOOL

Next, look at these fun books about winter.

W is for Winter Preschool Theme

Teach your child the sound of the Letter W and add in these fun books and resources about winter.

Over and Under the Snow

Part of the acclaimed nature book series that includes Over and Under the Pond, Over and Under the Rainforest, and Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt, this volume takes readers on a cross country ski trip through the winter woods to discover the secret world of animals living 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 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. 

The Snowy Day

The magic and wonder of winter’s first snowfall is perfectly captured in Ezra Jack Keat’s Caldecott Medal - winning picture book. This celebrated classic has been shared by generations of readers and listeners, a must-have for every child’s bookshelf and a perfect gift for the holiday season.

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”. Hilarity chills the air with playful mixed-media illustrations by Stephen Gilpin as Sneezy attempts to warm himself with some silly results.

Animals in Winter (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science)

Have you ever seen a butterfly in the snow? Probably not. Butterflies can't survive cold weather, so when winter comes, many butterflies fly to warmer places. They migrate Woodchucks don't like cold weather either, but they don't migrate; they hibernate. Woodchucks sleep in their dens all winter long. How do these and other animals handle the cold and snow of winter?

There Was a Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow!

The old lady is swallowing everything from snow to a pipe, some coal, a hat, and more! With rollicking, rhyming text and funny illustrations, this lively version will appeal to young readers with every turn of the page. And this time, there's a surprise at the end no reader will be able to guess!

Also, look at the benefits of busy books.

8 BENEFITS OF BUSY BOOKS

  1. It encourages independent play.
  2. Puzzles, sorting tasks, or cause-and-effect activities encourage children to think critically.
  3. Open-ended activities like drawing sections give preschoolers a chance to create.
  4. One of the best reasons to use them is that they lay the foundation for early literacy skills.
  5. For example, tracing letters and recognizing numbers keeps learning hands-on.
  6. By exploring emotions helps preschoolers develop sympathy.
  7. And busy books are great alternatives to digital tablets. Limit screen time with hands-on learning.
  8. Cutting and gluing strengthens fine motor skills.
Inexpensive Preschool Winter Activities & Simple Winter Busy Book

Additionally, look at these preschool winter activities.

PRESCHOOL WINTER ACTIVITIES

Next, look at this simple winter busy book.

ABOUT THE WINTER BUSY BOOK

This is a 45 page .pdf download.

It covers the following skills.

  • Match the months
  • Spell winter
  • Sequence puzzles
  • Picture puzzle
  • Count and match
  • Match the pair
  • Match the letters
  • Sort by size
  • Trace the letters
  • Match opposites
  • Polar animals
  • Northern lights
  • Fun in the winter
  • In the winter I wear
  • Counting snowglobes
  • Matching emotions
  • Penguin shapes
  • Match halves
  • Match the pattern
  • Match by color
  • Match the shadows

It has 29 pages of activities and 15 pages of cut-out.

For example, print the 29 pages and place them in a small binder.

Then print the cut out pages.

Have your child cut and glue the cutout on the correct activity.

Inexpensive Preschool Winter Activities & Simple Winter Busy Book

By keeping the busy book in a binder, your child can return to it again to play and learn.

HOW TO GET THE WINTER BUSY BOOK

You can get it now!

Important: READ THIS FIRST.
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Unique Homeschool History Ideas With Handprint Henna For India

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I like to find unusual homeschool history ideas to mix up everyday topics and studying the history of henna in India fits the bill.

Henna is a special plant that grows in hot, dry places like India.

Leaves are dried and turned into powder. Then the powder is mixed with water to create a paste.

Unique Homeschool History Ideas With Handprint Henna For India

This paste is used to create beautiful designs on the skin.

In India, henna is a big part of celebrations like weddings and festivals.

People decorate their hands and feet with intricate patterns, and it’s a fun way to express their creativity.

But it is more than just a decoration; it’s a symbol of joy, celebration, and cultural heritage in India.

It’s a beautiful way to connect with tradition and add a touch of color to special occasions.

Beyond henna, let’s dive into the Taj Mahal that is over 400 years old, some traditional Indian foods, crafts highlighting the amazing animals of the country, and more.

Of course I have plenty of facts, hands-on ideas,  books, and more to help you create a wonderful unit study.

BOOKS ABOUT OR SET IN INDIA FOR KIDS

Next, living books bring to life the period or area we’re studying about.

When I can find them, I list them. Then add reference books too.

11 Books About or Set in India for Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

Grab some of these books about India for your unit study or learning day.

