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kindergarten

Best Kindergarten Health Curriculum Easy Ideas For Activities

October 1, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Choosing a kindergarten health curriculum doesn’t have to be hard. Also, grab my other tips, ideas, and crafts for kindergarten on my page Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum.

The curriculum can be as simple as being intentional in talking about good nutrition, hygiene, and physical activity.

However, curriculum at this age is more about activities which promote healthy well-being.

And we want to teach that from an early age.

Best Kindergarten Health Curriculum Easy Ideas For Activities

Things you do naturally, every day!

As parents these topics are important from an early age but as our children grow the expectations do as well.

We expect a bit more out of our kids and using at least a loosely structured curriculum can help with that.

I am giving you a list of ideas for physical activities for single children or groups.

These are great for co-ops.

I also have rounded up some fantastic kindergarten health curriculum that you can grab and get going with right away.

At this age it’s important to teach children about it from a young age.

Good hygiene habits can help protect children from illness and keep them healthy and happy.

Teaching children about good nutrition is also essential for their overall health and well-being.

A well-balanced diet provides the nutrients children need to grow and develop properly.

And it also helps to reduce their risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.

You can encourage good nutrition by including them in the meal planning and cooking to make them more likely to try foods.

Children need plenty of physical activity to stay healthy and develop properly.

Here are some fun and engaging physical activities that are perfect for elementary kids along with their benefits.

Kindergarten Games to Promote Health

Tag. This classic game is easy to learn and can be played anywhere.

It promotes cardiovascular health, coordination, agility, and social interaction.

Variations such as freeze tag and team tag add excitement and challenge.

Best Kindergarten Health Curriculum Easy Ideas For Activities

Four Square. Fast-paced game that is perfect for even a small group of kids.

It improves reflexes, agility, and hand-eye coordination.

Red Rover-Remember this team game from your childhood?

 It is sure to get kids running and laughing, it promotes teamwork, cooperation, and physical exertion. Calling all friends in the neighborhood!

Dance- What an expressive way to get kids moving every day. Dance can improve coordination, rhythm, and balance. Impromptu dance parties in the kitchen are a great idea! 

Of course, climbing all over playgrounds, playing basketball, riding bikes, and simple hula hoop contests make great physical activity as well.

Grab this Health Kit Freebie using one of my favorite series Llama Llama Home With Mama to learn more about good habits.

More Kindergarten Activities

  • Homeschool Kindergarten Life Science – Hands-on Fun Nature Tree Study
  • Rock Activities For Kindergarten And Fun Edible Rock Cycle
  • 19 Fun Hands-on Rainforest Activities for Kindergarten

MORE KINDERGARTEN HOMESCHOOL CURRICULUM ACTIVITIES

  • Enhance Your Language Arts Kindergarten Curriculum with Free Flip Books
  • 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

Next, add these 10 more ideas to your day.

10 More Easy Activities & Kindergarten Health Curriculum

Add one or two of these ideas to your homeschool day.

Healthy Habits for Healthy Kids Grade K

Healthy Habits for Healthy Kids Grade K

Horizons Health Kindergarten Set

If you want a true open and go box health curriculum Horizons has been a standard for years and offers a Kindergarten option.

Jump Rope Kids

One small piece of equipment that creates a simple way to get kids moving and improve their coordination. It also helps strengthen the heart, lungs, and muscles. Jumping rope can be done individually or in groups, and there are many different tricks and patterns to learn.

2-In-1Hopscotch & Bean Bag Toss,Combine Hopscotch Rings with Bean Bag Toss Game

While it may be an old classic this game really helps kids develop balance and agility while it promotes spatial awareness and counting skills. Hopscotch can be played outdoors and indoors.

Catch Tail Game Belt

Capture the Flag.  A team game that is both physically and mentally challenging. It requires strategy, teamwork, and physical fitness.

Outdoor Games Combo Set for Kids

Obstacle Course. A great way to get kids moving and working on their problem-solving skills. Obstacle courses can be created using a variety of materials, such as cones, hula hoops, and jump ropes.

