• Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Activity, Change, Progress

  • HOME
  • How to
    • Preschool
    • Kindergarten
    • Middle School
    • High School
  • Planner
  • Lapbooks
    • Trioramas
    • History Games
  • Shop
  • GET STARTED NOW!
    • Learning Styles
  • 7 Step Planner
    • DIY Best Student Planner
    • Free & Easy DIY Home Management Binder
  • Unit Studies
    • Creation to Ancients
    • Middle Ages to Reform
    • Exploring to Revolution
    • World Wars to Today
    • Science
    • Free Art Curriculum Grades 1 – 8
  • Curriculum
    • More Unit Studies
    • Geography
    • Writing PreK to 12th
    • Geronimo Stilton
  • BootCamp
    • Resources
      • Dynamic Subscriber Freebies
      • Exclusive Subscribers Library
      • Ultimate Unit Study Planner

homeschoolanguagearts

10 Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Resources & Fun Ampersand Craft

August 29, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Are you looking for skill sharpeners grammar and punctuation resources for grades K to 6th instead of a full curriculum? Also, look at 24 Borderline Genius Ways To Relieve Language Arts Boredom.

Also, I cannot lie but I love this fun ampersand craft to add to a school area or your office.

There are plenty of great books, games, and activities out there to help your child master the art of grammar without using a boring, dry curriculum.

After all, each child learns differently, and you can tailor their lessons to their learning style.

Grammar covers the rules of a language governing sounds, words, sentences, and other elements.

10 Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Resources & Fun Ampersand Craft

It includes things like sentence structure, parts of speech, tense (past, present, future), and syntax.  While spelling is considered mechanics of language arts it still goes hand in hand with grammar.

I also have included a tutorial for a fun and easy ampersand bookend to celebrate World Ampersand Day, September 9th.

This fun bookend helps contain those piles we all have on our shelves and tables.

About the Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Series

First, there are several reasons why I love using the skill sharpeners series.

  • As I mentioned, sometimes you need to focus on one skill whether your child needs reinforcement with one skill or if focusing on less helps your child to grasp concepts faster. Curriculum mixes several different components of language arts and isolating one skill keeps learning simple.
  • Next, you know my love for themes and unit studies, and I love the fact that these colorful workbooks have themes.
  • Rules are highlighted in the boxes and easy to learn and the best thing is it’s just pick up and go.

More Grammar and Punctuation Language Arts Resources

Also, look at more resources to go with the skill sharpeners grammar and punctuation series.

  • How to Easily Add Language Arts to Homeschool Unit Studies (& Resources)
  • How To Teach Your Homeschooled Children Shakespeare
  • Hands-On Learning: Punctuation Mark Stick Puppets (free printable)
  • Shakespeare Unit Study Starters
  • Letting Go of the Homeschool Language Arts Stranglehold
10 Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Resources & Fun Ampersand Craft

Next, look at how to make this fun ampersand craft. Just too cute.

How to Make an Ampersand Bookend Craft

You will need:

  • Paper mache ampersand (Hobby Lobby)
  • Grey Paint
  • Baking soda
  • Clean, dry sand
  • Grey felt
  • Masking tape
  • Small funnel
  • Scissors
  • Paintbrush
10 Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Resources & Fun Ampersand Craft

Paper Mache letters have supporting spacers throughout that block some of the channels, because of this it makes it hard to fill them to give them enough weight completely.

So, to work around that without cutting off the whole back, we will make several holes.

Use scissors or a Phillips head screwdriver to make a hole big enough to fit a small funnel.

Poke in as far as you can without coming through the other side.

10 Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Resources & Fun Ampersand Craft

Pour sand in and move it around to be sure to fill as much of it as you can.

10 Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Resources & Fun Ampersand Craft

Lay a piece of masking tape over the hole just big enough to cover it.

10 Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Resources & Fun Ampersand Craft

Repeat 3-4 more times, be sure that you do at least 2 more on the bottom half.

I found that the very top on both sides of the bottom and one on each side halfway up allowed me to fill the entire thing pretty much despite the support pieces.

Also, I was able to get probably between 1 ½- cup of sand.

Now to make faux concrete we are going to mix 2 Tablespoons of gray paint with 1 Tablespoon baking soda and stir well.

That is just enough paint to cover the 8 ¼” size ampersand but if you go bigger you will need to mix up a little more.

10 Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Resources & Fun Ampersand Craft

Paint on a fairly thick coat, be sure to get inside all the cracks, crevices and turns.

10 Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Resources & Fun Ampersand Craft

While the paint is still wet dip your paintbrush in the sand and dab it all over to give it a rougher texture like concrete.

Be sure to pay extra attention to the areas that you taped over to blend in the seams but don’t build it up too much or it will call attention to these areas.

10 Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Resources & Fun Ampersand Craft

 Once completely dry flip it over and paint the other side and allow that to dry as well.

Once all the paint is completely dry cut small pieces of gray felt slightly smaller than the flat bottom and hot glue them in place be sure to smooth the hot glue out, so it lays as flat as possible.

This will keep the rough texture from scratching up your shelf or table.

10 Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Resources & Fun Ampersand Craft

Lastly, look at these language arts resources.

Skill Sharpeners & Language Art Resources K to 6th Grade

Sometimes you just need language art supplements to go with your unit studies and not a full program. You’ll love these language art resources.

Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation, Grade 6

Help children improve their writing while learning important grammar and punctuation rules. These colorful activity books make language skill practice fun!

Skill Sharpeners: Grammar and Punctuation provides visually engaging reading selections, activities, and word games that will motivate your child to practice and learn essential grammar and punctuation skills. Plus, a Language Handbook provides you with a quick reference of the concepts covered.

The activity book is organized into 15 theme-based units around topics that sixth graders enjoy, such as ancient civilizations, superheroes, and gaming. Each unit focuses on a grammar concept and punctuation concept, and includes:

-A reading selection A short fiction or nonfiction text engages children and presents the concept or skill in context.-Rule boxes Grammar and punctuation rules are made simple with a short explanation, and clear examples help to teach the skill.-Colorful practice activities A variety of activities include fun illustrations to motivate your child to practice the grammar and punctuation skills.-Riddles and word games Your child will use critical thinking skills while applying the targeted grammar or punctuation skill in a fun format!-Writing practice The Write It Right! page encourages your child to use the skills in context, which further promotes understanding.-Review page The short review activity is a great way to check your child s understanding.

Evan-Moor Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Grade 5, Full-Color Activity Book - Supplemental Homeschool Workbook

With the Evan-Moor Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Grade 5, Full-Color Activity Book, parents will be able to give their fifth-graders a boost in the classroom in reading and writing success. Our homeschooling workbook contains 15 different units that introduce different grammar and punctuation concepts. Each unit has a unique theme, including outer space and sports, with reading texts that will appeal to grade five students. We use a variety of riddles and word games that will keep gr. 5 children engaged while they're learning these important grammar and punctuation rules.

