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kindergarten

8 Best Summer Unit Studies For Kindergarten | Free Ant Study

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

Check out these 8 best summer unit studies for kindergarten. Also, grab my other tips, ideas, and crafts for kindergarten on my page Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum. And other ideas on my page Best Homeschool Unit Studies.

Too, I have a free ant study with tons of great resources and a step-by-step tutorial to create your own ant model.

With a quick trip to Dollar Tree, you can get everything you need to make this detailed and display worthy ant model.

All the while you teach your child all about ant anatomy.

8 Best Summer Unit Studies For Kindergarten | Free Ant Study

These tiny little powerhouses are fascinating.

Ants are one of the world’s strongest creatures in relation to its size.

One ant can carry up to 50 times its body weight.

They are classified as insects as they are invertebrates with jointed legs and hard outer coverings called exoskeletons.

They have three main body parts: a head, thorax, and abdomen.

And most adult insects have six legs and one or two pairs of wings, as well as antennae.

You will enjoy this ant study as much as your child.

And if you work in a few books, videos, and fun hands-on activities you have everything you need for a knowledge hungry kindergartener to learn all about ants.

Summer is full of beach trips, flowers, backyard birds, ice cream, gardening, and more.

This is a great time to dive deep into those topics with fun unique studies on each one.

Here are enough ideas to get you through the summer with a couple weeks free or to continue a longer study.

Books About Ants for Kids

First, look at these books about ants.

I prefer living books when I can find them, then like to add reference books so all ages can be included in your study.

9 Ant Books & Resources For Kids

Add some of these fun books about ants to your home library.

Image for Ant Cities (Lets Read and Find Out Books)

Ant Cities (Lets Read and Find Out Books)

Did you ever wonder where an ant goes when it disappears into an anthill? Underneath the hill, there are miles of tunnels and hundreds of rooms!

In this Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children (NSTA/CBC), Arthur Dorros uses simple, easy-to-understand words and colorful illustrations to guide early readers on the life of a harvester ant—and even shows readers how to build their own ant farms.

This is a clear and appealing science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom. It's a Level 2 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out, which means the book explores more challenging concepts for children in the primary grades. The 100+ titles in this leading nonfiction series are:

Image for The Life and Times of the Ant

The Life and Times of the Ant

Not mighty in size, but mighty in resourcefulness and industry, the ant has crawled the earth since prehistoric times. It has dwelt in rainforest tree trunks and acorns of oak trees, beneath logs, and under sidewalks. It has protected forests by capturing insects, cleared weeds away from acacia trees, and by growing gardens has released important nutrients into the soil. Seed lifters, dirt diggers, social beings, ants have the most advanced brain of all insects! So watch where you step, especially on a warm day: a small but mighty ant may be underfoot.

Image for Wonders of the Anthill

Wonders of the Anthill

Exactly as the title implies. A description of the daily routine of an ant's life cycle.

Image for Amazing Ants. A Kid's Book of Cool Facts and Pictures of Ants

Amazing Ants. A Kid's Book of Cool Facts and Pictures of Ants

Please note that this book is not for toddlers. It is better for children ages 8 and up.This engaging and informative book introduces kids to the world of ants.This fun book is packed with cool facts, illustrations, and pictures of ants.It's perfect for inspiring kids to learn more about these amazing creatures. Whether it's a science fair project, a report, or for pure enjoyment, this book is a great source of information for the ant enthusiast.

Image for Life Cycle of an Ant Set - Realistic Ant Development Stages

Life Cycle of an Ant Set - Realistic Ant Development Stages

  • Educational Journey: The Life Cycle of an Ant Set takes children on an enlightening journey from the tiny white eggs to the industrious adult ants. The set includes figurines depicting four stages: egg, larvae, pupae, and adult ant.
  • Realistic Representation: The set accurately mirrors the development stages and colors of ants, making it a powerful educational tool that blends learning and play.
Image for Ants for Kids: A Junior Scientist's Guide to Queens, Drones, and the Hidden World of Ants

Ants for Kids: A Junior Scientist's Guide to Queens, Drones, and the Hidden World of Ants

Ants are scurrying, social creatures with unique abilities to carry huge loads, work as a team, and fiercely protect their colony. This book gives you a microscopic look into the hidden world of ants, answering all your big questions about our small, hardworking neighbors. Learn fun facts about flat headed Turtle Ants, wide-eyed Gigantiops, and many more. Explore colorful photos and cool profiles on how big each ant is, what they eat, where they're found, and more!