Find and Seek Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger Hunt. Put together a scavenger hunt to get kids exploring and learning about their surroundings. Scavenger hunts can be tailored to specific themes or interests and can be played indoors or outdoors.

Yogi Dice Kids Educational Yoga Dice Game

Yoga. This is a relaxing method to help kids relax and improve their flexibility, Yoga poses can be easily adapted to different skill levels. Regular yoga practice can promote mindfulness and self-awareness.

Music at Home

Music is also wonderful for emotional and cognitive development as well and should be considered to include as part of your child's health curriculum. 

The 15-Minute Music Lessons online course contains twenty lessons especially suited for elementary-aged students. Everything you need is included right in the course.

Learning to Cook Healthy

If cooking is something you would like to start with your kindergartener, Kids Cook Real Food is a great site for lessons, and you can find curriculum maps that cover all the skills each age level will learn.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, health, kindergarten, life science

How to Create the Perfect Kindergarten Homeschool Set Up

September 30, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

You want to create the perfect kindergarten homeschool set up. Also, grab my other tips, ideas, and crafts for kindergarten on my page Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum.

Then figure out your child’s learning style and pick your curriculum, or at least the style of learning you are going to begin following.

You may have a dedicated homeschool room or you may just enjoy school together snuggled up on the couch.

How to Create the Perfect Kindergarten Homeschool Set Up

Either way you will want to create a setup that works well for you.

I can guarantee a few things.

You will probably change curriculum at least a handful of times before you are done.

Next, your needs as a homeschool family will change over the years.

What works now may not work next year, or even later this year and that’s okay.

I am going to give you some tips to help keep it flexible.

So that whatever you choose for a set up will always fit into your homeschool life with a little adjustment here and there.

4 Ways to Begin Your Kindergarten Homeschool Set Up

Do you have an empty extra room already to be a blank canvas as your learning area?

Will you be starting on the couch then moving to a table for penmanship and crafts?

 Get an idea of where you will have your homeschool base so you can set it up properly.

There are benefits for a dedicated room despite what some homeschooler tout.

For example, it helps you and your child to focus with less distraction.

Also, it sets the mood for learning, and gives you a defined place to display posters, your child’s artwork, and more.

At the end of the day, you can close the door and keep the school supplies contained to one room.

The drawback to a room is that learning shouldn’t be stifled and takes place everywhere and all day long.

Crayons and paper scattered on the coffee table might inspire your little Picasso to create art.

A stack of animal books on the kitchen table along with some plastic creatures will invite a curious child to create a diorama.

Or add some popsicle sticks and playdough in to make enclosures for each animal.

How to Create the Perfect Kindergarten Homeschool Set Up

You will probably find that somewhere in the middle works best, but it is up to you and your family.

You may need just a bookshelf in a corner and a basket in the living room.

1. Choose Your Kindergarten Furniture Wisely

Smaller children need smaller furniture.

While they can sit at a big family table for meals you will find that younger kids have a much easier time sitting at a table or desk that is scaled just for them.

To master fine motor skills such as handwriting they really need to be able to use the correct posture.

Search for something that is great for multipurpose uses to get the best bang for your buck like a little table and chair setup.

This is wonderful for writing but also painting, playing with playdough, sorting math manipulatives, and even enjoying a snack.

A good sturdy bookshelf is a must have as well no matter where you find a home for it.

It could be beside your recliner or in a dedicated school space.

You want a home for the majority of your materials to keep them organized and ready to go.

2. Gather up all your mom/teacher materials

Start with your own supplies for planning, even if you are doing a very relaxed homeschool a planner can help keep you organized and also serves as part of your homeschool record. 

Check out some of my very favorite planners here on my site.

I create the 7 Step DIY Unique Homeschool Planner that is free. Let me walk you through step by step to create your own unique planner.

And I have a planner which is specifically designed with teaching little ones from preschool to about first grade.

One of my favorite materials is good mom encouraging books.

Grab My Book on How to Homeschool

Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers is a real eye-opener on homeschooling. It will alleviate a lot of the anxieties about getting started homeschooling.