The Lost Kingdom

Thirteen-year-old Rodmika is well acquainted with the crystal-clear rivers and tangled vines of the Green Jungle. So when his family moves to the other side of the jungle, leaving behind his chance for an education, Rodmika is perfectly suited to find a way to return. As Rodmika searches for a way back to the place of his schooling, he uncovers much more than a path.Set against the backdrop of a lush, untamed Indian rainforest, The Lost Kingdom weaves adventure and mystery into a thrilling tale that will resonate with readers who have a love for exploration and excitement.

Seasons of Splendour: Tales, Myths and Legends of India

A vibrant collection of Indian myths and legends illustrated in beautiful watercolors and told by one of India's sparkling personalities, Madhur Jaffrey.Seasons of Splendour is a richly illustrated treasury of stories about Indian gods and goddesses, kings and queens, princes and demons. Here are engaging and beautifully told tales of Krishna, Ram, and Sita, along with stories based on the Hindu epics the Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as others of ancient origin with no known source. When Madhur Jaffrey was a young girl growing up in her grandfather’s house in Delhi, storytelling was an integral part of life. After dinner, she would huddle with her cousins and siblings around a seated aunt, grandmother, or mother and listen.

Burying the Moon

In Latika’s village in rural India, there are no toilets. No toilets mean that the women have to wait until night to do their business in a field. There are scorpions and snakes in the field, and germs that make people sick. For the girls in the village, no toilets mean leaving school when they reach puberty.

No one in the village wants to talk about this shameful problem. But Latika has had enough. When a government representative visits their village, she sees her chance to make one of her dreams come true: the construction of public toilets, which would be safer for everybody in her village. 

Rikki-Tikki-Tavi (Illustrated)

Rikki-Tikki-Tavi is the tale of a courageous young mongoose who saves a boy and his family from the evil snakes lurking in the garden.

Aru Shah Series Books 1 - 5 Collection by Roshani Chokshi

Twelve-year-old Aru Shah has a tendency to stretch the truth in order to fit in at school. Whilst her classmates are jetting off to exotic locales, she'll be at home, in the Museum of Ancient Indian Art and Culture where her mother works. Is it any wonder that Aru makes up stories about being royalty.

Malgudi Days

Introducing this collection of stories, R. K. Narayan describes how in India "the writer has only to look out of the window to pick up a character and thereby a story." Composed of powerful, magical portraits of all kinds of people, and comprising stories written over almost forty years, Malgudi Days presents Narayan's imaginary city in full color, revealing the essence of India and of human experience.

Tiger Boy

"One of the new tiger cubs has escaped from the reserve!"When a tiger cub escapes from a nature reserve near Neel's island village, the rangers and villagers hurry to find her before the cub's anxious mother follows suit and endangers them all. Mr. Gupta, a rich newcomer to the island, is also searching--he wants to sell the cub's body parts on the black market. Neel and his sister, Rupa, resolve to find the cub first and bring her back to the reserve where she belongs.The hunt for the cub interrupts Neel's preparations for an exam to win a prestigious scholarship at a boarding school far from home. Neel doesn't mind--he dreads the exam and would rather stay on his beloved island in the Sunderbans of West Bengal with his family and friends.

Boys without Names

For eleven-year-old Gopal and his family, life in their rural Indian village is over: We stay, we starve, his baba has warned. They flee to the big city of Mumbai in hopes of finding work and a brighter future. Gopal is eager to help support his struggling family, so when a stranger approaches him with the promise of a factory job, he jumps at the offer.

?But there is no factory, just a stuffy sweatshop where he and five other boys are forced to work for no money and little food. The boys are forbidden to talk or even to call one another by their real names. Locked away in a rundown building, Gopal despairs of ever seeing his family again.

Homeless Bird: A National Book Award Winner

Like many girls her age in India, thirteen-year-old Koly faces her arranged marriage with hope and courage. But Koly's story takes a terrible turn when in the wake of the ceremony, she discovers she's been horribly misled—her life has been sold for a dowry. Can she forge her own future, even in the face of time-worn tradition? 

Perfect for schools and classrooms, this universally acclaimed, bestselling, and award-winning novel by master of historical fiction Gloria Whelan is a gripping tale of hope that will transport readers of all ages.

India on a Plate!: Indian Food from A to Z

Kids love learning about food, they need to learn their ABC's, and this mouth-watering alphabet book covers both in the most delicious way! From spicy achaar to sweet zafrani pulao, flip through food from every corner of India, for all kinds of occasions.

Where Is the Taj Mahal?

