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kindergarten

T Is For Simple Fun Thunderstorm Activities For Kindergarten

October 8, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Thunderstorm activities for kindergarten will make a big impact if they are fun and hands on to get and keep your child’s interest. Also, grab my other tips, ideas, and crafts for kindergarten on my page Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum.

Today I have a fun puffy fingerpaint thunderstorm sensory activity.

Your child will love this along with plenty of other resources like books, videos, and more hands-on activities.

T Is For Simple Fun Thunderstorm Activities For Kindergarten

Thunderstorms? Those massive, dark clouds aren’t just your average weather event; they are a display of the wild energy that’s going on up in our atmosphere.

And thunderstorms come with lightning, thunder, and sometimes even hail, which can be scary, but they’re also cool.

For our curious learners we’re going to break down how thunderstorms form and what they include through fun activities.

BOOKS ABOUT WEATHER FOR KIDS

First, look at some of these weather books for kids

13 Weather Resources and Books For Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

Grab some of these fantastic weather resources and books to engage your youngest learners about what is weather.

Image for What Will the Weather Be?

What Will the Weather Be?

Will it be warm or cold? Should we wear shorts or pants? Shoes or rain boots? What Will the Weather Be? uses colorful, simple diagrams to explain meteorology in a fun, engaging way. Perfect for young scientists and budding meteorologists, this bestseller features clear explanations of everyday weather instruments like thermometers and barometers.

Image for TEDCO-Pet Tornado-Spin and Watch

TEDCO-Pet Tornado-Spin and Watch

  • Nature's most destructive force can be observed and enjoyed in the palm of your hand.
  • Hold Pet Tornado from top or bottom and rotate wrist form amazing funnel clouds.
Image for Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World

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.

Image for Water Is Water: A Book About the Water Cycle

Water Is Water: A Book About the Water Cycle

Drip. Sip. Pour me a cup. Water is water unless...it heats up.Whirl. Swirl. Watch it curl by. Steam is steam unless...it cools high.This spare, poetic picture book follows a group of kids as they move through all the different phases of the water cycle. From rain to fog to snow to mist, talented author Miranda Paul and the always remarkable Jason Chin (Redwoods, Coral Reefs, Island, Gravity) combine to create a beautiful and informative journey in this innovative nonfiction picture book that will leave you thirsty for more.

Image for Book of Storms: Hurricanes, Twisters and Squalls

Book of Storms: Hurricanes, Twisters and Squalls

What triggers a tornado? What can you see in the eye of a hurricane? What's the difference between a thunderbolt and a thunderclap? Popular author and artist Eric Sloane proves why weather is something best understood by seeing it. His illustrated book shows weather "happening." In fact, there's not a sunny page in it—nothing but cyclonic storms, whirlwinds, waterspouts, lightning bolts, and other fascinating, weather-related topics. More than seventy pages of drawings and diagrams make the weather come alive in a book that examines everything from storm mechanisms and cold fronts to the birth of a thunderhead.

Image for Eric Sloane's Weather Book

Eric Sloane's Weather Book

"Amateur weather forecasters (which includes just about everyone) will find this volume an informative and entertaining account of the why and how of the weather." -- The Nation In simple language, Eric Sloane explains the whys and wherefores of weather and weather forecasting -- and does it in a style that's universally appealing. With humor and common sense shining through in a book that's also lively and informative, Sloane shows readers how to predict the weather by "reading" such natural phenomena as winds, skies, and animal sounds. This beautifully illustrated and practical treasure trove of climate lore will enlighten outdoorsmen, farmers, sailors, and anyone else who has ever wondered what a large halo around the moon means, why birds "sit it out" before a storm, and whether or not to take an umbrella when leaving the house.

Image for Thunderstorm

Thunderstorm

A midwestern summer thunderstorm as seen through the eyes of artist/etcher Arthur Geisert, and depicted in unprecedented detail, beautifully hand-colored.

Thunderstorm follows the course of a storm through midwestern farm country minute-by-minute, hour-by-hour, from late morning into late afternoon. As always with Arthur Geisert, it is a meticulously executed and visually stunning piece of work. Other than the timeline that runs along the bottom border of the illustrations, there is no text, and the illustrations are continuous.

Through keen observation, Geisert beautifully captures the nuances and details of a midwestern thunderstorm, from the ever-changing color of the sky, to the actions of the human inhabitants, to the reactions of the natural world to the wind and rain. America's heartland is somewhat unfamiliar territory in the realm of picture books, but in Thunderstorm, Geisert has provided readers with valuable, breathtaking insight into one of its most natural occurrences.

Image for The Magic School Bus Kicks Up A Storm: A Book About Weather

The Magic School Bus Kicks Up A Storm: A Book About Weather

A book about weather, from the animated television series on the Learning Channel.

Image for Rain, Hail, Sleet & Snow

Rain, Hail, Sleet & Snow

Rain, Hail, Sleet & Snow was first published by Nancy Larrick in 1961 and served as an introduction to elementary students about how weather conditions are formed. The book has been out of print for quite some time and modern books do not offer this age group such an approachable discussion of how inclement weather is formed and the conditions that effect it. While it does not discuss the most modern tools of meteorology, it does mention the use of airplanes, satellites, and other tools of measurement. Other topics besides rain, hail, sleet and snow that are discussed are tornadoes and hurricanes, lightning and thunder, fog, humidity, water vapor, condensation, ice crystals, and the different types of clouds.