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

I have learned so much from other homeschooling moms and if you didn’t already know I am a veteran of 20 years and have written my own book that you can grab right here to help you navigate your first-year homeschooling.

3. Collect your child’s books, supplies, and games

Gather up some basic school supplies like pencils, paper, crayons, markers, a couple types of paper scissors, and glue.

You can add as you go but these are a good place to start.

Check here for a more exhaustive list of my 60 Favorite Top Homeschooling Materials for Kindergarten. Invest in educational toys, manipulatives, and games that align with your child’s interests and learning goals

You want to choose things that can be used in multiple ways and for more than just one year. Here are just a few of my favorites.

How to Create the Perfect Kindergarten Homeschool Set Up
  • Magnetic tiles can be used to make letters and numbers, create roads, to teach shapes, they can be measured, weighed, and as a part of all important make believe play.
  • Letters/Numbers will be used for years to learn not only letters but eventually they can be used as spelling word practice.
  • Dry erase, chalkboards, or LCD tablets are wonderful for beginning writing practice, doing simple math problems, and so much more.
  • Add in a few neat games. Playing board games may seem like all fun but they teach your child how to follow directions, develop critical thinking skills, improve attention span, learn cooperation, and how to be a good winner/loser.

There is much more than this I could recommend.

These are just a few basics beyond crayons and paper that will round out your child’s kindergarten education.

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

4. Create a Simple Storage System

To contain your daily materials, you can use a large basket or a bookshelf,

One thing that I really like to utilize throughout all levels of homeschooling- a tiered cart that can be rolled from the kitchen table to the couch, because you will find out that homeschooling takes place everywhere.

A 3-tier cart is a great option because it gives you a place to keep your materials and books, a shelf for their curriculum and supplies, and a section for fun games, puzzles, and manipulatives to use throughout the day.

How to Create the Perfect Kindergarten Homeschool Set Up

The top level is a good place to keep your planner, teacher manuals, books, and special items for yourself.

A few final tips before I let you get to putting together your kindergarten homeschool set up.

Utilize your local library, thrift store, and yard sales to build an amazing library full of living books, picture books, and chapter books for read alouds.

How to Create the Perfect Kindergarten Homeschool Set Up

Enjoy this year, it will be over before you know it and there is nothing like watching your child light up as they learn new things.

Don’t go crazy buying too much right away, you can always add things as you go but start small with just the basics.

This space will not only be a place for your child to learn but also a haven where creativity and curiosity can flourish.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Teach Kindergarten Tagged With: homeschool, homeschool room, kindergarten, learning, space

10 Exciting Forest Kindergarten Activities That Your Child Will Love

September 2, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Forest kindergarten activities provide a unique and engaging learning experience for children. Look at my page Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum for more ideas.

It fosters their connection with nature and sparks their curiosity about the environment.

These activities offer endless opportunities for exploration, learning, and growth.

By immersing children in nature, we nurture their love for the environment and inspire them to become responsible stewards of our planet.

It is a wonderful way to get them outdoors, moving, inhaling fresh air, soaking up vitamin d, reducing stress, and building cognitive skills.

10 Exciting Forest Kindergarten Activities That Your Child Will Love

If you don’t already know what forest school is, let’s dig into that a little bit more.

Forest school is an educational approach that emphasizes hands-on learning in a natural setting.

Kids engage with their environment, and that nature provides an ideal context for learning and development.

Forest school programs typically take place in a woodland or forest setting.

Children are given the opportunity to explore and interact with their surroundings.

Forest school has many benefits for children.

Benefits include improved physical and mental health.

Too, it increased creativity and problem-solving skills, and children have a greater appreciation for nature.

Forest school programs also provide opportunities for children to develop social skills, learn how to work as part of a team, and build confidence.

It is flexible. Too, forest school can be done with a large or small group.

You can find local Forest School groups in your area by going here.