Writing Practice

BOOK - SKILLS GRAMMAR PUNCTUATION GR 4

The activity book is organized into 15 theme-based units around topics that children enjoy; such as dinosaurs, pirates, and toys. Grammar and Punctuation provides visually engaging reading selections, activities, and word games that will motivate your child to practice and learn essential skills. Plus, a Language Handbook and Dolch Sight Word list provide you with a quick reference of the concepts covered. Each unit focuses on a grammar concept and punctuation concepts, such as nouns, letters, word type, sentence structure and so much more!

Evan-Moor Grammar & Punctuation, Grade 3

The activity book is organized into 15 theme-based units around topics that children enjoy; such as dinosaurs, pirates, and toys. Grammar and Punctuation provides visually engaging reading selections, activities, and word games that will motivate your child to practice and learn essential skills. Plus, a Language Handbook and Dolch Sight Word list provide you with a quick reference of the concepts covered. Each unit focuses on a grammar concept and punctuation concepts, such as nouns, letters, word type, sentence structure and so much more!

Evan-Moor Grammar & Punctuation, Grade 2

The activity book is organized into 15 theme-based units around topics that children enjoy such as dinosaurs pirates and toys Grammar and Punctuation provides visually engaging reading selections activities and word games that will motivate your child to practice and learn essential skills Plus a Language Handbook and Dolch Sight Word list provide you with a quick reference of the concepts covered Each unit focuses on a grammar concept and punctuation concepts such as nouns letters word type sentence structure and so much more!

Evan-Moor Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Grade 1, Full-Color Activity Book - Supplemental Homeschool Workbook

The Evan-Moor Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Grade 1, Full-Color Activity Book is a smart addition to any homeschooling classroom, as it gives kindergartners an introduction to skills they need for reading and writing. Our full-color homeschool grammar workbook provides gr. K kids with a basic understanding of grammar and punctuation rules. Clear examples on each of the full-color pages give young students the basic knowledge they need to begin understanding punctuation and grammar. We also keep kids entertained, using riddles and word games that make learning about grammar and punctuation fun.Home Enrichment Workbook

Evan-Moor Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Grade Pre-K, Color Activity Book - Supplemental Homeschool Workbook

Help children improve their writing while learning important grammar and punctuation rules. These colorful activity books make language skill practice fun! Skill Sharpeners: Grammar and Punctuation provides visually engaging reading selections, activities, and word games that will motivate your child to practice and learn essential grammar and punctuation skills. Plus, a Language Handbook and Dolch Sight Word list provide you with a quick reference of the concepts covered. The activity book is organized into 15 theme-based units around topics that preschoolers enjoy, such as animals, families, and birthdays. Each unit focuses on a grammar concept and punctuation concept, and includes: • A reading selection – A short fiction or nonfiction text engages children and presents the concept or skill in context. • Rule boxes – Grammar and punctuation rules are made simple
with a short explanation, and clear examples help to teach the skill.

Gross Me Out Mad Libs: World's Greatest Word Game

Mad Libs is the world’s greatest word game and the perfect gift or activity for anyone who likes to laugh! Write in the missing words on each page to create your own hilariously funny stories all about gross things!Some days, my burps smell just like TYPE OF FOOD! With 21 “fill-in-the-blank” stories about passing gas, belching, and eating expired food, Gross Me Out Mad Libs is the perfect activity for any young fan of gross things! Play alone, in a group, or in a porta-potty! Mad Libs are a fun family activity recommended for ages 8 to NUMBER.

Basher Basics: Grammar

It used to be that learning grammar was one of the most boring exercises ever, but not anymore! Using his trademark personality-based approach, Basher illustrates each grammar basic - from parts of speech to sentence components to groupings and agreements - with its own character, who explains exactly what makes them tick and how they are used. Plenty of practical advice will help everyone unravel the rules and regulations of the English language. The book's cutting edge design and innovative approach will make it perfect reference for linguists of all ages who struggle to remember the difference between a preposition and pronoun.

Looney Labs Mad Libs: The Game - Best Card Game for Adults Kids

If you really enjoy mad libs there is even a board game to play to build those skills in parts of speech.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Teach Homeschool Language Arts Tagged With: grammar, homeschool grammar, homeschoolanguagearts, language arts, languagearts

Top 5 Reasons to Love Geronimo Stilton And Geronimo Stilton Book List 1-20

July 15, 2023 | 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a Geronimo Stilton book list because we love the series. Be sure to grab more Geronimo Stilton Books ideas and crafts on my page.

First, the books originated in Italy and were written by Elisabetta Dami and use the name Geronimo Stilton as the author. Clever pen name, right?

Geronimo Stilton is written from the point of view of a young nervous mouse who keeps finding himself drawn into adventures (and sometimes in a pickle) in all sorts of different places around the world.

For example, he travels to the Outback, Egypt, New York, into the jungle, and sailing with pirates to name just a few of his adventures.

Top 5 Reasons to Love Geronimo Stilton And Geronimo Stilton Book List 1-20

They are great books for visual learners, young readers transitioning to chapter books, struggling readers, reluctant readers, and pretty much any other type of reader.

Additionally, they are recommended for ages 7-10 but depending on your child’s age I feel like that span can go a little wider in either direction.

Besides, you can see from the list below that Geronimo has quite a variety of adventures.

Geronimo Stilton Spin-Off Series

Too, we are just talking about the first 20 in the original series today but here is a quick overview of the different spin-off series and how many in each.

  • Geronimo Stilton-82
  • Geronimo Stilton Journey Through Time-8
  • Geronimo Stilton: Cavemice Series-15
  • Geronimo Stilton Reporter Series-11
  • Thea Stilton Series-35  
  • Thea Stilton Graphic Novel Series-8 
  • Geronimo Stilton Graphic Novel Series-19 
  • Geronimo Stilton: The Graphic Novel Series-4 Books
  • Geronimo Stilton and the Kingdom of Fantasy Series-16 
  • Geronimo Stilton: Special Edition Series-7 
  • Geronimo Stilton Classic Tales Series-1 
  • Geronimo Stilton: Spacemice Series-12 
  • Geronimo Stilton: Creepella Von Cacklefur Series-9 
  • Geronimo Stilton: Micekings Series-7 
  • Thea Stilton: Mouseford Academy Series-8 
  • Thea Stilton and the Treasure Seekers Series-3 
Top 5 Reasons to Love Geronimo Stilton And Geronimo Stilton Book List 1-20

Next, look at the top 5 reasons to love the Geronimo Stilton book list.

