language arts

How To Determine The Best Beginner Reading Books For Kindergarten & Recommendations

April 15, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I’m sharing tried and true tips for how to determine the best beginner reading books for kindergarten while homeschooling. Also, grab my other tips, ideas, and crafts for kindergarten on my page Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum.

Besides, reading is one of the most important subjects to teach well.

Teaching other subjects in kindergarten is important.

How To Determine The Best Beginner Reading Books For Kindergarten & Recommendations

However, if a child doesn’t read well, he could struggle lifelong in all subjects.

Also, I have a free reading journal you can download below to help you track reading time.

As he grows and has interests in other subjects, like history or science, he may struggle with comprehension.

So, what we do in the beginning or while homeschooling kindergarten matters.

For example, beginner books for children should not only meet them where they’re at but be engaging and delightful.

3 Questions About Beginner Reading Books for Kindergarten

With that being said, look at these ways you can meet your child where he is in understanding phonics and growing in reading.

Some kindergarten aged children are ready for beginner chapter books or higher and others are still very much finding delight in repeated texts and phonics readers.

Being at either level is very much normal as well as anywhere in between.

Now, look at these 3 questions to see if your child needs more prereading help or if he is ready to tackle beginner chapter books.

1. How well does your child understand or master rhyming?

Rhyming is not just a fun childhood pastime, but learning to rhyme helps him to see patterns in reading.

After that when you point out the similarities in the word pattern, he learns to make other words quickly.

For example, if you print CAT on a card, then write FAT.

After you show him how the first letter is different, but the end is the same, he sees and hears the pattern.

This is an effective and simple way to have a strong foundation in reading.

Next, identify his knowledge of letter sounds.

2. How well does he know letter sounds?

That is more important than the shape of the letter or knowing the name of the letter.

While recognizing the shape of the letter is important, your child will need to grasp that it represents or stands for a sound.

Thereafter, you want to be sure of his print awareness.

3. What is his understanding of print concept?

For example, does he hold the book right way up, looks at the pictures and knows we read from left to right?

Even if he doesn’t understand his left from his right (even as adults we get confused) does he point with this finger or lead with his eyes and track left to right to read?

If you can answer yes to these prereading concepts, then barring any special needs he is ready for beginner reading books.

Additionally, if your child is still mastering some of the concepts listed above, then keep his reading diet steady with phonics readers and mixing in easy chapter books.

The books listed below will help him to not only reinforce basic reading concepts but challenge him to continue moving on in reading levels.

More Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum And Crafts

Beginner Reading Books For Kindergarten

A homeschooled kindergarten child’s reading diet should still be a mix of repeated texts or phonics readers and beginner readers.

This way your child’s basic reading skills continue to be strengthened while your child’s reading level is advancing.

Starfall Short-Vowel Pals 16 Decodable Phonics Books

These decodable primer books provide beginner readers with practice connecting letter sounds. Set of 16 Short-Vowel Pals: Zac and Cat Zac and the Hat Peg Helps Zac Peg's Egg Hen Mox Jogs Hop, Bend, Stomp Pop! Pop! Pop! Tin Man Sits Fix the Jet Fish and Me Bug in a Jug Get Up, Cub Gus and His Dog Peg and the Box Zig-Zag

Meg and Greg: A Duck in a Sock (Orca Two Read, 1)

Great books for parents to share with kids. Parents read then child reads.

A Duck in a Sock is the first book in the Orca Two Read series designed for shared reading
between a child learning to read and an experienced reader. Inside you'll find four stories that introduce one new phonogram (a letter or combination of letters that represent a sound) in each story: the ck, sh, ch and th phonograms. Each story builds on the previous ones by including words
with the phonograms already introduced. In addition, the series has special features to help a child with dyslexia or another language-based learning difficulty achieve reading success.

Usborne My First Phonics Reading Library Collection 12 Books Box Set

Usborne My First Phonics Reading Library Collection 12 Books Box Set (Phonics Readers) (WITH FREE AUDIO ONLINE)

The Pigeon Will Ride the Roller Coaster!

From #1 New York Times best-selling, award-winning author and illustrator Mo Willems!
Buckle up for twists, turns, and emotional loop-de-loops in the most roller coaster-y Pigeon book ever! The Pigeon WILL be ready. Will YOU!

Bob Books - Set 1: Beginning Readers Box Set |

Many early reader books contain words that are too difficult for a child who has just learned the sounds of the alphabet. Not these books! With only four letter sounds in the first story (M, A, T, and S), children can read a whole book and their confidence grows. Kids love the stories and funny pictures, and can’t wait to read these books to everyone they know!

Biscuit Flies a Kite (My First I Can Read)

For fans of Clifford and Spot, welcome everybody’s favorite little yellow puppy, Biscuit, in an I Can Read adventure!