More Forest Kindergarten Activities

  • Growing a Seed Activity For Kindergarten Science Kids Activity
  • Rainforest Science Activities For Kindergarten Amazing and Fun Living Terrarium
  • Rock Activities For Kindergarten And Fun Edible Rock Cycle
10 Exciting Forest Kindergarten Activities That Your Child Will Love

Finally, look at these roundup of fun forest activities for kids.

10 Forest Kindergarten Activities

Check out these exciting forest kindergarten activities that your child will love and you can get started with right away.

Hands-on Fun Nature Tree Study

We used a mixture of hands-on activity, books, and more to create a fun and fact filled unit right out in the middle of the forest.

Photo Credit: intheplayroom.co.uk

How to Make a Journey Stick Outdoor Activity for Kids

This is a wonderful way to start off every walk and can be used to hold many of the treasures you find along the way as well as serve as a steadying tool on uneven ground.

Photo Credit: www.redtedart.com

Easy Nature Fairy Houses for Kids!

Transform a sheltered spot in the forest into a magical fairy house. Gather natural materials such as moss, lichen, fallen branches,and wildflowers. Guide your child in constructing a cozy abode for the fairies, complete with furniture and decorations made from leaves and twigs.

Fun Nature Elephant Hawk Moth Craft

Collect an assortment of leaves, flowers, seeds, and other natural materials. Arrange them on a piece of paper or cardboard, creating a unique and colorful collage. Encourage your child's creativity and imagination as they design their nature-inspired artwork. You could also use contact paper and learn about a specific animal or insect by making a collage.

Photo Credit: nurturestore.co.uk

Easy forest school activity :: ten things in ten minutes

Invent a game that encourages exploration and discovery.Hide objects in the forest and have your child search for them. Play hide-and-seek among the trees or create a nature-themed obstacle course. These games make learning about the forest fun and interactive. Ten Things in Ten Minutes-I really love this idea that puts a spin on a basic scavenger hunt. You give your kids 10 minutes to find 10 interesting things In nature and then they have to make something out of it. It is such a wonderful way to increase their creativity and critical thinking skills.

Tell a Story - Over in the Forest: A woodland animal nature book

Find a cozy spot beneath a tree or by a stream and share a captivating story about nature or the forest. Engage your child's imagination by incorporating elements of the surrounding environment into the tale. Stories can spark curiosity and inspire a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

10. Sing a Song - Songs for Nature's Playground: Forest School Songs

Choose a song about nature or the forest and sing it with your child. The melodies and lyrics will help them learn about the environment while fostering a sense of joy and connection. Encourage them to make up their own songs inspired by their experiences in the forest. Need some ideas? Look at Songs for Nature’s Playground

Photo Credit: www.pinkoatmeal.com

Woodland Yoga

Find a peaceful spot in the forest and practice yoga poses with your child. Incorporate movements that mimic animals, such as downward-facing dog, cat-cow pose, and eagle pose. Yoga enhances flexibility,balance, and body awareness while promoting mindfulness and relaxation.

15 Hands-On Nature Math Ideas

Grab just a few items from the house and then carry them along on your nature walk to enhance the found nature items or just simply use what you find, there are plenty of ideas.

A Year of Forest School: Outdoor Play and Skill-building Fun for Every Season

Another resource that you may find helpful for more explanation and ideas is A Year of Forest School: Outdoor Play and Skill-building Fun for Every Season.

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

How to Make A Letter V For Volcano Handprint Craft

August 16, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

You may have seen a flat handprint letter V for volcano. Also, look at my page How to Homeschool Preschool for more letter activities. And look at my page Volcano Unit Study and Fun Apple Volcano.

But have you ever seen a standing model one? I can’t wait to show you how to make your own today.

When teaching letters to younger children, incorporating fun hands-on activities goes a long way in helping them remember what they have learned.

This one is inexpensive and easier than you might think.

How to Make A Letter V For Volcano Handprint Craft

You can make a handprint volcano model to help your child identify the different parts of the volcano.

Also, use it as an art project and for a neat keepsake.

But don’t stop there with just one activity.

Check out my volcano facts and activity ideas to create a simple study for your child while they learn about V with a science theme.

There are volcanoes all over the world, and they come in all different shapes and sizes.