Image for The City Under the Back Steps

The City Under the Back Steps

Down beneath the ground they are herded, to the city under the back steps and the complex world of the ant colony. Here where the haughty Queen rules with an iron hand, each of her subjects has a vital role to perform, and Jill and Craig are put to work. But no sooner had they become involved in the daily routine of the colony when an army of red ants sweeps down, threatening the destruction of the city and its
inhabitants, including Jill and Craig!

Evelyn Sibley Lampman's exciting fantasy, sure to ignite an interest in nature, accurately explores the fascinating hierarchy of the ant world.

Image for The End of the Beginning: Being the Adventures of a Small Snail (and an Even Smaller Ant)

The End of the Beginning: Being the Adventures of a Small Snail (and an Even Smaller Ant)

Avon the snail has never had an adventure. And adventure, he has heard, is the key to a happy life. So with his new friend Edward the ant, Avon sets out on a journey to find the excitement his life has been missing.This modern fable is filled with funny--and profound--insights about the meaning of things . . . great and small.

Image for Those Amazing Ants

Those Amazing Ants

A clear, simple text and full-color, richly detailed artwork journey inside an ant colony to provide a close-up look at the lives, behavior, and life cycle of this fascinating insect.

Too, if you’re planning your unit studies for the year, look at these 8 unit studies for kindergarten.

8 Best Summer Unit Studies For Kindergarten

  1. Grab this idea for an ocean or shark unit to build language art skills-Shark and Oceans for Kindergarten Fun Sight Word Activity.
  2. Summer is the best time for a Kids Dandelion Flower Unit Study and Easy Tea Recipe & Notebooking Pages with the bright yellow flowers and puffs of seeds just about everywhere you look.
  3. Pond Life for Kindergarten Activity Build a Fun Beaver Dam
  4. Get outside and enjoy a Free Bird Unit Study and Lapbook And Fun Edible Bird Nests as you observe feathered friends in your own yard.
  5. Free Homeschool Chicken Unit Study and Anatomy of an Egg Felt Activity & Worksheet
  6. Delicious, this Ice Cream Unit Study is a tasty way to learn about a summer time favorite with a wide variety of hands on ideas.
  7. Learn How to Plan And Start an Easy Gardening Unit Study for Kids, this is easily adaptable for all ages and makes a good family unit.
  8. This Free Butterfly Unit Study For Kids and Fun Sponge Stamping is full of great ideas.
8 Best Summer Unit Studies For Kindergarten | Free Ant Study

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

Pack up your picnic and let’s get into this amazing ant study with tasty treats, some great books, and videos.

Free Ant Unit Study

Look at these ideas for a fun unit study about ants.

Hands-on Ideas About Ants

  • Make Ants on a Log for a tasty themed snack your kid will love!
  • How To Make A Fun Ant Farm : Mason Jar Craft

Ant Math Learning Ideas

  • Use plastic ants for manipulatives to count, add, and subtract.
  • Check out these Busy Ants Clip Counting Cards for an activity that builds math and fine motor skills at the same time.

Science Learning Ideas

  • Today, you’ll be making a simple ant model. It is a wonderful hands-on way to teach your child about ants anatomy. You can use it to talk about the head, thorax, and abdomen, its 6 legs, and of course antennas and what they are used for.
  • Watch Learn All About Ants: Ant Facts For Kids to find out more about these tiny pests that crash picnics and pack a sting.
  • Use a glass jar and make an ant farm.
  • Learn all about the ants life cycle with this cute little set that lets them see firsthand (without the bites).
8 Best Summer Unit Studies For Kindergarten | Free Ant Study

Also, write these ant parts down for your child to have them match to what is the function of the body part.

  • Eyes
  • Hairs
  • Antennae
  • Legs
  • Mandibles
  • Eyes sense motion.
  • Hairs to sense its environment.
  • Antennae helps to taste, smell and feel.
  • Legs clean the antennae.
  • Mandibles to grasp, cut and dig.