It seems like the perfect day to fly a kite, until—oh, no!—the wind begins to blow the kite away!

Join Biscuit, that sweet puppy, and his friend Puddles as they put their furry heads together to save the day. Woof woof! Bow wow!

The gentle and appealing Biscuit books are a wonderful first introduction to reading for little pups, and this My First I Can Read friendship tale is perfect for shared reading in a classroom or at home. Books at this level feature basic language, word repetition, and whimsical illustrations, ideal for sharing with emergent readers. The active, engaging stories have appealing plots and lovable characters, encouraging children to continue their reading journey.

25 Irresistible Books That Are Just the Right Level for Beginning Readers

Jumpstart reading success with this big collection of 25 motivating storybooks correlated with Guided Reading Level D. The books features simple text, decodable words, strong picture cues, and two to four lines of text per page to support readers with just a little experience under their belts. Children will laugh, learn, and build confidence with these funny books on their favorite topics—from dogs to dinosaurs, princesses to pizza! Includes a 4-page parent guide.

Apples and Apricots: The Letter A Book (AlphaBOX Alphabet Readers collection)

This is the first book in the highly acclaimed AlphaBOX Alphabet Readers collection – a gorgeously illustrated series that teaches each letter of the alphabet and its phonetic sound. With Apples and Apricots, young readers will explore the letter A with bright colours, adorable pictures and an arty challenge you can enjoy together

Dr. Seuss's Beginner Book Collection (Cat in the Hat, One Fish Two Fish, Green Eggs and Ham, Hop on Pop, Fox in Socks)

Books in this boxed set include:The Cat in the HatOne Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue FishGreen Eggs and HamHop on PopFox in Socks Originally created by Dr. Seuss himself, Beginner Books are fun, funny, and easy to read.

Usborne Beginners History 10 Books Collection Box Set (Stone Age, Iron Age, Egyptians, Ancient Greeks, Romans, Vikings, Castles & MORE!)

Great history set of books that an advanced kindergartener could tackle.

(Usborne Beginners Series) Usborne Beginners Science Collection Box Set (10 Books)

This box set includes: Living in Space, Planet Earth, Storms and Hurricanes, Volcanoes, Earthquakes and Tsunamis, The Solar System, Weather, Your Body, Sun, Moon and Stars and Astronomy.

However, I also have a way for you to track your reading time, or help your child track his time in 15 minute increments.

Free Reading Journal Tracking Reading Time by 15 Minute Increments

Free Reading Logs by tracking reading time in 15 minute increments.

How to Get the Free 7 page Reading Logs With Journal Cover

Now, how to grab the freebie. This is a subscriber freebie.

That means when you sign up to follow me, you get access to my subscribers library and this freebie.

1) Sign up on my email list to get my emails.
2) Get your freebie instantly.
3) Last step. Look for my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following..

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Facts about Charlotte’s Web Book

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

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

More Charlotte’s Web Resources and Activities

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

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

Charlotte's Web Unit Study Resources

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

Charlotte's Web: A Newbery Honor Award Winner

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

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

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

Insects and Spiders (Nature Explorers)

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

Pigs

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

DK Super Readers Level 1 A Day on the Farm

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

I'm Trying to Love Spiders

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

National Geographic Readers: Spiders

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

Assorted Farm Animals Toys

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

Click, Clack, Moo Cows That Type

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

On the Farm

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

First, here are some fun resources.

YouTube Charlotte’s Web (Full Audiobook)

YouTube FARM ANIMALS & THEIR SOUNDS (Part 3) Babies, Toddlers, Preschool, & K-3

Next, look at some unit study science ideas.

Unit Study Science Ideas for Charlotte’s Web

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

Farm Theme Ideas

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

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

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

Also, add some fun farm math.

Math Ideas

Use manipulatives to make math hands-on.

Use plastic animals as counters for simple addition and subtraction, skip counting, or sorting for the littlest of hands.

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

Moreover, add some fun hands-on geography.

Geography Ideas

The story of Charlotte’s Web takes place in Maine, take this time to learn a little about the state.

Practice map skills and have your child draw a map of the farm where Wilbur lived including the farmhouse, barn, trees, and any other places they feel are significant.

Language Arts

Grab a list of spelling words for the story from Vocabulary.com to practice vocabulary and spelling by using words in sentences, flashcards, and other ways.

Draw a spider web with white crayon on white paper, weaving words throughout the lines, and give your child watercolors to reveal the words. As they appear, have them say the word and spell it out loud.

Have your child write their own short story about a farm by hand or on the computer.
Use farm-themed prompts for journaling- For example, “One morning I woke up and ran outside to the barn to find…”.

Below I have another fun and simple spelling activity.