Some volcanoes are tall and pointy, while others are short and wide.

Some volcanoes are covered in snow and ice, while others are surrounded by lush forests.

Kids love to learn about the powerful volcanoes and there is so much to learn about them, no matter what they look like, volcanoes are amazing natural wonders. 

Books for Kids About Volcanoes

First, look at some of these volcano books.

12 Volcano Books & Resources

Add one or two of these books to learn about volcanoes and add some hands-on ideas to learn about the types of volcanoes.

Volcanoes

Did you know there are four main types of volcanoes? Or that volcanoes are classified as active, dormant, or extinct? The Devil’s Tower in Wyoming is an extinct volcano. It’s about 40.5 million years old!

Birth Of an Island

Simple explanation of how an island is formed. B/ W sketch illustrations.

R&R Games The Table is Lava Family Game

As Dawn breaks, mount kahlualualuau is spewing its fiery lava down onto meepleville. The natives are frantically trying to escape the rivers of lava and remain on safe ground. Whoever’s tribe survives the eruption with the most Meeples shall be the winner!

Volcano: Eruption and Healing of Mt. St Helen's

In this extraordinary photographic essay, Patricia Lauber details the Mount St. Helens eruption and the years following in Volcano: Eruption and Healing of Mt. St. Helen's.Through this clear accurate account, readers of all ages will share the awe of the scientists who witnessed both the power of the volcano and the resiliency of life.

The Kingfisher Science Encyclopedia

Science is vital for every inhabitant of today’s world, and being scientifically informed and literate is a crucial part of any child’s education. Science can seem daunting –- especially as scientific knowledge advances so quickly –- and this volume is the perfect purchase for any family. It will bear repeated use by all the family from 10+ through the teenage years.

All About Volcanoes (A True Book: Natural Disasters) (A True Book (Relaunch))

Conditions on Earth are becoming more and more extreme and kids want to learn about it!

Is it true that, at any given time, about 20 volcanoes are erupting somewhere on Earth? Yes! Sometimes volcanoes erupt with a big, dangerous bang. Other times they spit out lava so slowly that you could walk faster than it flows.

How to Dig a Hole to the Other Side of the World

‘[An] irresistible account of a child’s imaginary 8,000-mile journey through the earth to discover what’s inside. Facts about the composition of the earth are conveyed painlessly and memorably.’ —SLJ. ‘An exciting adventure. . . . Illustrations [by Caldecott Medal winner Marc Simont] explode with color and action.’ —CS.

Volcanoes! (National Geographic Readers)

The cool story of volcanoes will intrigue kids and adults alike. Hot melted rock from the middle of our planet forces its way up through cracks in the Earth’s crusts, exploding violently and sometimes unexpectedly in volcanic fury that can terrorize populations for months, even years.

National Geographic Readers: Erupt! 100 Fun Facts About Volcanoes (L3)

Kids will burst with excitement as they learn all about the science and wonder of volcanoes in this new National Geographic Kids Reader.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Ultimate Volcano Kit – Erupting Volcano Science

UNFORGETTABLE SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS – This is a great hands-on experiment kit for any science fair; the updated mold and instructions make it easy to assemble a sturdy volcano form and realistic paint colors give the volcano a lifelike look.

Natural and Earth Science Educational Flash Card

This set of 48 cards features a colorful illustration on one side and informational facts on the other side.

The Magic School Bus: Blasting off with Erupting Volcanoes

MIX YOUR OWN LAVA: Use the included mixture to form your own “lava” and experiment with explosions by making your own volcano erupt!

Volcano Facts

  • Volcanoes are like big mountains, but they’re special because they have a secret inside. Deep down, volcanoes are filled with hot, melted rock called magma.
  • Sometimes, the magma gets too hot and it has to find a way to escape. It bursts out of the top of the volcano and flows down the sides, just like when you squeeze toothpaste out of a tube and it has to come out and flow over.
  • When magma comes out of a volcano, it’s called lava. Lava is really hot, so it can be dangerous. It can burn things and even destroy houses. But volcanoes can also be beautiful. When lava flows out at night, it can look just like a river of fire.
  • Volcanoes can also make loud noises and sometimes they even shake the ground. That’s because when magma comes out of the volcano, it can create a lot of pressure. The pressure can cause the ground to shake and make a loud boom.
How to Make A Letter V For Volcano Handprint Craft

Volcanoes are a part of nature, and they’re not always dangerous.