Top 5 Reasons to Love Geronimo Stilton

  1. They are super fun to read. And they are written in a comic book or graphic novel style with bright and fun illustrations. This helps kids get a better picture of the locations and keeps their interest. The different sizes and styles of fonts help put emphasis on words, phrases, and themes throughout the book. Often these highlighted words make for a great introduction or review of spelling/vocabulary words.
  2. Teaches great life lessons- Geronimo’s books tend to have some kind of lesson woven in like being open to adventure, recycling, being brave, friendship, family, and other character concepts that are laid out simply for kids.
  3. Loaded with great facts and information- While telling the crazy stories they naturally weave in facts about people, places, and things so your child can’t help but learn while they enjoy the tale. Each of these elements is casually introduced in the story so your child is learning as they enjoy a story without it being a textbook at all. There is special emphasis on geography and history and make for a great history series for younger children.
  4. Great for boys and girls- While they do have a spin-off series about his sister Thea Stilton, Geronimo is written to appeal to both boys and girls, no matter what theme the adventure. If you have multiple kids in the house you are going to get a lot of bang for your buck on these books.
  5. They cover a variety of topics and locations- Whatever you are learning about or piques your child’s interest there is a great chance that there is a Geronimo Stilton out there for them. Looking for a book for them to read on the flight to a family vacation in Hawaii? Try book #72-The Hawaiian Heist, need something to supplement your Egypt study? Go with #2 The Curse of The Cheese Pyramid.
Top 5 Reasons to Love Geronimo Stilton And Geronimo Stilton Book List 1-20

Moreover, I have many hands-on activities to go wiith many of the books.

Geronimo Stilton Book List Activities

Also, look at these other crafts to go with the books.

  • Geronimo Stilton Race Against Time And Make Pottery Like Ancient Greeks
  • Geronimo Stilton Back in Time Second Journey Through Time and Fun Mayan Mask
  • The Race Against Time Geronimo Stilton Activity Craft Fun Dragon Eggs
  • Geronimo Stilton The Second Journey Through Time Sun King Fun Medallion
  • The Journey Through Time Book And Knights Armor Engraving Fun Kids Craft
  • Journey Through Time Geronimo Stilton Time Warp Fun Lost City of Atlantis
  • Race Against Time Build a Fun Greek Water Clock
  • Out Of Time Fun Sir Francis Drake Ship Craft
  • Stilton Journey Through Time Series Fifth Journey Fun Eiffel Tower
  • 10 Things to Learn From The Fun Geronimo Stilton Chapter Books
  • The Fourth Journey Through Time Fun Cleopatra Collar
  • Learn About Mozart The Eight Journey Through Time Geronimo Stilton Series
  • The Geronimo Stilton Book Fourth Journey Fun Egypt Game
  • Geronimo Stilton Journey Through Time Craft a Fun England Tower Guard
  • Mouse in Space Fun Puffy Moon Craft (Glow in the Dark)
  • Down and Out Down Under Make a Fun Edible Coral Reef
  • Field Trip to Niagara Falls Summary And Fun Corn Craft
  • The Journey Through Time #2: Back in Time Colosseum Craft
  • The Race Against Time Geronimo Stilton Activities: Fun Edible Spine
  • #2: Back in Time Mayan Craft
  • The Curse of The Cheese Pyramid Barbie Mummy
  • Who Is Geronimo Stilton Rodent Notebooking Page

Finally, look at the list of Geronimo Stilton books.

Geronimo Stilton Books 1 - 20

It is not necessary to go in order, each book is its own stand-alone story, and the main characters are properly reintroduced each time.  So, you can choose the books based on your child's current interest, the season, or a unit study topic.

Lost Treasure of the Emerald Eye

Who Is Geronimo Stilton? That's me! I run a newspaper, but my true passion is writing tales of adventure. Here on Mouse Island, my books are all best-sellers! What's that? You've never read one? Well, my books are full of fun. They are whisker-licking good stories, and that's a promise!Lost Treasure of the Emerald Eye. It all started when my sister, Thea, discovered a mysterious map. It showed a secret treasure on a faraway island. And before I could let out a squeak of protest, Thea dragged me into her treasure hunt! In no time at all, we'd set sail for the island. It was an adventure I'd never forget....

The Curse of the Cheese Pyramid (Geronimo Stilton #2)

I'm off to Egypt! I climbed onboard a crabby old camel that would take me across the desert to the Great Cheese Pyramid. There, among mummies and hieroglyphics, I would learn the secret of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient Mouse World....

Cat and Mouse in a Haunted House (Geronimo Stilton, No. 3)

I was lost in a dark, spooky forest! Until I stumbled upon Curlypaw Cannycat's Castle.

I'm Too Fond of My Fur! (Geronimo Stilton #4)

Well, my books are full of fun. They are whisker-licking good stories, and that's a promise! I'm Too Fond of My Fur! I was on my way 'round the world to Mouse Everest! The trip was long and dangerous. I almost froze my tail off on the way. And then I was kidnapped by the Abominable Snowman! Yes, it was truly an amazing adventure....

Four Mice Deep in the Jungle (Geronimo Stilton Funny Tales)

Enter the world of Geronimo Stilton, where another funny adventure is always right around the corner. Each book is a fast-paced adventure with lively art and a unique format kids 7-10 will love.I have never been a brave mouse... but lately, my fears were taking over my life! Soon I was too afraid even to leave my mousehole. That's when Thea and Trap decided to cure me. They dragged me away on an airplane (I'm afraid of flying!) all the way to the jungle. There I was forced to eat bug soup, climb trees as high as skyscrapers, swim in raging rivers, and even wrangle snakes! How would a 'fraidy mouse like me ever survive?

Paws Off, Cheddarface! (Geronimo Stilton, No. 6)

Who Is Geronimo Stilton? That's me! I run a newspaper, but my true passion is writing tales of adventure. Here on Mouse Island, my books are all best-sellers! They are whisker-licking good tales, and that's a promise!__PAWS OFF, CHEDDARFACE!It was the strangest thing... all across New Mouse City, rodents kept telling me I'd done things I had no memory of! I soon discovered why... there was a Geronimo look-alike out there, pretending to be me. He'd even fooled my sister Thea! And worst of all, he was trying to take over my newspaper. I had to find a way to strike back -- but how??

Red Pizzas for a Blue Count

They are whisker-licking-good tales, and that's a promise! Red Pizzas for a Blue Count My troublemaker cousin was trapped in Transratania! And before I could even squeak, my sister, Thea, dragged me along on her rescue mission. Little did we know that Transratania is the land of vampire bats! Holey cheese, bats give me mouse bumps! Why? Well, there's nothing a bat likes more than sinking its teeth into a nice, juicy mouse....