Image for Look at the Sky and Tell the Weather

Look at the Sky and Tell the Weather

A delightful blend of serious meteorology and beautiful illustrations, this informative book displays the many talents of Eric Sloane. A writer, landscape painter, weather forecaster, and authority on early American history, Sloane takes readers with him on a voyage of discovery as he traces a single air mass from the Canadian Rockies to northern New England. A vivid narrative and the author's own pen-and-ink sketches describe the progress of the air mass over America, and tell about its encounters with other elements of weather systems and with Americans from a variety of backgrounds.

Image for The Secret World of Weather: How to Read Signs in Every Cloud, Breeze, Hill, Street, Plant, Animal, and Dewdrop

The Secret World of Weather: How to Read Signs in Every Cloud, Breeze, Hill, Street, Plant, Animal, and Dewdrop

In this eye-opening trove of outdoor clues, acclaimed natural navigator Tristan Gooley shows us how, by "reading" nature as he does, you'll not only detect what the weather is doing (and predict what's coming), you'll enter a secret wonderland of sights and sounds you've never noticed before. Discover the ways that weather can reveal a hidden world with every step you take—through the woods or down a city street.

  • A turbulent sky with mismatched clouds predicts bad weather.
  • Snowflakes get smaller as the temperature drops.
  • Dry weather and morning frost follow a clear moon.
  • Gliding birds mean stable air and thus, fair weather.
  • Honeybees don't leave their hives below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Crickets chirp faster as the temperature rises.
  • Pine cones close their scales in high humidity.
  • Perching birds face into the wind.
  • Cows don't lie down before rain, but they do head home.
Image for Weather Words and What They Mean

Weather Words and What They Mean

Simple, kid-friendly text explains the origins of fog, clouds, frost, thunderstorms, snow, fronts, hurricanes, reinforcing the explanations with clear, well-labeled drawings and diagrams. Newly revised, this edition of Weather Words and What They Mean has been vetted by an expert from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association. Best of all, the book features a fun list of weird weather facts!

Image for The Wonder Of Thunder: Lessons From A Thunderstorm

The Wonder Of Thunder: Lessons From A Thunderstorm

o you know a child who is scared or feels uneasy during thunderstorms?

The Wonder of Thunder is a lighthearted children’s rhyming picture book that helps tame fears while highlighting all the wondrous things thunderstorms can do.

Children will adore Sally Storm, a lovable character who excitedly shares all the good she can do as she swirls and tumbles overhead. This early learning picture book introduces the topic of storms, thunder, lightning and rain in a fun and non-threatening way.

Colourful and captivating illustrations pull children into the story and hold their attention through to the end, where Sally shares more fun facts about thunderstorms and engages children through direct questions.

Next, here is some information to share with your kindergartener as you learn about the power and beauty of thunderstorms.

THUNDERSTORM FACTS FOR KIDS

What is a thunderstorm?

A thunderstorm is a storm with lightning and thunder. It is caused by the buildup of static electricity in the atmosphere.

How do thunderstorms form?

Thunderstorms form when there is a lot of warm, moist air near the ground. This air rises and cools, causing water vapor to condense into clouds.

As the clouds grow taller, they become unstable and the updrafts and downdrafts in the cloud become stronger. This causes the cloud to become electrified.

What is lightning?

Lightning is a bolt of electricity that travels between two objects with different electrical charges. In a thunderstorm, lightning can travel between the clouds, between the clouds and the ground, or even between the ground and the clouds.

T Is For Simple Fun Thunderstorm Activities For Kindergarten

What is thunder?

Thunder is the sound that is made by the shockwave that is created by lightning. When lightning travels through the air, it heats the air around it.

 This causes the air to expand rapidly, creating a shockwave that travels through the air at the speed of sound.

MORE KINDERGARTEN HOMESCHOOL CURRICULUM ACTIVITIES

  • How to Create the Perfect Kindergarten Homeschool Set Up
  • Best Kindergarten Health Curriculum Easy Ideas For Activities
  • 8 Best Summer Unit Studies For Kindergarten | Free Ant Study
  • 10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas | How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin
  • How to Create a Kindergarten Math Game With Popsicle Sticks
  • 8 Stellaluna Kindergarten Activities | How To Make A Coffee Filter Bat Craft
  • First Day Of Kindergarten Homeschool Ideas | Free Scavenger Hunt Cards
  • Math Made Easy: Engaging Addition For Kindergarten Dice Activities
  • T Is For Simple Fun Thunderstorm Activities For Kindergarten
  • Fun and Easy Tissue Paper Crafts for Kindergarten
  • Fun Kindergarten History Activities: How to Create Royal Peg Dolls
  • Enhance Your Language Arts Kindergarten Curriculum with Free Flip Books

THUNDERSTORM RESOURCES & ACTIVITIES

Thunderstorms are fascinating and educational experiences for children of all ages.

Here are a wonderful variety of activities that you can do with your child to help them learn more about thunderstorms.

Spell out weather words like ‘thunderstorm’ with letter tiles and have your child identify each letter and the sound it makes.