In fact, they can even be helpful. The lava from volcanoes can make new land, and it also helps to fertilize the soil.

Letter V For Volcano Activities

  • Practice pre-writing skills by giving your child a couple of craft sticks and teaching them to form it into the letter ‘V’.
How to Make A Letter V For Volcano Handprint Craft

Of course reading a great science book about Volcanoes like Gail Gibbons’ books is a wonderful activity for developing language skills, listening skills, and learning science facts

Take some of the ideas from my Celebrate National Vinegar Day With A Hands-on Study of Volcanoes and create your own mini unit perfect for a younger child.

Recreate this Volcano Blow Art page at home for a unique project that turns out different every time you do it

Watch Volcanoes for Kids| How Volcanoes Work as an entertaining way to teach volcano facts.

Letter V For Volcano Handprint Craft

We are going to create a volcano handprint craft that is out of the ordinary and will really capture your child’s imagination.

 Once they make it, they can continue to enjoy it by using it alongside their dinosaur toys, as a display on the shelf, or use it to create a larger scene from craft foam.

You will need:

  • Craft foam in assorted colors
  • Craft paint- red, yellow, and/or orange
  • Hot glue gun/glue sticks
  • Little willing hands
How to Make A Letter V For Volcano Handprint Craft

First, twist brown craft foam into a funnel shape.

It needs to be narrow on one end and wide at the other, overlapping it about ¼”

Run hot glue down the inside seam and hold in place until it hardens.

Be sure you leave the opening at the top about 1 ½” in diameter so your ‘lava’ will fit inside.

How to Make A Letter V For Volcano Handprint Craft

Use scissors to trim the top and bottom off to make it straighter.

How to Make A Letter V For Volcano Handprint Craft

Trace a small hand onto at least two colors of craft foam, like red and orange.

How to Make A Letter V For Volcano Handprint Craft

Cut the handprints out.

How to Make A Letter V For Volcano Handprint Craft

Glue the bottom of the hands inside the volcano so it looks like lava spewing out the top.

How to Make A Letter V For Volcano Handprint Craft

Secure the base of the volcano on a square of green craft foam to help it stay up, use hot glue and hold it in place until set.

How to Make A Letter V For Volcano Handprint Craft

To really give it a flowing colorful effect and some texture you can also drip some paint down the volcano as well to create lava flow rather than just explosion.

How to Make A Letter V For Volcano Handprint Craft

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: alphabet, earth science, handprint, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, kindergarten, letter sounds, phonics, volcano

16 Beautiful Picture Science Books for Kindergarteners

June 16, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Let’s fill up those bookshelves with quality beautiful picture science books for kindergarteners. Also, grab my other tips, ideas, and crafts for kindergarten on my page Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum.

You want to choose books that will last and be treasured for years to come as reference books, read aloud, and even inspiration for art.

These books should be a combination of nonfiction and fiction, biographies, nature study, and living books.

16 Beautiful Picture Science Books for Kindergarteners

And I also like to make sure some have real life images as well as beautiful illustrations.

But for the most part you want to selectively choose books that follow a few guidelines to make sure that you are getting 3 things.

They are the most bang for your buck-quality and content, books that will last for more than one quick lesson, and most important books that will engage and teach your kids in a fun way.

Gail Gibbons is always a go to, as are Julia Rothmans Anatomy series, The Big Book of series, as well as the Over and Under books. 

They create a lovely library of reference and read aloud books which will give your child more science knowledge than daily worksheets will.

I have 5 tips to help you choose your books and then an expansive list of 16 of my favorite picture science books for Kindergarteners.