Attack of the Bandit Cats (Geronimo Stilton, No. 8)

Oh, what a day! I had just published New Mouse City's first phone book -- and almost every single number was wrong! My customers were out for my fur. So when Thea, Trap, and Benjamin asked me to join their quest for a legendary island covered in silver, I agreed. But no sooner had we set out than we were attacked by a ship of pirate cats! They mousenapped us and threatened to make us their dinner. Would we escape with our lives... or find ourselves in the soup?

A Fabumouse Vacation for Geronimo (Geronimo Stilton, No. 9)

Sometimes a busy businessmouse like me needs a nice, relaxing vacation. But of all the rotten rats' luck -- every time I tried to get away, disaster struck. My aunt Dizzy Fur's mouse hole caught on fire, my office was flooded, and our printing press broke down! When I was finally ready to depart, all the good trips were booked up. I was stuck in a flea-ridden old hotel, sharing a room with a bunch of Gerbil Scouts! I couldn't wait to get back to my comfy home in New Mouse City....

All Because of a Cup of Coffee (Geronimo Stilton, No. 10)

I, Geronimo Stilton, was in love! I went out for a cup of coffee one morning and laid eyes on the most beautiful rodent I'd ever seen. Unfortunately, I immediately tripped over my paws and ended up with my tail in a toaster! I was one mortified mouse. But I was determined to prove that I wasn't a complete stumblemouse. So I decided to join my family on their most daring adventure yet -- a journey to the eighth wonder of the world! There I made a discovery so truly amazing, I knew I could win the heart of my darling ratlette....

The Phantom of the Subway (Geronimo Stilton, No. 13)

When my sister Thea told me a ghost was haunting New Mouse City's subway tunnels, I knew I had to get the scoop for The Rodents Gazette! So I set off with Thea, Trap, and my assistant editor Pinky Pick. We soon discovered that Sally Ratmousen, the editor of The Daily Rat, was also on the trail of the mysterious ghost. But we were all in for the fright of our wee mouse lives... because the ghost turned out to be a CAT!

The Temple of the Ruby of Fire (Geronimo Stilton, No. 14)

It was my most thrilling adventure yet! My old friend Professor von Volt had discovered the location of the famous Ruby of Fire. And before I could let out a squeak of protest, my sister Thea had dragged me into race to be the first to find the legendary gem. The jewel was protected by thousands of ancient booby-traps -- a 'fraidy mouse's worst nightmare? Would I make it through with my fur?

The Mona Mousa Code (Geronimo Stilton, No. 15)

Do you like art? I do! So when Thea heard that there was a secret map hidden beneath Mouse Island's most famous painting, the Monamouse, I knew we had to get the scoop! Together we began to investigate, and soon we discovered secret clues that led us to the most fabumouse secret. And it all lay beneath the streets of New Mouse City!

A Cheese-Colored Camper[GERONIMO STILTON #16 CHEESE-CO][Paperback]

My grandfather William Shortpaws -- also known as Cheap Mouse Willy -- was back at The Rodent's Gazette, and he was determined to torture me. He wanted to publish a guide book to Ratzikistan, the Siberia of Mouse Island. And he ordered *me* to go there to write it! But as you know, dear reader,

Watch Your Whiskers, Stilton! (Geronimo Stilton, No. 17)

Cheesecake! A mysterious one-eyed rat was trying to steal The Rodent's Gazette from under my snout! I had to stop him -- but how? My business manager, Shif T. Paws, came up with a plan. He arranged for me to appear on a TV quiz show. If I won, the Gazette was safe. But if I lost -- SQUEAK! -- I had to give up my tail!

Shipwreck on the Pirate Islands (Geronimo Stilton, No. 18)

My sister had come up with a new way to torment me. She'd combined my two least favorite things - travel and ghosts! Thea had heard rumors of a haunted pirate treasure buried on a desert island. And before I could say "avast ye scurvy rats," she'd dragged me into her treasure hunt!

My Name Is Stilton, Geronimo Stilton (Geronimo Stilton, No. 19)

Have you met my very young assistant editor, Pinky Pick? She is only thirteen years old, but she is one of the cleverest mice I've ever known. If you've ever wondered how Pinky came to work for me at The Rodent's Gazette, this is the book for you! It's a looooong story... and one that's full of adventure, laughs, and of course, like all of my books, lots of embarrassing moments for yours truly!

Surf's Up, Geronimo! (Geronimo Stilton, No. 20)

Ah, there's nothing like a relaxing vacation on the beach! I would spread out by the crystal-clear water with a good book. What more could a mouse want? At least, that was the plan. But somehow, my vacations never seem to go according to plan. Instead of a beautiful seaside resort, I found myself in a fleabag hotel that was falling down around my ears! Oh, would I ever be able to relax and enjoy my vacation

2 CommentsFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: book lists, books, Geronimo Stilton, homeschoolanguagearts, kindergarten, language arts, languagearts, literature, read aloud, reading

Shark and Oceans for Kindergarten Fun Sight Word Activity

June 28, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

This adorable shark and oceans for kindergarten fun sight word activity is such a fun activity for practicing sight words, letters, or even numbers. Also, grab my other tips, ideas, and crafts for kindergarten on my page Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum and look for ideas on my page Oceans Unit Study and Lapbook.

Do you need a learning activity that feels more like play and less like school?

For example, how about one that is themed to go along with a study of oceans for kindergarten?

I’m sharing a list of other helpful resources to round out your day like videos and hands-on activities.

Shark and Oceans for Kindergarten Fun Sight Word Activity

Our shark is made from just one piece of foam board and a little paint.

It will give your child hours of learning that is fun and memorable.

Creating an activity that feels more like play is a great way to teach your child basic skills that they need to learn.

I created this activity to be used with sight word recognition but then realized that there were so many more possibilities with it.

You can have your child also feed the shark letters, numbers, and sums to orally given math problems, or have them choose the math problem that matches the number you give, and have them feed cards with rhyming words, and beginning letter sounds.

It can be a blank canvas for learning skills, anywhere your early learner is.

8 Awesome Shark and Oceans for Kindergarten Facts

  1. There are over 500 different species of sharks, and almost 150 of them are listed on the at-threat list.
  2. The largest sea mammal, the blue whale, is also known as the largest animal in the world.
  3. Sharks live in almost all ocean habitats from tropical coral reefs to the Arctic, and down in the deep parts of the seas.
  4. Sharks are apex predators, which means that they are at the very top of the food chain with very few to no predators.
  5. Most sharks are cold-blooded, but a few are warm-blooded, like the great white shark for instance.
  6. Here is a super gross fact about marine animals that kids will love. Lobsters pee out of their faces, and they pee on each other to communicate. (Their urine nozzles are located under their eyes).
  7. Octopuses have three hearts. Two of those hearts move blood beyond the animal’s gills, and the third heart keeps circulation moving for the organs.
  8. Dolphins can sleep with one eye open and with one-half of their brain in use.