T Is For Simple Fun Thunderstorm Activities For Kindergarten

Make a Fun Felt Weather Chart & Free The Magic School Bus Kicks Up A Storm Worksheet to keep track of the weather every day including thunderstorms.

Dig deeper into the science of thunderstorms with this What Causes a Thunderstorm Science Activity.

Little busy hands will love exploring this Thunderstorm Play Dough as you read about how and why they happen.

Watch Thunder and Lightning on YouTube and discuss the different aspects of thunderstorms that are covered.

Create a Lightning Storm in a Cup Luminary to demonstrate the lightning and make a cute little night light that your child can put on their bedside table.

Observe a thunderstorm from a safe distance. Explain to your child what is happening during the storm, such as the formation of clouds, the lightning and thunder, and the rain.

Point out different types of clouds, such as cumulonimbus clouds, which are associated with thunderstorms.

Discuss the different stages of a thunderstorm, such as the developing stage, the mature stage, and the dissipating stage. Count the seconds between the lightning and thunder to determine how far away it is (then divide by 5) if its 20 seconds the lightning is 4 miles away.

Building a Thunderstorm Sensory Bin makes an amazing activity while your child is learning through listening.

Learn about thunderstorms with books, videos, and flashcards like this eboo set.

It’s a favorite that we reach for time and again with nature topics.

T Is For Simple Fun Thunderstorm Activities For Kindergarten

THUNDERSTORM ACTIVITIES FOR KINDERGARTEN – FINGER PAINTING

You will need:

  • Craft paints
  • Paper plate
  • Sensitive shave cream
  • Art paper
T Is For Simple Fun Thunderstorm Activities For Kindergarten

First, make a small pile of shaving cream for every color you wish to use.

Add washable craft paint to each pile, good options for a thunderstorm are white, gray, black, and of course yellow for the lightning.

T Is For Simple Fun Thunderstorm Activities For Kindergarten

Stir each one together well to combine paint and shaving cream.

Set out thick paper with your DIY finger paints.

T Is For Simple Fun Thunderstorm Activities For Kindergarten

Encourage your child to use their hands (or a brush) to swirl, smash, swirl, and squish paint all over the paper to create a dark chaotic stormy sky.

T Is For Simple Fun Thunderstorm Activities For Kindergarten

Let them layer colors and vary the thickness, exploring with the paint.

T Is For Simple Fun Thunderstorm Activities For Kindergarten

Of course, they will want to add some zig zagging lightning streaking through the sky.

T Is For Simple Fun Thunderstorm Activities For Kindergarten

Allow the painting to dry and make another if they like. Perhaps create a different weather fingerpainting to compare the two.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: How To - - - Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, kindergarten, science, thunderstorms, weather

Math Made Easy: Engaging Addition For Kindergarten Dice Activities

October 7, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We’re teaching addition for kindergarten by grabbing a handful of dice and spending just a few minutes a day playing games. Also, grab my other tips, ideas, and crafts for kindergarten on my page Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum.

Simple kindergarten math lays the foundation for essential mathematical concepts which children will build upon throughout their lives.

Math Made Easy: Engaging Addition For Kindergarten Dice Activities

You don’t need a curriculum for math at this level.

There are some key concepts for a child to learn that they can do with just a handful of items and a few minutes playing with you every day.

Besides you want to teach math in an interactive way and make learning a game.

KINDERGARTEN MATH GAMES

First, look at some of these other fun math games for kindergarten.

Add one or two your learning day.

7 Kindergarten Math Games & Resources

Add some of these fun kindergarten math games and resources for hands-on math.

Image for Melon Rind Clumsy Thief Junior Math Game

Melon Rind Clumsy Thief Junior Math Game

  • GAME-CHANGING FUN : A hilarious game of give and take where kids develop confidence and solid math skills. Every player has fun as cards are constantly changing hands!
  • EASY TO LEARN: Players look at their dealt hand for any two cards that add to 10 to make food stacks. Get stacks from other players if you have a card in your hand that makes 10 when added to the top card of an opponent's stack. Thief cards take food stacks. Trap cards stop the Thief cards. All players are actively adding and snatching. The player with the most cards wins!
Image for ThinkFun Zingo 1-2-3 Number Bingo Game | Perfect for Kids

ThinkFun Zingo 1-2-3 Number Bingo Game | Perfect for Kids

  • LEARNING THROUGH PLAY: ThinkFun's Zingo 1-2-3 provides a fun and engaging way for kids to develop critical skills like counting, simple addition, number sense, and word recognition
Image for Math Dice Junior Game - Engaging Math Skills Builder |

Math Dice Junior Game - Engaging Math Skills Builder |

  • MENTAL AGILITY ENHANCER: This game is designed to enhance mental math skills and cognitive abilities among kids aged 6 and up - a fun way to learn.
  • QUALITY AND TRUST: With over 50 million games sold worldwide, ThinkFun is a global leader when it comes to brain-busting puzzles and engaging games.
  • CRITICAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT: The gameplay offers a stealth learning experience where kids can develop early math skills while having fun.
Image for Mathswatters Addition & Subtraction Game - 99 Pieces for Age 5+ Kids,