5 Tips for Choosing Picture Science Books For Kindergarteners

  1. Choose beautifully illustrated oversized picture books that have small bits of information. Most children of this age only will be able to sit for small amounts of time and this is a great way to present the information by reading a bit while you look at the images. Eye catching illustrations will invite questions, investigation, and interest.
  2. Try to choose books that will have use far beyond the kindergarten years,books like the Nature Anatomy series and The Big Book of series have value that will last in my opinion at least through middle school for some reference and definitely as art inspiration when painting, putting together dioramas and more.
  3. Gather a variety to cover all the sciences in the early years. There are typically 3 types of science covered in kindergarten- physical, earth/space, and life science. Choose interesting books for each topic and theme. Concentrate more heavily on your child’s favorites like dinosaurs or bees.
  4. Select a mix of nonfiction, wordless picture books, read aloud, as well as books your child can read independently. Give them variety and make them accessible to your child, teaching them to care for their books.
  5. There are plenty of books out there now about the people of science-Ada Twist Scientist, Temple Grandin, and Eugenie Clark to name a few, don’t forget to choose some of these as well to inspire your child and highlight the contributions they made.
16 Beautiful Picture Science Books for Kindergarteners

Next, look at some kindergarten science activities to pair with the books.

Kindergarten Science Activities

  • Quick Unit Study & Easy Salt water Density Ocean Science Experiments For Kindergarten
  • Homeschool Kindergarten Life Science – Hands-on Fun Nature Tree Study
  • Rainforest Science Activities For Kindergarten Amazing and Fun Living Terrarium
  • 18 Kindergarten Science Homeschool Curriculum For Active Kids
  • Rock Activities For Kindergarten And Fun Edible Rock Cycle
  • 40 Awesome Earth Science Movies for Kindergarten
  • Growing a Seed Activity For Kindergarten Science Kids Activity
  • Homeschool Science Ideas for K – 2

16 Beautiful Picture Science Books for Kindergarteners

 I have done my best to give you a variety of topics, styles, and prices to help you create a wonderful science library made up of beautiful picture science books. Let’s dig in!

The Big Book of Bugs (The Big Book Series)

The Big Book of  Bugs as well as any others in the series- Big Book of Blooms, Nature Art, Blue, Beasts, and Birds

A beautifully illustrated, informative book for children introducing them to bugs that creep, crawl, bite, fly, and more.

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.

Botanicum

Part of: Welcome To The Museum (9 books) The 2016 offering from Big Picture Press's Welcome to the Museum series, Botanicum is a stunningly curated guide to plant life. With artwork from Katie Scott of Animalium fame, Botanicum gives readers the experience of a fascinating exhibition from the pages of a beautiful book. From perennials to bulbs to tropical exotica, Botanicum is a wonderful feast of botanical knowledge complete with superb cross sections of how plants work.

Bees: A Honeyed History

One part science, one part cultural history, and countless parts fascination, Bees: A Honeyed History is a picture book that celebrates the important role that these intriguing insects have played in our ecosystem throughout the ages, and today.“Goes beyond the scientific (anatomy, pollination, communication, etc.) to include the bee’s place in history and culture . . . Socha has created what is quite possibly the sweetest resource on honey bees around

Over and Under the Waves

Over the waves, the sea lions bark and seagulls wheel and call. The bay is smooth and bright in the sun. But under the waves, there's a whole hidden forest, full of whales and wolf eels, sardines and sea bass, leopard sharks and luminous jellies, as well as the waving kelp that shelters them all. Discover the magical depths of the kelp forest, and all the fascinating creatures living just a paddle's length away—over and under the waves.

Worm Weather (Penguin Core Concepts)

Join in the rainy-day fun, as kids splash through the puddles, affecting another weather enthusiast, a nearby worm. An imaginative and playful story, readers will love seeing the worm delight in the weather just as much as the kids.

Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt: (Nature Book for Kids, Gardening and Vegetable Planting, Outdoor Nature Book)

Explore the secret realm beneath the dirt that brings the world of nature to life: Follow a young girl and her grandmother on a journey through the year planning, planting, and harvesting their garden—and learn about what's happening in the dirt to help make it all happen.