Then, hands-on activities to teach kindergarten is the best way for children to learn.

Shark and Oceans for Kindergarten Fun Sight Word Activity

Look at some hands-on activities below to learn about sharks and oceans.

 More Activities For Shark & Oceans for Kindergarten

  • Make an ocean in a bottle for a sensory experience that is calming and encourages kids to observe and ask questions.
  • Hands-on Coral Reef Activities and Play Dough Invitation to Play
  • Frozen animal ocean rescue is perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day.
  • 10 Sea Shell Activities for Kids and Make Crystal Sea Shells
  • Little hands love exploring their senses, an ocean sensory bin allows them to study ocean animals up close.
  • Quick Unit Study & Easy Salt water Density Ocean Science Experiments For Kindergarten
  • Free Coral Reef Printable Lapbook and Fun Hands-on Unit Study Ideas
  • Beware of Ocean Pollution: Fun Science Activity for Kids
  • Get them up, stretch, release those feel-good endorphins, and stimulate the brain with Ocean Yoga.
  • How Do Sharks Float STEM Activity Free Shark Unit Study & Notebooking Pages
  • Learn How to Make an Easy Jellyfish Lights Craft
  • The Geronimo Stilton Series: Make a Fun Edible Coral Reef
  • Kids Hands-on Egg Carton Sea Turtle Life Cycle Activity

Include a great book as a resource for your child to look at that has great illustrations and information.

Shark and Oceans for Kindergarten Fun Sight Word Activity

I think Oceans Anatomy by Julia Rothman is a must-have addition to your science stack.

Shark and Oceans for Kindergarten Fun Sight Word Activity

Everything is included in this book, from ocean tides to shark sizes, and sea grass to small and large ocean creatures.

More Kindergarten Homeschool Resources

  • 12 Easy Pick Up And Go Homeschool Kindergarten History Curriculum
  • How To Determine The Best Beginner Reading Books For Kindergarten & Recommendations
  • Kindergarten Crafts for Winter An Easy and Fun Polar Bear Fork Painting
  • How to Make A Fun ABC Flip Book Fingerprint Activity for Kindergarten
  • Homeschool Kindergarten Life Science – Hands-on Fun Nature Tree Study
  • 40 Awesome Earth Science Movies for Kindergarten
  • Growing a Seed Activity For Kindergarten Science Kids Activity
  • Native American Activities For Kindergarten Create A Fun Cradleboard Craft
  • Rainforest Science Activities For Kindergarten Amazing and Fun Living Terrarium
  • Pond Life for Kindergarten Activity Build a Fun Beaver Dam
  • Easy and Fun Pine Cone Snowy Owl Winter Craft for Kindergarten
  • 4 Fun and Engaging Bat Activities for Kindergarten
  • Native American Crafts for Kindergarten How to Make a Kids Pinch Pot
  • 10 Best Homeschool Phonics Curriculum For Kindergarten
  • 15 Fun Resources For History for Kindergarten Homeschool
  • 19 Fun Hands-on Rainforest Activities for Kindergarten
  • Rainforest Crafts for Kindergarten: Make an Easy Paper Plate Monkey
  • How to Create the Best Homeschool Schedule for Kindergarten (free printable)
  • 60 Favorite Top Homeschooling Materials for Kindergarten
  • 10 Affordable and Complete Homeschool Kindergarten Curriculum
  • How to Effortlessly Blend Kindergarten Homeschool Subjects & Life
  • BEST Free Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum With A Gentle Approach (List)
  • Delightful Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum Which Promote a Love of Learning

Also, add some of these fun books and resources to learning about sharks and oceans.

Kindergarten Ocean Unit Study Resources

Add a fun ocean unit study resource for kindergarten to your study for the day.

Big Book of the Blue (The Big Book Series)

Following the wild success of The Big Book of Bugs and The Big Book of Beasts, The Big Book of the Blue is the third installment in Yuval Zommer’s beloved series. Alongside everything the young oceanographer needs to know, Zommer’s charming illustrations bring to life some of the slipperiest, scaliest, strangest, and most monstrous underwater animals.

Ocean Anatomy: The Curious Parts & Pieces of the World under the Sea

Julia Rothman’s best-selling illustrated Anatomy series takes a deep dive into the wonders of the sea with Ocean Anatomy. Follow Rothman’s inquisitive mind and perceptive eye along shorelines, across the open ocean, and below the waves for an artistic exploration of the watery universe. Through her drawings, discover how the world’s oceans formed, why the sea is salty, and the forces behind oceanic phenomena such as rogue waves. Colorful anatomical profiles of sea creatures from crustacean to cetacean, surveys of seafaring vessels and lighthouses, and the impact of plastic and warming water temperatures are just part of this compendium of curiosities that will entertain and educate readers of all ages. 

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.

100+ Pcs Beach Seashells Starfish, Various Sizes Ocean Seashells

Package includes about 100 or more pieces mixed beach sea shells. As shown in the picture, random matching includes seashells, starfish, tiny volutes varieties and sea snail, etc.

These seashell decors are exquisite and colorful, which are carefully handpicked and cleaned, generous size from 0.3" to 2.3", weigh about 250g, a wide variety of unique shells for crafts.

All-Natural Brown Play Sand for Mixing

This box has 2.5kg (5.5lb) of natural brown Kinetic Sand to mix, mold, squish, cut and more! Once you pick it up, you won’t be able to put it down! What will you create?

Shark Teeth in Bag Genuine Fossilized Specimens

Real Genuine Shark Teeth

Approximately 30 teeth per bag (plus fossils and bones!)

Great for classroom learning, Arts & Crafts and play "dig sites"

Animal Toy Figurine Models Including Sea Lion, Eagle Ray, Starfish, Turtle, Penguin, Octopus, Humpback Whale, Sperm Whale, Moray Eel, Hammerhead Shark, Tiger Shark, and Dolphin

SET OF 12 FAVORITE FIGURINES – This TOOB brings together 12 of your favorite ocean-dwelling friends, including a sea lion, eagle ray, starfish, turtle, penguin, octopus, humpback whale, sperm whale, moray eel, hammerhead shark, tiger shark, and dolphin!

Finally, look how to make this fun feed the shark activity to use for learning.

Shark & Oceans for Kindergarten Sight Word Activity – Feed The Shark

Supplies needed:

  • Foam board
  • Grey and black craft paint
  • pencil
  • Scissors or straight-edge razor
Shark and Oceans for Kindergarten Fun Sight Word Activity

Using a pencil, lightly trace a shark head shape using most of the board.

Shark and Oceans for Kindergarten Fun Sight Word Activity

Cut out one side and flip it to the other side of the board matching up the corner.

Next, trace it so that both sides match exactly and set these pieces aside. We’re going to use them later.