Mathswatters Addition & Subtraction Game - 99 Pieces for Age 5+ Kids,

  • Swat, Learn, and Win!: Kids grab a swatter, add or subtract, and swat their way to new kindergarten math skills every time they play these fast-paced math games for kids!
  • Multiple Ways to Play: Designed for 1-4 players, these smart games for kids comes with many ways to play and learn—compete head-to-head, or boost with solo play!
Image for Math Scramble Game,Educational Games for Kids,

Math Scramble Game,Educational Games for Kids,

  • BUILD new elementary math skills with this strategy tile game!
  • RACE to build and solve addition and subtraction equations--first one to use all their tiles wins!
  • MULTIPLE ways to learn math skills, both solo or with up to 3 friends!
Image for MOBI Kids Fun Math Games for Kids 4-8

MOBI Kids Fun Math Games for Kids 4-8

  • ✅ Objective: Help build confidence and social skills in children but engages the entire family young and old by teaching and reinforcing basic math skills in a cool entertaining game setting. Parents and teachers will love this for beginner’s.
  • ✅ How To Play: Each player selects one set of number tiles. Each toy set contains the exact same numbers. Players then connect their number tiles to form equations using operation tiles. The first player to connect all their number tiles wins!
Image for Big Time Student Clock, Teaching & Demonstration Clock

Big Time Student Clock, Teaching & Demonstration Clock

Hidden gear mechanism automatically advances the hour hand when the minute hand is manually manipulated

Next, look at these math concepts.

You start teaching them in kindergarten but are also covered in several grades afterwards. So, focus on introduction at this level.

BASIC KINDERGARTEN MATH CONCEPTS

  • Counting to 100.
  • Using strategies like counting on, counting back, and using number lines to solve problems.
  • Skip counting by 1s, 2s, 5s, and 10s.
  • Counting objects in a set.
  • Representing numbers with objects, tally marks, and numerals.
  • Understanding the concept of “more than,” “less than,” and “equal to.”
  • Recognizing Numbers 0-10.
  • Associating numbers with quantities.
  • Recognizing and writing numbers 0-10 from memory.
  • Ordering Numbers -Placing numbers 0-10 in order from least to greatest and greatest to least.
  • Understanding the concept of ordinal numbers (first, second, third, etc.).
  • Comparing two numbers 0-10 to determine which is greater or less.
  • Using symbols (<, >, =) to represent comparisons.
  • Addition and Subtraction within 10-Solving simple addition and subtraction problems using objects, pictures, and number sentences.
  • Understanding the concept of “part-part-whole” relationships.
Math Made Easy: Engaging Addition For Kindergarten Dice Activities

Of course you will also introduce your child to coin recognition, simple measurement, and other math.

But today we are focusing on concepts like subtraction and addition for kindergarten

With a jar full of dice, some manipulatives like little crackers, pompoms, or coins, and some paper and markers you can teach your child many of these important concepts.

Too, you only need to spend about 15-20 minutes a day ‘playing’ games.

MORE KINDERGARTEN HOMESCHOOL CURRICULUM ACTIVITIES

  • How to Create the Perfect Kindergarten Homeschool Set Up
  • Best Kindergarten Health Curriculum Easy Ideas For Activities
  • 8 Best Summer Unit Studies For Kindergarten | Free Ant Study
  • 10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas | How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin
  • How to Create a Kindergarten Math Game With Popsicle Sticks
  • 8 Stellaluna Kindergarten Activities | How To Make A Coffee Filter Bat Craft
  • First Day Of Kindergarten Homeschool Ideas | Free Scavenger Hunt Cards
  • Math Made Easy: Engaging Addition For Kindergarten Dice Activities
  • T Is For Simple Fun Thunderstorm Activities For Kindergarten
  • Fun and Easy Tissue Paper Crafts for Kindergarten
  • Fun Kindergarten History Activities: How to Create Royal Peg Dolls
  • Enhance Your Language Arts Kindergarten Curriculum with Free Flip Books

ADDITION FOR KINDERGARTEN GAMES

First, I like to have a combination of dice with dots as well as those using numbers to practice with.

Then, these glow in the dark ones would also be super fun!

You could use these oversized dry erase dice for any of the games below and customize the numbers for whatever you are working on.

  1. Add it Up- Simply roll two dice and add the numbers together. Once this is mastered you can move on to more than, less than, and equal to. You could also have them practice subtraction this way.

Skills learned: Number recognition, writing or mental math

  1. Math Bingo- Use 1×1” grid paper and trace a 5×5 box, make the center square free. In the rest of the boxes write random numbers from 1-12. Give your child two dice and something small to cover the numbers. They roll both dice and either cover the number on each dice or add them together to get a higher number and cover that. They keep rolling until they get a bingo.

            Skills learned: Number recognition, addition.

Math Made Easy: Engaging Addition For Kindergarten Dice Activities
  1. Dice War- Each person gets 5 dice and each rolls one at a time,the higher number wins, the winner takes both dice and they are added to their pile until someone has all the dice.  In the event the same number is rolled just roll again until there is a winner. Once your child has mastered this you can have them tell you the total of the two

MATH ADDITION FOR KINDERGARTEN

            Skills learned: Number recognition, addition, comparing, more and less.

  1. Race to 20– Write the numbers 1-20 on 1”x1” graph paper and have your child roll one die, they then begin at one and count on using a manipulative to cover that number. For example, the first roll is a 6 they cover to that, the next is a 4 they cover the next 4 (which would be up to 10) and continue until they have added numbers up to 20.