The Taj Mahal may look like a palace, but it's actually a tomb and a lasting testament to one of the world's great love stories. In 1612, Mogul emperor Shah Jahan married Mumtaz Mahal. It had been love at first sight and for nineteen years they were so inseparable that Mumtaz even accompanied Shah Jahan to battlefields. When she died suddenly giving birth to their fourteenth child, the emperor set about building a magnificent memorial to his wife. Everything about the Taj was perfectly planned, from the white marble walls that shimmer in the sunlight and sparkle by moonlight, to the countless decorative flowers made from precious gems that still astound visitors today.

Next, learn about henna.

  1. Henna is derived from the henna plant Lawsonia inermis. It is a natural dye that has been used in India and other parts of the world for centuries. The henna plant is a small shrub native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australasia. The plant cultivated for its leaves, which are dried and ground into a fine powder.
  2. Henna is traditionally applied to the hands and feet of brides and grooms during Indian wedding ceremonies. It is believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and happiness to the couple. The intricate designs created with henna are often passed down through generations and hold deep cultural significance.
  3. Paste is applied to the skin using a cone and left on for several hours. Once the paste is dry, it is then peeled off leaving behind the beautiful orange or brown design on the skin.
  4. Henna is also used in India for its cooling properties and stress-relieving effects. Henna paste is believed to have a calming effect on the body and mind, and it is often applied to the forehead during meditation or relaxation practices.
  5. Henna is a versatile plant with various uses beyond body art. The leaves of the henna plant have medicinal properties. They are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as skin conditions and headaches.
Unique Homeschool History Ideas With Handprint Henna For India

In addition, look at more homeschool history ideas.

INDIA HOMESCHOOL HISTORY IDEAS

  • Find India on a map or globe, then locate the capital, New Delhi.
Unique Homeschool History Ideas With Handprint Henna For India

ASIA ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

Unique Homeschool History Ideas With Handprint Henna For India

Finally, look at how to make this fun Indian handprint henna craft.

INDIA HANDPRINT HENNA CRAFT

This is really a fun hands-on activity for the whole family and is a great way to build fine motor skills and spend some time in a calming activity as you create intricate designs on the hand.

You will need:

  • Cardstock/construction paper
  • Brown fine line pens/markers
  • A willing hand
  • Scissors
Unique Homeschool History Ideas With Handprint Henna For India

Trace the entire hand and include the wrist and some of the arm with a pencil, give yourself as much canvas to work on as possible.

Unique Homeschool History Ideas With Handprint Henna For India

Cut out around the outline of the hand carefully.

Unique Homeschool History Ideas With Handprint Henna For India

Use fine line pens or markers to create designs.

Take your time creating intricate designs on the hand, wrist, and fingers. Look to Google for some beautiful design inspiration.

Unique Homeschool History Ideas With Handprint Henna For India

The more small and detailed design you create the more amazing the final outcome will be.

Unique Homeschool History Ideas With Handprint Henna For India

If you want to test out henna designs on your actual hand you can grab a tattoo kit.

Look at this Body Mark Temporary Tattoo Markers for Skin, Henna Vibes, Flexible Brush Tip, 3-Count to try out your own designs on the skin.

The Art of Seneca Tribe Crafts: How to Make Easy Moccasins

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We are exploring a variety of Seneca tribe crafts as we learn more about how and where they lived. You’ll also love my page Native American Unit Study for Kids Who Love Hands-on Learning.

We’re learning the beautiful handiwork they created and who they were as people.

The Seneca are a Native American people originally based in present-day New York State and northern Pennsylvania.

They are one of the six nations of the Iroquois Confederacy. And are known as the “Keepers of the Western Door.”

The Art of Seneca Tribe Crafts: How to Make Easy Moccasins

They were known as skilled warriors, diplomats and extensive trade network.

Also, for their matrilineal society, Iroquois Confederacy leadership, and agriculture of corn, beans, and squash.

In addition, they are also known for their beautiful art of quillwork and beadwork.

These skills were often applied to an important aspect of daily life – footwear, moccasins to be precise.

Moccasins were a traditional footwear worn by Native Americans.

When they wore out, they were able to quickly and easily make another pair from a single piece of buckskin.

The Seneca wore moccasins to protect their feet from the cold and wet weather, for comfort- moccasins allowed the wearer to still feel the ground.

Moccasins are part of their traditional Seneca outfit, which also included leggings, beaded skirts, and decorated overdresses. 

They were also worn simply for style to show which community they belonged to; the distinctive styles would identify the wearer’s community.

We are going to do something very similar to what we learn about them but with much easier to acquire craft felt and some beads.

If you have smaller children, you should be able to make a pair of moccasins with two pieces of 12×18 felt.

If you are making them with middle or high school students you will want to purchase a large piece by the yard to be sure you have enough fabric.

BOOKS ABOUT THE SENECA FOR KIDS

Next, look at these books about the Seneca.