Shark and Oceans for Kindergarten Fun Sight Word Activity

Use sharp scissors or a straight-edge blade to cut around the top of the shark’s head.

Shark and Oceans for Kindergarten Fun Sight Word Activity

Then, draw an open mouth in the middle that is flatter across the bottom with an arch at the top.

Cut this out and set it to the side.

Shark and Oceans for Kindergarten Fun Sight Word Activity

Paint the border of your shark gray and paint a thin black border around the mouth. Allow the paint to dry completely.

Shark and Oceans for Kindergarten Fun Sight Word Activity

Too, while the paint is drying, take the excess piece from the mouth and cut a bunch of triangles for the shark’s teeth.

Shark and Oceans for Kindergarten Fun Sight Word Activity

Once the paint is dry, hot glue teeth on the back side of the shark’s mouth on top and bottom.

Shark and Oceans for Kindergarten Fun Sight Word Activity

Paint eyes on either side of the head.

Flip the board over and take the two scrap pieces you cut off in the second step, hot glue them on either side of the opening.

Be sure they are both lined up with the bottom as these will serve as your stand.

Shark and Oceans for Kindergarten Fun Sight Word Activity

Now, for the activity itself, you can either make cards with your sight words, letters, numbers, or whatever you want to work on, or use purchased flashcards.

Additionally, you can also use alphabet magnets, scrabble tiles, or whatever else you already have to work with.

Shark and Oceans for Kindergarten Fun Sight Word Activity

Moreover, spread a few out on the floor and call them out to your child, who then picks up the corresponding card and “feeds the shark”.

Easy, fun, and enjoyably repetitive, this activity will help sharpen skills and create a memorable learning experience.

Shark and Oceans for Kindergarten Fun Sight Word Activity

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschoolanguagearts, homeschoolscience, kindergarten, language arts, life science, ocean, shark, sight words

How to Rock Homeschool Creative Writing (when you don’t feel like THAT creative mom)

June 26, 2023 | 8 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I have tips for homeschool creative writing. Also, you’ll love the tips on my post Which One is Really the Best Homeschool Writing Curriculum (a comparison).

Have you ever fumbled your way through teaching a homeschool subject?

Then realize later that you gave your children an amazing start?

It’s not a teaching method I tout because blunders don’t always turn out so productive.

However, teaching is partly influenced by what we were taught growing up.

And homeschool creative writing was a painful process for me.

How to Rock Homeschool Creative Writing (when you don’t feel like THAT creative mom)

In middle school, I wasn’t given a specific and detailed explanation of what is creative writing.

For example, I was told to write creatively.

But as a child I thrived with details, planning and wanted specificity.

My teacher was naturally creative and it was almost a lethal combination for me.

My middle school teacher thought I couldn’t relax and let thoughts flow or so it seemed.

And I thought my teacher didn’t know how to teach because she was unclear in her assignment and didn’t mind the details or so I thought.

How to Rock Creative Writing When Homeschooling (and when you don't feel like THAT creative mom) @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Until I started homeschooling my own children, I didn’t really grasp what my teacher was excited about.

Hoping to bridge the difference between exceptional homeschool teachers who are naturally creative and those who can be when they clearly understand the assignment, look at three things I learned the hard way.

Freedom from the Homeschool Curriculum Box

Progress can be made only when both the homeschool teacher and student understand that creative writing is a natural inward expression of creativity unchained from rules.

That is powerful if you think about it.

It is about emotions, thoughts, and self-expression. It’s about you and who doesn’t like talking (or writing) about their self.

In explaining creative writing to my boys, I used the example of a group photo taken by one of their friends.

When my boys’ friends show them the photo, can you guess what my boys look at first? Yep. They look for themselves first in the picture.

We can’t help it, it’s natural. We want to see how we look.

What is Homeschool Creative Writing

Creative writing is like finding yourself in that photo.

Naturally creative teachers know that putting thoughts on paper is the outside of what is brimming on the inside of an individual.

Once explained to a child, he can bring comical thoughts, deep emotions and even fears to the surface for writing topics.

Digging up those thoughts in a child’s mind may require effort on the part of a teacher.

Key to unleashing creative topics for your child to write about is reading aloud to your child.  Not only will reading aloud foster their imagination, but it helps your child to find their inner voice for writing.

Though I didn’t fully understand all the benefits of reading aloud when I started homeschooling, I reaped the benefits of doing it each day.

When I turned my boys loose, my sons could write pages and pages of stories based on their wild imagination that was stimulated by excellent literature.

How to Rock Homeschool Creative Writing (when you don’t feel like THAT creative mom)

After they would write pages and pages, I failed again. I switched to teacher mode. Correcting grammar and errors is what I thought writing was all about.

That wasn’t working because I almost created a resistant writer with my first son because I had stifled his creativity.

I learned after a battle of wills to not be part of the problem. Be part of the solution.

Thinking that my oldest son had to make a point to the endless stories he was penning was the second mistake I made.

Being a product of my schooling, I had been taught to be clear, concise and brief in my speech and writing.

Those qualities are important as I learned, but not to the extent that they diminish my son’s love for words and expressing emotions through artfully contrived words.

Being part of the solution is to let your child write without fear of being overly corrected, mechanical or trying to make their writing fit your boxed curriculum.

More Homeschool Creative Writing Tips

  • Which One is Really the Best Homeschool Writing Curriculum (a comparison)
  • 5 Creative Ways to Boost Handwriting in Older Kids
  • Cursive Matters; Handwriting Style Doesn’t + Free Resources
  • Teaching Handwriting When Homeschooling the Early Years Part 3

From my childhood and experience teaching my first child who was similar to my learning style, I knew that if told him that creative writing was like painting with no rules, he would add his flair to his writing. And he did.

Also, I learned to not bring my teacher mode to the table and start correcting his paper or in other words smother an ember before it becomes a flame.

And I always added in a good dose of reading aloud each day to help all my boys find their style for writing.

Adding creative writing to your curriculum can be challenging but having confident writers years later has been worth every effort.

But I learned a few more things too. 

I learned to use my teaching strengths as a spring board to creative writing ideas.  And I learned how to help my kids create and brainstorm for writing topics.

8 Writing and Composition Resources For All Ages

Whether you’re teaching handwriting, composition, or creative writing solid tips come from having an abundance of composition and materials to choose from.

Aesop for Children: Story and D'Nealian Copybook Volume I (Aesop for Children Story and Copybook)

The Aesop for Children Story and D'Nealian Copywork Book, Volume I, includes seventy-three original unabridged fables illustrated by Milo Winter. Also included are copywork selections using the moral of each fable in D'Nealian style manuscript with adequate space for students to copy the included examples in their best handwriting. How to Teach Copywork:Copywork can seem simplistic. Give your child a sentence or two and have them copy it. It can also seem like busy work, but the benefits are great! Copywork is a simple introduction to handwriting, spelling, and composition. Have children copy only the best authors, with the best writing, and ideas to fill their growing minds. When to begin copywork:Once a child learns how to write their letters comfortably, they are ready to start simple copywork. Start with very short sentences and have them copy it, always in their best handwriting. 