            Skills learned: Number recognition, adding, counting on.

Math Made Easy: Engaging Addition For Kindergarten Dice Activities
  1. Fill The Cup: Provide your child with a cup, pom poms, and one or two dice. Have them roll and add the matching number of pom poms to the cup. They continue until the cup is full. You can let them add one at a time or make them add the two together first.

           Skills learned: Number recognition, one-to-one correspondence, quantity.

Math Made Easy: Engaging Addition For Kindergarten Dice Activities
  1. Roll It Write It: Have your child roll one die and then write the number as many times as you would like them to practice on wide paper. For children just beginning to write you may want to write with a highlighter and let them trace it with pencil.

           Skills learned: Recognizing and writing numbers.

Math Made Easy: Engaging Addition For Kindergarten Dice Activities
  1. Odd or Even: Have your child roll the dice and tell you if their number is odd or even.

            Skills learned: Number recognition, odd/even.

Math Made Easy: Engaging Addition For Kindergarten Dice Activities
  1. Stack it Up-Have your child practice stacking numbers 1-5 in order of greatest to least and least to greatest.  An alternative play to this is giving them a handful of dice and having them sort and stack all odd or all even numbers.

Skills learned: Number recognition, order.

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

First Day Of Kindergarten Homeschool Ideas | Free Scavenger Hunt Cards

October 6, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Are you looking for the first day of kindergarten homeschool ideas? Also, grab my other tips, ideas, and crafts for kindergarten on my page Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum.

Look no further, I have a couple of free printables including a scavenger hunt and kindergarten memory book.

And more ideas to make their first day amazing.

It’s important to create a positive and supportive learning environment right from the start.

First Day Of Kindergarten Homeschool Ideas | Free Scavenger Hunt Cards

One way to do this is to establish some first-day-of-homeschool traditions.

They can help to make the first day of homeschool special and memorable.

Just because your child is not going back to a brick-and-mortar school does not mean they don’t deserve the excitement of the first day.

Small things like a fresh pair of clothes and new school supplies are fun ways to celebrate.

But don’t worry, there’s many ways to make it memorable without spending a ton of money.

These traditions can also help to set the tone for the rest of the year.

They make your child’s experience relaxed and special right from the get-go.

FIRST DAY OF KINDERGARTEN HOMESCHOOL IDEAS

Enjoy a slow start. Instead of jumping right into a full day explore the new curriculum and/or supplies together.

Talk about expectations for each day, ask your child for some input on what they would like to learn, fun trips to take, and then just complete a few pages.

Start off your first day with a yummy breakfast.

Homemade muffins and bacon are a favorite treat here.

I made a big batch of muffins by mixing pancake mix, separating it into smaller bowls and then adding blueberries to some, chocolate chips to some, and extra vanilla and cinnamon to the third batch.

First Day Of Kindergarten Homeschool Ideas | Free Scavenger Hunt Cards

If you want a unique tradition from German culture you can put together a Schultute cone full of supplies as a special treat.

Begin their school year with a fun field trip to the zoo, state park, or a museum in your area. Read a book about what you saw while you were there when you got home.

Make a DIY Back-to-School Time Capsule to commemorate the special occasion, years from now it will be such a precious memory.

KINDERGARTEN FIRST DAY OF HOMESCHOOL IDEAS

  • Print these free back to school signs and have a photo shoot so that you can see how much they have changed and grown at the end of the year.

This set includes the first day, last day, and individual grade levels for all ages.

Include their curriculum, favorite read alouds, and extracurricular interests in their photos.

First Day Of Kindergarten Homeschool Ideas | Free Scavenger Hunt Cards
  • Take a trip to the library and get their first library card if they have not already done so. What a special memory for the first day of their home learning years.

 Choosing their own books to take home and learning to care for them.

  • Play board games all day.

There are so many fantastic learning board games that cover every subject your child might need to cover-math, science, history, geography, language arts, and they also teach social skills and more.

First Day Of Kindergarten Homeschool Ideas | Free Scavenger Hunt Cards
  • Make some handprint art to commemorate how little their hands were. I have lots of great handprint art ideas to choose from-summer themes to 3D volcano creations.
  • Decorate a bit.

Make a big deal out of the first day by adding in some inexpensive decorations like a banner on the mantle.

Or a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils here and there, or a notebook paper runner for the kitchen table help set the scene in a super fun way.

  • Give a back-to-school themed gift.

If you are doing a co-op a cute backpack for supplies is really fun, a character themed pencil pouch they would love, fresh art supplies, or a new water bottle for field trips even.

First Day Of Kindergarten Homeschool Ideas | Free Scavenger Hunt Cards
  • Have a homeschool supply scavenger hunt, below I have a two free printables and ideas for making a memorable scavenger hunt

MORE KINDERGARTEN HOMESCHOOL CURRICULUM ACTIVITIES

  • How to Create the Perfect Kindergarten Homeschool Set Up
  • Best Kindergarten Health Curriculum Easy Ideas For Activities
  • 8 Best Summer Unit Studies For Kindergarten | Free Ant Study
  • 10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas | How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin
  • How to Create a Kindergarten Math Game With Popsicle Sticks
  • 8 Stellaluna Kindergarten Activities | How To Make A Coffee Filter Bat Craft
  • First Day Of Kindergarten Homeschool Ideas | Free Scavenger Hunt Cards
  • Math Made Easy: Engaging Addition For Kindergarten Dice Activities
  • T Is For Simple Fun Thunderstorm Activities For Kindergarten
  • Fun and Easy Tissue Paper Crafts for Kindergarten
  • Fun Kindergarten History Activities: How to Create Royal Peg Dolls
  • Enhance Your Language Arts Kindergarten Curriculum with Free Flip Books

FREE SCAVENGER HUNT CARDS

So, this two part printable gives you a quick and easy scavenger hunt for your child to round up some fresh new school supplies.