Language Arts Learning Ideas

  • Practice writing the word Ant with this fun worksheet.
  • Have your child explain what is a life cycle and learn the life cycle. For example, egg, larva, pupa and adult.
  • Too, explain there are many kind of ants. There are leafcutter ants which are like farmers, army ants which are hunters and dairying ants with are herders.

In addition, you can use these words to help your child appreciate what are ants and how they help our environment.

  • insects – air-breathing invertebrates with three body segments, two antennae, three pairs of legs, and normally two sets of wings
  • larvae – wingless, immature form of many insects before developing into pupae
  • invertebrate – lacking a backbone or spinal column
  • nectar – sweet liquid that flowering plants produce to attract insects and birds

Also read The Life and Times of the Ant and a silly book they’ll love The End of the Beginning: Being the Adventures of a Small Snail (and an Even Smaller Ant).

Additionally, if you want to include your older children with unit study or expand it for a very inquisitive learner, look at these other topics.

  • Illustrate an ant colony
  • Describe how they reproduce
  • Delve into learning how they produce ant colonies
  • How do they find and manage their food supply

How to Make a Simple Ant Model With Kids

You will need:

  • 3 small styrofoam balls
  • Black paint
  • 2 black beads
  • 3 Pipe cleaners
  • Hot glue gun/sticks
8 Best Summer Unit Studies For Kindergarten | Free Ant Study

First, cut two pipe cleaners into 3 pieces each for the legs. Cut two more for antennae.

8 Best Summer Unit Studies For Kindergarten | Free Ant Study

Paint three small styrofoam balls black all over and allow them to dry.

I did not have any black pipe cleaners on hand so rather than run out and buy them I just covered them in a coat of black paint all over them.

Allow them to dry alongside the styrofoam.

8 Best Summer Unit Studies For Kindergarten | Free Ant Study

Once everything is completely dry you can begin assembling your ant.

Start by pressing the six legs into the thorax (center segment) of the ant.

8 Best Summer Unit Studies For Kindergarten | Free Ant Study

Next press two black beads into either side of the next ball for a head to make the eyes and add two black pipe cleaner pieces to create antennae.

8 Best Summer Unit Studies For Kindergarten | Free Ant Study

Finally use a hot glue gun to connect the three segments together, use care not to touch the hot end of the glue gun into the foam or it will melt it.

Bend the legs into shape.

8 Best Summer Unit Studies For Kindergarten | Free Ant Study

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, insects, kindergarten, life science, science, unit studies, unit study

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.

Image for Healthy Habits for Healthy Kids Grade K

Healthy Habits for Healthy Kids Grade K

Healthy Habits for Healthy Kids Grade K

Image for Horizons Health Kindergarten Set

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.

Image for Jump Rope Kids

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.

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

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.

Image for Catch Tail Game Belt

Catch Tail Game Belt

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

Image for Outdoor Games Combo Set for Kids

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.

Image for Find and Seek Scavenger Hunt

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.

Image for Yogi Dice Kids Educational Yoga Dice Game

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.

Image for Music at Home

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.

Image for Learning to Cook Healthy

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.

Image for Hands-on Fun Nature Tree Study

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.

Image for How to Make a Journey Stick Outdoor Activity for Kids
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.

Image for Easy Nature Fairy Houses for Kids!
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.

Image for Fun Nature Elephant Hawk Moth Craft

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.

Image for Easy forest school activity :: ten things in ten minutes
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.

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

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.

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

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

Image for Woodland Yoga
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.

Image for 15 Hands-On Nature Math Ideas

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.

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

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
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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.

Image for 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!

Image for Birth Of an Island

Birth Of an Island

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

Image for R&R Games The Table is Lava Family Game

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!

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

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.

Image for The Kingfisher Science Encyclopedia

The Kingfisher Science Encyclopedia

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

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

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.

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

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.

Image for Volcanoes! (National Geographic Readers)

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.

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

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.

Image for NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Ultimate Volcano Kit – Erupting Volcano Science

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.

Image for Natural and Earth Science Educational Flash Card

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.

Image for The Magic School Bus: Blasting off with Erupting Volcanoes

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

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