Writing Strands: Beginning 1

Learn basic communication skills with this updated Writing Strands curriculum for a new generation!

This Beginning 1 course was created for students learning to write sentences and paragraphs on their own. The assignments gently guide students through their work each day, helping them master basic writing with unique exercises on dialogue, reporting, interviews, role playing, persuasion, story writing, and organizing and grouping ideas.

Writing with Ease: Level 1 Workbook (The Complete Writer)

In Writing with Ease, Susan Wise Bauer lays out an alternative plan for teaching writing, one that combines the best elements of old-fashioned writing instruction with innovative new educational methods. The Complete Writer workbooks (each sold separately) complement this plan with lessons, student worksheets, and teacher instructions for every day of writing instruction. Each covers one year of study. Used along with Writing with Ease, The Complete Writer, Level One (first in a four-volume set) complete the elementary-grade writing curriculum.

Jump In, 2nd Edition: Middle School Composition

ump In, 2nd Edition retains the step-by-step features of the first edition and its conversational style, along with some humor to ease the fright of writing! Students master the art of writing paragraphs, different types of paragraphs, topic sentences, and main ideas (thesis statements). They also practice writing nine types of essays and one research report. Proofreading lessons are included, along with suggested writing schedules and specific student checklists for each essay assignment.Let student-directed Jump In, 2nd Edition teach composition for you. A suggested writing schedule and checklist come with every essay assignment.Teachers will enjoy the new grading grids for each essay in the Teacher’s Guide, making grading much easier.Middle school. Two semesters. 98 daily lessons.

The Power in Your Hands: Writing Nonfiction in High School, 2nd Edition

Finally, your teens will write without dread! Have they almost given up on writing? Do they reach for the tissue box when you say, "Write an essay"? Do you worry they won't be ready for high school or college writing? Do they say they think of things to write but can't write them down? With THE POWER IN YOUR HANDS: WRITING NONFICTION IN HIGH SCHOOL, 2ND EDITION, they'll learn essay writing in a relaxed, nonthreatening atmosphere with a little humor thrown in. This 2ND EDITION includes proofreading marks and exercises, a new chapter on common grammar mistakes, and numbered lessons to easily keep track of daily lessons. This course teaches your teens what they need to know for high school and will be prepare them for college writing: persuasion, compare-and-contrast essays, literary analysis, a research paper with MLA documentation, and much more. In addition, students will learn how to write description and narration essays. Beginning writers will feel safe, and advanced writers will enjoy Digging Deeper lessons.

Photo Credit: www.writingrockstars.com

Writing Rockstars

Homeschooling Students Improve Writing Skills With Our Online Writing Program

The Art of Poetry

If you have ever felt mystified by, or unable to enjoy the significance of poetry, this book will lead you step by step to understanding and love of this branch of literature, guided by a gifted poet and teacher. The Art of Poetry is an excellent middle school or high school curriculum; it will teach the practice of reading a poem slowly and carefully, introduce students to the elements of poetry (such as imagery and metaphor) and the many forms that can make a poem, from sonnet to open verse. In the belief that practice is the best way to learn, this book is rich with explications, exercises, and activities. A biography of each poet is also included, and we are providing audio files of many of the poems.

Cover Story Set

Curriculum is a creative one-year writing curriculum for middle school students

Later I realized that I don’t have to give up details, planning or specificity when writing. I will share specific details in an upcoming post about how I used my strengths to make creative writing flourish.

What about you? Are you afraid to step out of the box and teach creative writing?

You can do it!

8 CommentsFiled Under: Middle School Homeschool, Teach Homeschool Language Arts Tagged With: composition, handwriting, homeschoolanguagearts, language arts, languagearts, teachingwriting, writing

Free Charlotte’s Web Homeschool Unit Study and Fun Hands-on Ideas

April 3, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a free Charlotte’s Web homeschool unit study today with fun hands-on ideas. Also grab more ideas on my best homeschool unit studies page.

Charlotte’s Web is not only a wonderful story for reading aloud or independent reading time, but it also lends itself beautifully to a wide-open list of topics to study beyond just the title.

Here is a free Charlotte’s Web Unit Study with a bushel of ideas for you whether you want to spend a week or a whole month learning about Wilbur, Fern, and Charlotte.

Free Charlotte’s Web Homeschool Unit Study and Fun Hands-on Ideas

Charlotte’s Web will keep you busy with new vocabulary, learning about things like characters, plot, setting, and point of view.

And of course, it is a wonderful setting to learn all about farm life including the animals that live there. 

To make the book more than just a read you will have to get creative by pulling something from the theme of the book for each of your main subjects.

Facts about Charlotte’s Web Book

I have a few ideas ready to get you going as well as some interesting facts to share with your farmhands.

  • The E.B. in E.B. White, the author, stands for Elwyn Brooks
  • Zuckerman’s farm in Charlotte’s Web was real. E.B. White based it on the farm he grew up on in Maine.
  • Fern did not become a character of the book until the last draft of it was written.
  • Garth Williams, who illustrated Charlotte’s Web is also well known for his illustrations for the entire Little House on The Prairie Series.
  • Wilbur was inspired by a sick pig that White had tried to nurse back to health. Unfortunately, the pig died.
  • Charlotte’s full name is Charlotte A. Cavatica which is a clever reference to her species class, Araneus Cavaticus or the common barn spider.
  • E.B. White won a special Pulitzer Prize in 1978 for all his writings and works.
Free Charlotte’s Web Homeschool Unit Study and Fun Hands-on Ideas

More Charlotte’s Web Resources and Activities

  • 8 Pig Facts and a Cute Wilbur Paper Plate Charlotte’s Web Craft

Moreover, grab some of these books to enhance your unit study.

Charlotte's Web Unit Study Resources

Add some of these books to flesh out your unit study if you're studying about farm animals, geography of Main or spiders.

Charlotte's Web: A Newbery Honor Award Winner

E. B. White's Newbery Honor Book is a tender novel of friendship, love, life, and death that will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come. It contains illustrations by Garth Williams, the acclaimed illustrator of E. B. White's Stuart Little and Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House series, among many other books.

The Julia Rothman Collection: Farm Anatomy, Nature Anatomy, and Food Anatomy

This handsome box set provides hours of enlightening entertainment for those curious about farm life, the natural world, and food. Best-selling author and illustrator Julia Rothman presents Farm Anatomy, Nature Anatomy, and Food Anatomy in a specially designed slipcase with 10 framable prints. Rothman’s popular line drawings offer a whimsical and educational guide to life on a farm, nature’s hidden wonders, and delectable tidbits from kitchens and pantries around the globe.