 Using a little brain power and their feet also helps wake them up for the day.

First Day Of Kindergarten Homeschool Ideas | Free Scavenger Hunt Cards

Hide their new supplies in each of the designated areas while you are enjoying your quiet morning cup- by the coffee pot, under the table, near the toothbrushes, etc

First Day Of Kindergarten Homeschool Ideas | Free Scavenger Hunt Cards

Read each clue out loud to your child or have an older sibling read them.

Help your child discover each of their new school supplies they will need to get started and then round them up at the kitchen table (or wherever you are going to be working together) and get your day started.

First Day Of Kindergarten Homeschool Ideas | Free Scavenger Hunt Cards

Give your child a basket to gather up their supplies

First Day Of Kindergarten Homeschool Ideas | Free Scavenger Hunt Cards

FREE MY KINDERGARTEN BOOK

After they complete their scavenger hunt they can use the supplies to fill in this little keepsake printable book.

First Day Of Kindergarten Homeschool Ideas | Free Scavenger Hunt Cards

It has a place to write their name, put a handprint, draw their family, tell what they want to be when they grow up and more.

Cut each page in half and have your child complete the pages and then assemble the book by stapling down the left side.

First Day Of Kindergarten Homeschool Ideas | Free Scavenger Hunt Cards

You don’t have to complete it on day one.

First Day Of Kindergarten Homeschool Ideas | Free Scavenger Hunt Cards

You can use the whole first week to fill out the pages and savor these moments with your brand new kindergartener.

HOW TO GET THE FREE SCAVENGER HUNT CARDS AND ABOUT ME KINDERGARTEN BOOK

Now, how to grab the freebies. They are subscriber freebies.

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

1) Sign up on my email list.

2) Grab the freebie now.

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

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

How to Create a Kindergarten Math Game With Popsicle Sticks

October 4, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

A kindergarten math game is the best way to teach your child basic math concepts. Also, grab my other tips, ideas, and crafts for kindergarten on my page Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum.

Your child has fun and that helps him retain what he’s learning.

I took an old school favorite and moved it from a deck of cards to one of our favorite craft supplies, wooden popsicle sticks.

 It is just fun and unique, making a ho-hum game a little bit more exciting.

Gameschooling is a fantastic idea, especially for younger children.

How to Create a Kindergarten Math Game With Popsicle Sticks

And it is a great way to introduce the simplest math concepts.

At the kindergarten level typically kid start learning number recognition,

Additionally, they learn counting, addition and subtraction, shapes, patterns, comparing, time, months of the year, and the days of the week.

While it may seem very basic, this game really teaches a lot of great skills to young children.

Not only is it good for math but this simple game has many other benefits that help develop strong minds.

Why Go Fish Makes a Great Kindergarten Math Game

Provides a sense of accomplishment to little learners.

When kids successfully collect pairs, they feel a sense of accomplishment and pride.

This game is just plain fun!

Go Fish is an engaging game that kids of all ages enjoy playing and even adults can have fun with this one.

Teaches basic math skills. Go Fish helps kids practice basic math skills like number recognition.

Develops memory skills. Kids have to remember which cards they have and which cards they need to ask for.

Encourages social interaction. It teaches kids to learn how to take turns, follow rules, and interact with others.

Promotes language development. Kids can practice their communication skills by asking for cards and describing the cards they have.

Holding onto the cards or in this case, sticks helps to develop fine motor skills.

Math Resources for Kindergarten

Also, look at these fun hands-on resources and games for learning about math.

7 Kindergarten Math Games & Resources

Add some of these fun kindergarten math games and resources for hands-on math.

Image for Melon Rind Clumsy Thief Junior Math Game

Melon Rind Clumsy Thief Junior Math Game

  • GAME-CHANGING FUN : A hilarious game of give and take where kids develop confidence and solid math skills. Every player has fun as cards are constantly changing hands!
  • EASY TO LEARN: Players look at their dealt hand for any two cards that add to 10 to make food stacks. Get stacks from other players if you have a card in your hand that makes 10 when added to the top card of an opponent's stack. Thief cards take food stacks. Trap cards stop the Thief cards. All players are actively adding and snatching. The player with the most cards wins!
Image for ThinkFun Zingo 1-2-3 Number Bingo Game | Perfect for Kids

ThinkFun Zingo 1-2-3 Number Bingo Game | Perfect for Kids

  • LEARNING THROUGH PLAY: ThinkFun's Zingo 1-2-3 provides a fun and engaging way for kids to develop critical skills like counting, simple addition, number sense, and word recognition
Image for Math Dice Junior Game - Engaging Math Skills Builder |