5 Seneca Books for Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

Grab some of these books about the Seneca to add to your reading list or to a unit study.

Indian Captive: The Story of Mary Jemison

In this classic frontier adventure, Lois Lenski reconstructs the real-life story of Mary Jemison, who was captured in a raid as young girl and raised among the Seneca Indians.

Meticulously researched and illustrated with many detailed drawings, this Newbery Honor novel is an unforgettable tale.

Twelve-year-old Mary Jemison took for granted her peaceful days on her family's farm in eastern Pennsylvania. But on a spring day in 1758, something happened that changed her life forever.

When a band of warriors invades the Jemisons' house and takes the family captive, Mary is separated from her parents and siblings. She travels with the Indians to southern Ohio and later to a Seneca village on the Genesee River in
what is now western New York.

Muskrat Will Be Swimming

Although Jeannie loves her lakeside neighborhood, her feelings are hurt by her schoolmates who live in fancier homes and call her a Lake Rat.

When she confides her troubles to her grandfather, he tells her about his own childhood experiences with teasing. As the story unfolds, the grandfather shares a traditional Seneca story that helps Jeannie to find strength in her Native identity and a new appreciation for the different roles that animals play in nature. This is a quiet book that celebrates family and place and the teachings of Native people. Muskrat Will Be Swimming is based on a real incident in Cheryl Savageau's life.

Land of the Senecas

This classic work of local history tells the story of the Seneca people of western New York, from their ancient origins to the present day. Arch Merrill's engaging prose and vivid descriptions of Seneca life, culture, and traditions make this book an essential resource for anyone interested in the history of upstate New York and its Native American peoples.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.

Red Jacket: Seneca Chief

This is the story of the famous and controversial Seneca chief and orator Red Jacket (Sagoyewatha, ca. 1750–1830), whose passionate and articulate defense of the old ways won the admiration of many but also earned him the enmity of Chiefs Joseph Brant and Cornplanter. Red Jacket received a medal from George Washington as a token of friendship. He is remembered as a vocal and persistent opponent of foreign encroachment on the Iroquois, protesting bitterly against the sale of tribal lands and involvement in European-American disputes, missionary activities, and various efforts to “civilize” the Iroquois.

Turtle's Race with Beaver

Turtle lives in a beautiful little pond with everything a happy turtle needs. But one spring, Turtle awakes from hibernation to discover that her lovely home has been invaded! A pushy beaver takes over Turtle's beloved pond and refuses to share. Instead, he challenges her to a race to determine who can stay. But how can a little turtle outswim a big, powerful beaver? This charming fable of brains versus brawn is a great read for all the young readers in the forest to share!

Next, look at these facts about the Seneca.

WHO WERE THE SENECA TRIBE?

The Seneca have a long and rich history dating back thousands of years.

They were originally semi-nomadic people who lived in longhouses and relied on hunting, fishing, and agriculture for sustenance.

In the 16th century, the Seneca encountered European settlers and began to trade with them for goods such as metal tools and guns.

The Seneca have a vibrant culture that is rich in tradition and spirituality. 

The Seneca people have a strong oral tradition. Many stories and legends have been passed down through generations.

Today, the Seneca people live on several reservations in New York and Pennsylvania.

The tribe is federally recognized. The Seneca have their own government and laws.

The Seneca continue to maintain their traditional culture and way of life while also adapting to the modern world.

FAMOUS SENECA PEOPLE

  • Wilma Mankiller (1945-2010): A Cherokee-Seneca activist and politician who served as the first female Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation.
  • Red Jacket (1758-1830): A Seneca war chief and orator who was a prominent figure in the War of 1812.
  • Ely S. Parker (1828-1895): A Seneca engineer and military officer who served as Commissioner of Indian Affairs under President Ulysses S. Grant.
  • Jim Thorpe (1888-1953): A Seneca athlete who is considered one of the greatest all-around athletes of all time.

SENECA TRIBE CRAFTS AND ACTIVITIES

The Art of Seneca Tribe Crafts: How to Make Easy Moccasins

HOW TO MAKE EASY MOCCASINS

You will need:

  • Two large pieces of felt
  • Suede cording
  • Beads
  • Needle and thread
  • Paper and a pencil
The Art of Seneca Tribe Crafts: How to Make Easy Moccasins

First, trace your child’s foot on a piece of white paper.

The Art of Seneca Tribe Crafts: How to Make Easy Moccasins

Cut out the outline and center it on a piece of felt so that you have a good 5”-6” on either side, and several inches at both heel and toe.

Cut around the foot not quite halfway around leaving about 2” of excess felt around it.