Insects and Spiders (Nature Explorers)

With a mix of fantastic photographs and beautiful illustrations, Insects and Spiders takes you through everything you need to know about these bewildering bugs. Learn what termites build their nests from, how an earwig looks after her eggs, and why wasps have black and yellow stripes.

Pigs

With clear, simple text and bright, well-labeled watercolors, Gail Gibbons explores the truth about pigs. Digging up truffles, competing in county fairs, grunting and squealing to communicate-- these flat-snouted farm animals are complex and surprisingly talented.

DK Super Readers Level 1 A Day on the Farm

A Day on the Farm is a beautifully designed reader all about a day in the life of a farm, with eggs hatching, milking time for the cows, sheep shearing and lots of hungry baby animals!

I'm Trying to Love Spiders

I’m Trying to Love Spiders will help you see these amazing arachnids in a whole new light, from heir awesomely excessive eight eyes, to the seventy-five pounds of bugs a spider can eat in a single year! And you’re sure to feel better knowing you have a better chance of being struck by lightning than being fatally bit by a spider. Comforting, right? No? Either way, there’s heaps more information in here to help you forget your fears .

National Geographic Readers: Spiders

You don’t have to look far to see a spider’s web—in the corner of the window, on a fence, or in a bush—spiders make their homes everywhere. And there are so many kinds of spiders! Some red, some blue, yellow, and more…all fascinating. Amazing photography and easy-to-understand text make Spiders a hit in this National Geographic Kids series.

Assorted Farm Animals Toys

Teach your child about the different farm animals and the sounds they make; Set up an interactive playtime to collaborate with your child to count and sort the animals.

Click, Clack, Moo Cows That Type

But Farmer Brown's problems REALLY begin when his cows start leaving him notes.... Doreen ronin's understated text and Betsy Lewin's expressive illustrations make the most of this hilarious situation. Come join the fun as a bunch of literate cows turn Farmer Brown's farm upside down.

On the Farm

From the bull to the barn cat to the wild bunny, the farmyard bustles with life. The rooster crows, the rams clash, the bees buzz, and over there in the garden, a snake — silent and alone — winds and
watches. David Elliott’s graceful, simple verse and Holly Meade’s exquisite woodcut and watercolor illustrations capture a world that is at once timeless yet disappearing from view — the world of the family farm.

First, here are some fun resources.

  • Nice 16 page pdf Educator’s Guide
  • The Power of Words in “Charlotte’s Web”
  • Character Analysis 42 free pages
  • 12 page free Teaching Guide
  • YouTube Charlotte’s Web (Full Audiobook)
  • YouTube FARM ANIMALS & THEIR SOUNDS (Part 3) Babies, Toddlers, Preschool, & K-3

Next, look at some unit study science ideas.

Unit Study Science Ideas for Charlotte’s Web

One of the most enticing things about a unit study is being able to tie a lot of subjects to one theme. Look below at ideas for each topic.

Farm Theme Ideas

Choose one of the main character animals like pigs, spiders, rats, geese, or sheep to study. Your child can

  • Watch videos.
  • Write a report.
  • Create a diorama.
  • Paint a picture.
  • Make their animal out of clay.
  • Read books about various animals on the farm.

A great reference book to research farm life, as well as farm animals, is Julia Rothman Farm Anatomy with its beautiful illustrations and great information snippets on a lot of topics.

Free Charlotte’s Web Homeschool Unit Study and Fun Hands-on Ideas

Also, add some fun farm math.

Math Ideas

Use manipulatives to make math hands-on.

  • Use plastic animals as counters for simple addition and subtraction, skip counting, or sorting for the littlest of hands.
  • Measure plastic farm animals, take a poll on everyone’s favorite farm animals, and graph it.
  • Older kids can map out a farm on graph paper and figure out the scale, area, and perimeter.
  • Give simple math a twist by giving farm-themed math problems like “If I had 100 pounds of pig feed and each of my 3 pigs eats 5 pounds per day, how long will it last?” If Zuckerman’s truck had to go 40 miles to the fair and they traveled at 22 mph how long would it take to get there?

Moreover, add some fun hands-on geography.

Geography Ideas

  • The story of Charlotte’s Web takes place in Maine, take this time to learn a little about the state.
Free Charlotte’s Web Homeschool Unit Study and Fun Hands-on Ideas
  • Practice map skills and have your child draw a map of the farm where Wilbur lived including the farmhouse, barn, trees, and any other places they feel are significant.

Language Arts

  • Grab a list of spelling words for the story from Vocabulary.com to practice vocabulary and spelling by using words in sentences, flashcards, and other ways.
  • Draw a spider web with white crayon on white paper, weaving words throughout the lines, and give your child watercolors to reveal the words. As they appear, have them say the word and spell it out loud.
  • Have your child write their own short story about a farm by hand or on the computer.
  • Use farm-themed prompts for journaling- For example, “One morning I woke up and ran outside to the barn to find…”.

Below I have another fun and simple spelling activity.

Free Charlotte’s Web Homeschool Unit Study and Fun Hands-on Ideas

Free Charlotte’s Web Homeschool Unit Study Spelling Web Activity

You will need:

  • Black cardstock
  • White chalk or a white paint marker
  • Hairspray
  • Letter tiles or beads
  • Spelling words list
Free Charlotte’s Web Homeschool Unit Study and Fun Hands-on Ideas

Grab a piece of black cardstock or construction paper and draw a circle in the center with chalk.

Next, draw lines coming out from the circle all the way to the edges of the paper.

You can make it any size you like, depending on the child.

Free Charlotte’s Web Homeschool Unit Study and Fun Hands-on Ideas

Draw a line straight across the middle for spelling words and then a few more lines all the way across from edge to edge.

To get the webbed effect you want to slightly arch your small lines in between the big lines, going all the way around.

Free Charlotte’s Web Homeschool Unit Study and Fun Hands-on Ideas

Finally, if you use chalk, set it so that it doesn’t smudge by spraying it with hairspray and allowing it to dry fully.

Set out your web, spelling words, and the letter tiles-scrabble tiles, letter beads, or lacing letters.

Free Charlotte’s Web Homeschool Unit Study and Fun Hands-on Ideas

Leave a CommentFiled Under: My Unit Studies {Free Printables & Hands-on Ideas} Tagged With: farm, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschoolanguagearts, language arts, languagearts, science, unit studies, unit study

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • Page 2
  • Page 3
  • Page 4
  • Page 5
  • Page 6
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 13
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Footer

Privacy Policy | About Me | Reviews | Contact | Advertise

Categories

Archives

Tina Robertson is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 · 5 TNT LLC · Log in · Privacy Policy