Math Dice Junior Game - Engaging Math Skills Builder |

  • MENTAL AGILITY ENHANCER: This game is designed to enhance mental math skills and cognitive abilities among kids aged 6 and up - a fun way to learn.
  • QUALITY AND TRUST: With over 50 million games sold worldwide, ThinkFun is a global leader when it comes to brain-busting puzzles and engaging games.
  • CRITICAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT: The gameplay offers a stealth learning experience where kids can develop early math skills while having fun.
Image for Mathswatters Addition & Subtraction Game - 99 Pieces for Age 5+ Kids,

Mathswatters Addition & Subtraction Game - 99 Pieces for Age 5+ Kids,

  • Swat, Learn, and Win!: Kids grab a swatter, add or subtract, and swat their way to new kindergarten math skills every time they play these fast-paced math games for kids!
  • Multiple Ways to Play: Designed for 1-4 players, these smart games for kids comes with many ways to play and learn—compete head-to-head, or boost with solo play!
Image for Math Scramble Game,Educational Games for Kids,

Math Scramble Game,Educational Games for Kids,

  • BUILD new elementary math skills with this strategy tile game!
  • RACE to build and solve addition and subtraction equations--first one to use all their tiles wins!
  • MULTIPLE ways to learn math skills, both solo or with up to 3 friends!
Image for MOBI Kids Fun Math Games for Kids 4-8

MOBI Kids Fun Math Games for Kids 4-8

  • ✅ Objective: Help build confidence and social skills in children but engages the entire family young and old by teaching and reinforcing basic math skills in a cool entertaining game setting. Parents and teachers will love this for beginner’s.
  • ✅ How To Play: Each player selects one set of number tiles. Each toy set contains the exact same numbers. Players then connect their number tiles to form equations using operation tiles. The first player to connect all their number tiles wins!
Image for Big Time Student Clock, Teaching & Demonstration Clock

Big Time Student Clock, Teaching & Demonstration Clock

Hidden gear mechanism automatically advances the hour hand when the minute hand is manually manipulated

Don’t forget that you can also use dice or playing cards for many math practice games as well.

MORE KINDERGARTEN HOMESCHOOL CURRICULUM ACTIVITIES

  • How to Create the Perfect Kindergarten Homeschool Set Up
  • Best Kindergarten Health Curriculum Easy Ideas For Activities
  • 8 Best Summer Unit Studies For Kindergarten | Free Ant Study
  • 10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas | How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin
  • How to Create a Kindergarten Math Game With Popsicle Sticks
  • 8 Stellaluna Kindergarten Activities | How To Make A Coffee Filter Bat Craft
  • First Day Of Kindergarten Homeschool Ideas | Free Scavenger Hunt Cards
  • Math Made Easy: Engaging Addition For Kindergarten Dice Activities
  • T Is For Simple Fun Thunderstorm Activities For Kindergarten
  • Fun and Easy Tissue Paper Crafts for Kindergarten
  • Fun Kindergarten History Activities: How to Create Royal Peg Dolls
  • Enhance Your Language Arts Kindergarten Curriculum with Free Flip Books

Craft Stick Go Fish Kindergarten Math Game

Play is just like the classic go fish game with cards but using numbered craft sticks instead.

If you need a refresher, I included basic instructions at the bottom to fit the sticks better.

Besides the basic go fish game, kids can use these numbered craft sticks as an interactive number line, or to add and subtract simple numbers.

How to Create a Kindergarten Math Game With Popsicle Sticks

Put a pair of each number face down on the table and mix them up to use for a classic memory game.

(Heads up. All of my games and hands-on ideas are tried and tested on littles. Guaranteed to have fun AND learn.)

You will need:

  • 40-80 Jumbo craft sticks
  • Paint markers
How to Create a Kindergarten Math Game With Popsicle Sticks

First, write each number on the top of 4 craft sticks, be sure to write it clearly. 

Add dots to match the number to help kids that don’t quite recognize all their numbers yet.

How to Create a Kindergarten Math Game With Popsicle Sticks

If you want to let your child have a little more involvement you can let them paint or draw on the backside of the sticks to add their own touch.

Let the paint dry completely then add all the sticks, numbers down, into a container that cannot be seen through.

How to Create a Kindergarten Math Game With Popsicle Sticks

How to Play:

Each person grabs 6 random sticks from the container and lays down any matches that they pick up.

How to Create a Kindergarten Math Game With Popsicle Sticks

Take turns asking one another for numbers you need, if you have it, hand it over, and the new match is laid down in front of the player.

How to Create a Kindergarten Math Game With Popsicle Sticks

Otherwise tell them to “go fish”, they then draw one more stick.

How to Create a Kindergarten Math Game With Popsicle Sticks

Continue until someone runs out of sticks and then have your child count how many pairs they have, the one with the most pairs is the winner.

How to Create a Kindergarten Math Game With Popsicle Sticks

Replace all sticks, mix them up, and go again!

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Teach Kindergarten Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, homeschool math, kindergarten

10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas | How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin

October 3, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

When thinking of an idea for kindergarten sensory bin ideas I came up with a theme perfect to cap off summer while introducing kindergarten concepts. Also, grab my other tips, ideas, and crafts for kindergarten on my page Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum.

What do you think of when you think of summer?

For a preschooler headed to kindergarten they have probably spent their summer in the sand.