Curiositree: Natural World: A Visual Compendium of Wonders from Nature - Jacket unfolds into a huge wall poster!

Discover the interconnectedness of the natural world and learn why living things look and behave the way they do in a series of visually compelling information charts, maps, and cutaways, all illustrated in a nostalgic, vintage style. Packed with incredible facts about the natural world and the animals that populate it, the whole family will enjoy the full-page spreads grouped into the categories of habitats, species, and adaptations.

A Seed Is Sleepy: (Nature Books for Kids, Environmental Science for Kids)

Part of the incredible six-book Nature Books series from artist Sylvia Long and author Dianna Hutts Aston, A Seed is Sleepy introduces children to a fascinating array of seed and plant facts. Turn each page to explore the amazing world of these garden wonders through watercolor illustrations that bring to life nature landscapes filled with seeds, flowers, plants, leaves, and trees. A NATURE BOOK TO TREASURE: From tiny redwood seeds to giant coconut seeds, from bright red-orange mountain laurel seeds to pods of fluffy milkweed, curious kids will find a wealth of information and inspiration in this fascinating picture book.

Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor: The Woman Who Loved Reptiles

While other girls played with dolls, Joan preferred the company of reptiles. She carried her favorite lizard with her everywhere--she even brought a crocodile to school!When Joan grew older, she became the Curator of Reptiles at the British Museum. She went on to design the Reptile House at the London Zoo, including a home for the rumored-to-be-vicious komodo dragons. There, just like when she was a little girl, Joan hosted children's tea parties--with her komodo dragon as the guest of honor.

Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean's Most Fearless Scientist

Eugenie Clark fell in love with sharks from the first moment she saw them at the aquarium. She couldn't imagine anything more exciting than studying these graceful creatures. But Eugenie quickly discovered that many people believed sharks to be ugly and scary―and they didn't think women should be scientists.

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

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

Gravity Is a Mystery

What goes up must come down. Everybody knows that. But what is it that pulls everything from rocks to rockets toward the center of the earth? It’s gravity.

Nobody can say exactly what it is, but gravity is there, pulling on everything, all the time. With the help of an adventurous scientist and his fun-loving dog, you can read and find out about this mysterious force.

The Street Beneath My Feet

This double-sided foldout book takes you on a fascinating journey deep underground. One side of the foldout shows the ground beneath the city, whilst the reverse side shows the ground beneath the countryside. The underground scenes include tunnels and pipes, creatures' burrows, layers of rock and the planet’s molten core, and run seamlessly into the next. Mixing urban and rural settings, covering subjects such as geology, archaeology and natural history, The Street Beneath My Feet offers children the opportunity to explore their world through a detailed learning experience. This expansive concertina book opens out to an impressive 2.5 metres long, perfect for spreading out on the floor to pore over for hours.

Moon! Earth's Best Friend (Our Universe, 3)

Meet Moon! She's more than just a rock―she’s Earth’s rock, her best friend she can always count on. Moon never turns her back on her friend (literally: she's always facing Earth with the same side!). These two will stick together forever. With characteristic humor and charm, Stacy McAnulty channels the voice of Moon in this next celestial "autobiography" in the Our Universe series. Rich with kid-friendly facts and beautifully brought to life by Stevie Lewis, this is an equally charming and irresistible companion to Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years and Sun! One in a Billion.

The Mysteries of the Universe: Discover the best-kept secrets of space

Space is so much bigger than young minds can fathom and there is always more to learn. The Mysteries of the Universe is a stunning space encyclopedia for young readers to explore, with
reference pages packed with fascinating information, little learners will be captivated as they journey through the vastness of the Universe. From planets and asteroids to black holes and galaxies, every page of this enthralling space book reveals the secrets behind more than 100 celestial objects, and will inspire  youngsters as they journey through the vastness of the Universe. Each celestial body is shown both photographically and illustrated, and children will love poring over the detailed close-up images.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Teach Kindergarten Tagged With: books, earth science, elementary science, homeschoolscience, kindergarten, life science, literature, livingbooks, science

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