The Art of Seneca Tribe Crafts: How to Make Easy Moccasins

Flip the template over and repeat for the second moccasin.

Fold the shape in half and “measure” to the foot, as you wrap it around you will see where you need to trim some down but leave enough to cover with a ½” seam allowance.

 Sew ¼” in up the back and all the way around, leaving the “ankle” portion unsewn.

The Art of Seneca Tribe Crafts: How to Make Easy Moccasins

Turn the sewn boot inside out. The stitches are now hidden on the inside.

The Art of Seneca Tribe Crafts: How to Make Easy Moccasins

Cut a fringe all along the ankle section like this.

The Art of Seneca Tribe Crafts: How to Make Easy Moccasins

Fold the fringe down.

Cut two small holes on either side of the top portion of the shoe for laces and thread cording or ribbon through them.

The Art of Seneca Tribe Crafts: How to Make Easy Moccasins

Finally add beads to the ends of the cording and tie it off.

The Art of Seneca Tribe Crafts: How to Make Easy Moccasins

Slip on your handmade moccasins and enjoy your handiwork.

If you are worried about them being too slippery on hardwood floors just run a few lines of hot glue along the bottoms.

Allow them to harden, this will create a gripping effect.

4 Week Free China Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas

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I have a free 4-week China unit study for kids. Look at these other Best Homeschool Unit Studies for more ideas and topics for hands-on learning.

China is one of the world’s oldest civilizations.

So, this unit study for multiple ages is geared toward Ancient China.

4 Week Free China Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas

In addition, we are focusing on China’s rich history, culture, food, animals, inventions, and landmarks.

However, because this is a multiple age study topics like the Opium Wars and the philosophical views of Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism I feel are for older students.

Too, I will list famous people in history which will give your children a feel for the period.

ANCIENT CHINA BOOKS FOR KIDS

First, living books and picture books bring this period to life.

When possible, I try to always include reading of living books. Then I add reference books to our list.

12 Books & Resources For Kids Who Love Reading and Being Read to About Ancient China

Add some of these books to your home library about Ancient China. Also, use them for a homeschool unit study.

Zheng He, The Great Chinese Explorer: A Bilingual Story of Adventure and Discovery

In the West, legendary explorers like Christopher Columbus, Ernest Shackleton and Sir Edmund Hillary are a recognized part of our history. But in China, that legend belongs to the great explorer Zheng He (1371–1433), who lived during China's renowned Ming Dynasty. Zheng He, the Great Chinese Explorer is a bilingual (English and Chinese) tale of his adventures.

When he was a child, Zheng He dreamed of foreign lands, his imagination was inspired by the travels of his father and grandfather and the wonderful items they brought back from trading trips to the West. A simple but exotic porcelain vase in cobalt, a color not found in China at the time, drove Zheng He to discover the origins of this unique color—and become one of the most famous explorers in China's history.

Chee-Lin: A Giraffe's Journey

Eighty years before Columbus, China sent ships to explore the world.The Chinese discovered many marvelous things, but one discovery stood out above the others: the chee-lin.This chee-lin was just a giraffe, but to the Chinese it was an omen of good fortune so rare that it had appeared only once before—at the birth of Confucius.

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

A Time Magazine 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time selection!​A Reader’s Digest Best Children’s Book of All Time​!This stunning fantasy inspired by Chinese folklore is a companion novel to Starry River of the Sky and the New York Times bestselling and National Book Award finalist When the Sea Turned to SilverIn the valley of Fruitless mountain, a young girl named Minli lives in a ramshackle hut with her parents. In the evenings, her father regales her with old folktales of the Jade Dragon and the Old Man on the Moon, who knows the answers to all of life's questions. Inspired by these stories, Minli sets off on an extraordinary journey to find the Old Man on the Moon to ask him how she can change her family's fortune. She encounters an assorted cast of characters and magical creatures along the way, including a dragon who accompanies her on her quest for the ultimate answer.Grace Lin, author of the beloved Year of the Dog and Year of the Rat returns with a wondrous story of adventure, faith, and friendship. A fantasy crossed with Chinese folklore, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is a timeless story reminiscent of The Wizard of Oz and Kelly Barnhill's The Girl Who Drank the Moon. Her beautiful illustrations, printed in full-color, accompany the text throughout. Once again, she has created a charming, engaging book for young readers.

Science and Scientists (True Stories From Ancient China)

Ancient China has a long history of scientific excellence. Learn more about some of China’s greatest scientific wonders and the scientists who studied them. Features stories about astronomy, seismology, mathematics, calendar-making, and geography.

The Warlord's Beads (Warlord's Series)

Clever Chuan devises a simple way for his father to quickly and accurately count all the warlord's treasure.