10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas | How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin

Or at the pool, splashing in sun shower puddles, kites, sidewalk chalk, and enjoying drippy popsicles.

So, popsicles it is.

This is a fun and inexpensive way to practice letter recognition and matching, not to mention the other wonderful benefits of sensory bins.

Sensory bins are also fabulous for toddlers through middle elementary kids to introduce and reinforce new themes.

Also, they encourage creative play, and sensory input.

They can also be used as a fun way to teach simple concepts like alphabet matching.

Kindergarten is a time of exploration and big learning leaps making it a great time to introduce or continue using bins for learning.

Add another level of learning to the sensory bin learning by adding in some ABC tiles, books, or flashcards.

Also, this is one of my favorite books for learning about the letters.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is one of my favorites for learning letters, bright and fun with singsong rhymes. Kids love it.

Image for Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (Chicka Chicka Book, A)

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (Chicka Chicka Book, A)

There is always enough room on your child’s bookshelf for this rollicking alphabet chant that has been a children’s favorite for over thirty years!A told B, and B told C, “I’ll meet you at the top of the coconut tree” In this lively alphabet rhyme, all the letters of the alphabet race each other up the coconut tree. Will there be enough room? Oh, no—Chicka Chicka Boom! Boom!

Besides my summer sensory bin, I have 10 more amazing kindergarten themed sensory bins to make your whole year of learning fun and memorable.

10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas

Whatever the theme you need to cover I can guarantee there is a creative sensory bin to go along with it.

  1. For another summer theme, learn How to Make a Watermelon Sensory Bin for Play and Learn to reinforce letter sounds and thematic concepts.
  2. Here, learn How to Dye Rice & Make Mini Sensory Bins
  3. Kids start with learning how to identify and spell out their own name first, making this Magnetic Letter Name Search Sensory Bin a great place to start.
  4. If you need something to do with all of those shells you brought home from the beach this summer, create a Seashell Alphabet Sensory Bin with them.
  5. These 4 Fun and Engaging Bat Activities include a neat bat sensory bin
  6. Make a Construction Site Sensory Bin to go along with not only a construction themed unit but for community helpers as well.
  7. Use the Farm Harvest Sensory Bin to teach your child about the seasons of planting and harvest.
  8. Make teaching numbers a snap with a Number Recognition Sensory Bin that you can easily develop into simple addition and subtraction problems for your cold to figure out.
  9. Is your kindergartener reading sight words already? Check out this Kindergarten Sight Words Sensory Bin.
  10. This Apple Pie Sensory Bin can go in so many theme directions- A is for Apple, farm, fall, or a cooking unit.
10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas | How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin

MORE KINDERGARTEN HOMESCHOOL CURRICULUM ACTIVITIES

  • How to Create the Perfect Kindergarten Homeschool Set Up
  • Best Kindergarten Health Curriculum Easy Ideas For Activities
  • 8 Best Summer Unit Studies For Kindergarten | Free Ant Study
  • 10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas | How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin
  • How to Create a Kindergarten Math Game With Popsicle Sticks
  • 8 Stellaluna Kindergarten Activities | How To Make A Coffee Filter Bat Craft
  • First Day Of Kindergarten Homeschool Ideas | Free Scavenger Hunt Cards
  • Math Made Easy: Engaging Addition For Kindergarten Dice Activities
  • T Is For Simple Fun Thunderstorm Activities For Kindergarten
  • Fun and Easy Tissue Paper Crafts for Kindergarten
  • Fun Kindergarten History Activities: How to Create Royal Peg Dolls
  • Enhance Your Language Arts Kindergarten Curriculum with Free Flip Books

Kindergarten Sensory Bin Resources

  • Sensory Bin
  • Letters
  • Numbers
  • Sensory Bin Tools
  • Kinetic Sand for Filler

How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin

You will need:

  • Large shallow bin
  • Shred paper filler
  • Craft foam
  • Wooden craft sticks
  • Paint marker
  • Pompoms, pipe cleaners, etc…
  • Alpha tiles/letters
  • Scissors
  • Hot glue gun/sticks
10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas | How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin

First, start by adding a base layer to your sensory bin.

A shredded paper from the dollar store is a great choice because it’s inexpensive, comes in a variety of colors, and is reusable for many applications.

10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas | How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin

I also threw in some colorful pom poms to give it a little more splash of color.

Twist some pipe cleaners around your finger to make a fun little spring shape that adds more color, texture, and dimension to your bin.

And add some letter beads to continue with the ABC theme in our bin.

10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas | How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin

Cut out popsicle shapes, twice, you will need a front and back for every popsicle.

10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas | How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin

Run a line of hot glue along the top and sides of one half and then press the other piece onto the top and let it cool.

10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas | How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin

Now on the popsicle use a paint marker, sharpies run, to write either a lowercase or capital letter

10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas | How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin

Finally, write the opposite letter (lowercase or uppercase) on a stick.

10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas | How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin

Place “popsicles” in the sensory bin either together or separate with some buried to encourage your child to search through for matches.

You can also add in cups, scoops, tongs, spoons, etc. for your child to investigate the filler and learn about measuring and more.

I highly recommend capping off this activity with a real popsicle to enjoy.

10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas | How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, kindergarten, sensory bin, summer, summer activities, summer crafts, summerideas

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