The Five Chinese Brothers (Paperstar)

The classic picture book about five clever brothers, each with a different extraordinary ability, has been in print for almost 80 years."An original nonsense tale told with...spirit and gusto." -- The Horn Book

The Great Wall Of China (Aladdin Picture Books)

Angela FIsher's The Great Wall is an "awe-inspiring, impressive, black and gray illustrations set the tone for this history of the building of the Great Wall of China." (School Library Journal)

The Story about Ping

No one can deny the appeal of the book's hero, Ping, the spirited little duck who lives on a boat on the Yangtze River. Ping's misadventures one night while exploring the world around his home form the basis of this timeless classic, which is brought to life by Kurt Wiese's warm and poignant illustrations.

In the Forbidden City (We All Live in the Forbidden City)

Serving as the seat of imperial power for six centuries, the Forbidden City is one of China's most famous and enigmatic landmarks. Accompanied by a mischievous cat, readers will tour this colossal architectural structure, discovering the secrets hidden inside the palace walls. They will encounter the people who have walked through its halls and gardens, including emperors, empresses, and rebel leaders, and hear exciting tales about the power struggles and intrigues of everyday life.This large format book conveys the grandeur of the Forbidden City through highly detailed line drawings of its buildings, gardens, and courtyards with numerous fold-out spreads. Each page is populated by a large variety of characters and peppered with entertaining anecdotes. Every book includes a plastic magnifying glass for looking at the drawings more closely."Readers receive a lavish tour of the Forbidden City, once home to Chinese emperors and now a museum, courtesy of Chiu and the Design and Cultural Studies Workshop, which he founded. Delicate line drawings highlight the architectural intricacies of the nearly 178-acre complex (several foldout spreads emphasize its size) while Chiu examines the Ming and Qing dynasties in thorough detail, along with major events in the palace's history. (In one foldout scene, 24 emperors offer pithy, even brusque notes on their reigns — "I was entirely unaccomplished," says Emperor Longqing.) A magnifying glass is wisely included to help readers appreciate the wealth of visual detail." — Publishers Weekly

The Emperor Who Built The Great Wall

DID YOU KNOW that China was named after its first emperor – the brilliant, all-powerful emperor who built The Great Wall? In this book, discover why he started building the Wall, how he made China the biggest country on earth, and what treasures he hid in his secret tomb. Find out how he became one of the most important people in the history of China. Read all about the first emperor’s fascinating life in The Emperor Who Built The Great Wall.The simple language and beautiful illustrations make this book a wonderful reader or bedtime story. It is suitable for all ages, but children aged six to twelve years will especially enjoy reading this book.~ About the ONCE UPON A TIME IN CHINA… Series ~China has a long history, but its many stories are often too complex for children. In this series, Jillian Lin retells China’s best historical tales so they are easy and fun to read. Children will embark on a journey through time where they will get a glimpse inside the colorful lives of famous Chinese figures. Beautiful illustrations, gripping stories, and fascinating facts make these books wonderful readers or bedtime stories for ages six and above. Other titles in this series include:The King Without A Throne (Confucius)The Mountain Man Of Music (Zhu Zaiyu)The Miracle Doctor (Hua Tuo)The Girl Who Became Emperor (Wu Zetian)The Dreamer Of Stars (Zhang Heng)The Greatest Explorer In The World (Zheng He)The Pirate King (Koxinga/Zheng Chenggong)

Where Is the Great Wall?

More than two thousand years ago, with his land under constant attack from nomads, the First Emperor of China came up with a simple solution: build a wall to keep out enemies. It was a wall that kept growing and growing. But its construction came at a huge cost: it is believed that more than a million Chinese died building it, earning the wall its nickname--the longest cemetery on earth. Through the story of the wall, Patricia Brennan Demuth is able to tell the story of China itself, the rise and fall of dynasties, the greatness of its culture, and its present-day status as a Communist world power.

DK Eyewitness Books: Ancient China: Discover the History of Imperial China―from the Great Wall to the Days of the La

A spectacular and informative guide to the history of the great Chinese empire and the customs and traditions of its people.  Stunning real-life photographs and lifelike models offer a unique "eyewitness" view of life in imperial China, from its earliest beginnings in the Bronze Age to its final years in the early 20th century. See the stunning bronze work of the ancient Chinese and the beautiful techniques used for Chinese calligraphy. Learn why the First Emperor created the Terracotta Army, what kinds of goods were carried along the Silk Route, who invented paper, and much, much more. 

Let’s dive into some of the history and geography.

HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY CHINA UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 1

First, here are a few of the major dynasties:

  • Xia Dynasty
  • Shang Dynasty
  • Zhou Dynasty
  • Qin Dynasty
  • Han Dynasty

Besides the many fascinating dynasties that have existed in China, there are many beautiful geographical landmarks.

  • The History Unboxed -Ancient China Unboxed is affordable and includes some really neat information as well as hands on activities like -Coloring the Great Wall, excavate your own ancient Chinese replica artifact, taste an ancient preparation of tea, decorate and fly an ancient style of kite, and making a magnetic compass.
  • Also, for younger kids look at this fun printable All About China book. Scroll to the bottom for the free pdf link.

GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES OF CHINA

  • Yellow River (Huang He). The second-longest river in China.
  • Yangtze River. The longest river in China and Asia.
  • Great Wall of China. It wasn’t just a wall but a fortification to protect them from invasions.
  • Himalayas. The highest mountain range in the world.
  • Gobi Desert. A large desert in northern China and southern Mongolia.

And here are some historical people to research.

Confucius, Qin Shi Huang, Laozi, Zheng He and although not really ancient, Qiu Jin is celebrated as a heroine.

Marco Polo traveled along the Silk Road in the 13th century and wrote about his adventures in China. We did a whole unit study about him.

NATURE & SCIENCE CHINA UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 2

Another fun topic to discuss about their contributions to inventions.

For example, there is paper, a compass, gunpowder, and silk.

Also, learn about some of the animals and plants and trees in China.

MATH & LANGUAGE ARTS CHINA UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 3

Also, look at these hands-on math and language arts ideas.

  • Build the Wall of China. We did ours with paper. Look at my post How To Make The Great Wall Of China Out Of Paper. But measure the length and width and calculate how long it will need to stretch across your dining room table.
  • Investigate Ancient Chinese currency like the bronze coin and cowry shells.
  • Research about the Chinese calendar which is a lunar calendar and compare with the Gregorian calendar.
  • Read ancient Chinese folktales like The Monkey King and The Legend of Mulan. Look at this Paper Doll Mulan Craft for Kids.
  • Comparing Ancient Chinese and Western Literary works.
4 Week Free China Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas

ARTS & CRAFTS CHINA UNIT STUDY WEEK 4

Finally, look at some of these fun arts and crafts to do along your unit study.

A lot of Ancient China then like now is rural.

However, China was home to some of the most advanced cities on earth.

Not only did they excel in architect like the monasteries but their people learned poetry, how to play a musical instrument and performed beautiful dances.

What part of Ancient China are you focusing on?

Transitioning from Public School to Homeschool For a Relaxed Lifestyle

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It’s not easy transitioning from public school to homeschool. Also, look at my page The Dynamics of How to Homeschool Easily and Smarter for more tips and resources.

Afraid of messing up their child for life, new homeschoolers feel that having a strict schedule and having school from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. is the road to homeschooling success. 

Transitioning from Public School to Homeschool For a Relaxed Lifestyle

New homeschoolers transitioning from a public school mindset to a relaxed homeschooling lifestyle have a hard time wrapping their minds around the concept of relaxed homeschooling.

I admit I was one of those homeschoolers. Relaxed was one shade off from lazy. I was quite judgmental. It was ugly and I admit it!

Unless I kept my boys busy with a schedule every part of their learning day, we would not be meeting my standards for success so I thought.

From Relaxed to Rejuvenated Homeschooling

First, look at some of these books about homeschooling.

5 BEST How to Homeschool Books

I've rounded up some of the best books to help you get started homeschooling.

Homeschooling for New Homeschoolers: When You Don't Know Where to Begin

Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers is a real eye-opener on homeschooling. It will alleviate a lot of the anxieties about getting started homeschooling. Reading each chapter’s highlights will give you encouragement, knowledge, guidance, and peace of mind to homeschool with confidence. The best part is that you’ll be educating the person who loves your kids the most in this world--YOU! Armed with the knowledge to make better choices in curriculum will empower you to continue the path of home education. Unlike many books based on one family’s experience, Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers is also based on Tina’s many years of mentoring hundreds and hundreds of new homeschoolers at live workshops. When you don’t know where to begin Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers equips you to successfully homeschool your children.

The Unhurried Homeschooler

Homeschooling is a wonderful, worthwhile pursuit, but many homeschool parents struggle with feelings of burnout and frustration. If you have ever felt this way, you’re not alone! Most of us need to be reminded of the “why” of homeschooling from time to time—but "The Unhurried homeschooler" takes parents a step further and lifts the unnecessary burdens that many parents place on themselves.

Teaching from Rest: A Homeschooler's Guide to Unshakable Peace

Those who have made the decision to homeschool their children have done so out of great love for their children and a desire to provide them an excellent education in the context of a warm, enriching home.

The Brave Learner: Finding Everyday Magic in Homeschool, Learning, and Life

Parents who are deeply invested in their children's education can be hard on themselves and their kids. When exhausted parents are living the day-to-day grind, it can seem impossible to muster enough energy to make learning fun or interesting. How do parents nurture a love of learning amid childhood chaos, parental self-doubt, the flu, and state academic standards?

Unschooled: Raising Curious, Well-Educated Children Outside the Conventional Classroom

Education has become synonymous with schooling, but it doesn’t have to be. As schooling becomes increasingly standardized and test driven, occupying more of childhood than ever before, parents and educators are questioning the role of schooling in society. Many are now exploring and creating alternatives.

It can take years to embody the definition of relaxed homeschooling.

Some homeschoolers even confuse relaxed with unschooling. Because they may want to follow more structure, they’re hesitant about adopting relaxed homeschooling.

Transitioning from Public School to Homeschool For a Relaxed Lifestyle

Don’t wait years and miss out on adding the vital element of relaxation to your day.

Take a look at some of these points that will help to hone the definition of relaxed homeschooling.

Relaxed homeschooling works with every approach.

Relaxed homeschooling is not an approach, but it is a lifestyle.

This means that you don’t have to give up your homeschooling approach, but it does mean that whatever homeschool approach you follow, it needs to be examined.

For example, determine how you can make your approach more relaxed and less rigid.

Transitioning from a Public School Mindset

If you follow a unit study approach, can you make it more relaxed by doing math all together one day?

Normally, math is not a subject that can be done with multiple ages, but you want to find a way to step back. Relaxed means to rejuvenate your day. Choose one day and read a living math book to all your children.

Instead of focusing on the math worksheet you missed for the day, focus on the feeling that math becomes a subject that a child can love instead of dread.

If you follow the classical method of homeschooling, can your language arts one day be about each child narrating back a story he loves?

Transitioning from a Public School Mind-Set to a Relaxed Homeschooling Lifestyle @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Forget the physical act of writing one day and encourage your children to use their vocabulary building skills by using new vocabulary in an oral story telling setting.

If you follow the Charlotte Mason method of homeschooling, can music involvement for the day be a physical act of interpretation like dancing?

Some of this will obviously depend on the ages of your children. Anytime kids can act out something to be learned, it was more memorable and captivating.

Define what is education for your family.

One of the first things you want to do when starting is to define what is education for your family. Does it include art, living books, textbooks, hands-on learning, life skills or all of them?

Beyond thinking about worksheets, most new homeschoolers don’t give pause for even a moment to look clearly beyond the present to the future.

The importance of this cannot be stressed enough.

Learning should not be just about filling a child’s head with knowledge, but it should be a part of living that is delightful and pursued lifelong. It’s about equipping a child for adulthood.

How will your family do that in a relaxed atmosphere?

Look beyond how things are presently done either in public school or in your present homeschooling journey to see what YOU want to change to make it better for your children.

Jump headfirst into understanding your child’s learning style.

No matter how much I talked to one homeschool mom whose present homeschooling approach was not working with her son, she was not going to change.

Transitioning from Public School to Homeschool For a Relaxed Lifestyle

She was just sure there was something wrong with her child.

There was — he didn’t learn how she thought he should. Really, the problem was her.

Tears and fighting followed and she made her homeschooling journey one miserable day after the other because she refused to change her teaching style.

Transitioning from Public School to Homeschool For a Relaxed Lifestyle

When our child’s learning style doesn’t mesh with our predetermined way of teaching, are we willing to change our teaching style?

How to Kill Boring Homeschooling Days

Relaxed homeschooling means to change the way we think homeschooling should be and make it fit our child.

I had one son who loved textbooks and workbooks because some subjects he preferred to learn that way.

I have another son who cried in agony when he glanced at a textbook.

Transitioning from Public School to Homeschool For a Relaxed Lifestyle

Should I think that I had less rigorous standards with my second son because I added in living books and more hands-on? Was that just fun or was it relaxed for him?

Brow beating our children to make them accept our teaching style instead of accepting them as they come, pre-wired to learn in a certain way, never worked.

Finding what is best for your child is relaxed homeschooling.

Relaxed homeschooling means that we accept when changes have to be made in our homeschooling.

Changing our homeschool approach and giving up curriculum when it’s not obviously working for our family while not stressing out over the price we paid for it are signs that we have softened in our homeschool journey.

Can you think of other ways where you can introduce a more relaxed attitude into your every day?

More Transitioning From Public School to Homeschool Tips