Free Charlotte’s Web Homeschool Unit Study Spelling Web Activity

You will need:

Black cardstock
White chalk or a white paint marker
Hairspray
Letter tiles or beads
Spelling words list

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Add Fun Teatime To Your Homeschool Poetry Study

April 1, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Adding fun teatime to your homeschool poetry study is a beautiful way to include everyone, whatever their age, skill level, and interests. Also, you’ll love more resources on my post The Ultimate Guide to Poetry for Multiple Ages (For the Intimidated).

Too, I’m excited because April is National Poetry Month.

What better reason to start enjoying afternoon poetry teatime with the family.

How to Add Fun Teatime To Your Homeschool Poetry Study

Maybe you haven’t done poetry study yet, then this might be the perfect way to incorporate it.

If you don’t know what it is, then read on.

What Is Poetry Teatime

Poetry Teatime is a lovely way to slow down, and enjoy each other and some tea, maybe a nibble or two, and absorb the beauty of the world of poetry.

Julie Bogart from Brave writer is credited with bringing this fun and special time to the homeschool world.

Everyone does it a little differently.

Some do it every week or every month, and some just occasionally.

Other families choose various themes, dressing up a bit is fun but not required.

You can enjoy poetry teatime on the couch, at the table, or even outside as a picnic.

It truly is as simple as 1,2,3,

Step 1 Gather Everyone Together
Bring some kind of beverage and snack.
Read Poetry
Oh, and step 4 Enjoy.

Poetry Teatime Themes

Themes can give your poetry study a fun direction to go in and you can create a theme based on almost anything you are learning.

Here are some of my favorites.

Nature- Poems about grass, the sky, trees, insects, etc.
Female Poets-Angelou, Browning, Plath, Dickinson.
Seasons-Celebrate the beginning of a new season.
The Hobbit- Bring a little bit of the shire home. Here is a list of poems in The Hobbit.
Silly Holidays- Think National Spaghetti Day or Batman Day.
Medieval -Sir Gawain and The Green Knight? Beowulf?
International Poetry Teatime- China, Russia, France, All American.

Shakespeare-Shall I Compare Thee To a Summer’s Day? Sonnet 18

Also, look at some of these fun books for your littlest bard.

Preschool to Elementary Poetry Books

Begin teaching poetry to nurture a budding bard. Add some of these books and resources to your poetry unit study or just for a lesson for the day.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: The Poetry of Mister Rogers

For the first time ever, 75 beloved songs from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and The Children's Corner are collected in this charmingly illustrated treasury, sure to be cherished by generations of children as well as the millions of adults who grew up with Mister Rogers.

A Child's Garden of Verses

Here is a delightful look at childhood, written by master poet and storyteller Robert Louis Stevenson. In this collection of sixty-six poems, Stevenson recalls the joys of his childhood, from sailing boats down a river, to waiting for the lamplighter, to sailing off to foreign lands in his imagination. Tasha Tudor's watercolor paintings evoke a simpler time in the past, and celebrate two of the things she loves most -- children and nature. Her talents are the perfect match for these inspiring poems, making this a handsome gift edition that will be cherished by families for generations.

A Child's Book of Poems

William Blake, Kate Greenaway, Emily Dickinson: the writers in this charming anthology of 200 poems—first published in 1969—are among literature’s most beloved. And Gyo Fujikawa’s appealing illustrations depict children of all races sweetly interacting, as well as an engagingly rendered menagerie of animals and the natural world in all its wonderment.

Read-Aloud Rhymes for the Very Young

irst published in 1986 and just as fresh and relevant today, this widely acclaimed, child-friendly poetry anthology is now being reissued with a striking new jacket. In his introduction to this book Jim Trelease, bestselling author of The Read-Aloud Handbook, writes, “No one better recognizes the essence of the child-poetry connection than poet and anthologist Jack Prelutsky. . . . Here are more than 200 little poems to feed little people with little attention spans to help both grow. Marc Brown’s inviting illustrations add a visual dimension to the poems, which further engage young imaginations.” The poems are by 119 of the best-known poets of the 20th century.

A Child's Introduction to Poetry

Poetry is fun—especially when we can read it, hear it, and discover its many delights. A Child's Introduction to Poetry joyously introduces kids (and parents) to the greatest poets in history—from Homer and Shakespeare to Langston Hughes and Maya Angelou—and provides excellent examples of their work and commentary on what makes it so special and everlasting. The book covers every style of poem, from epics and odes, to nonsense verse and haikus, and is filled with examples of each one.

A Child's Anthology of Poetry

A timeless collection celebrating the joys of poetry for children of all ages—an indispensable introduction to literature and life that brings together essential classic children's poems with the best of modern and contemporary international poetry.

The simple pleasures of reading and listening to poetry can make unforgettable memories in childhood and help children develop an interest in language and storytelling. From Robert Frost to Maya Angelou, Shel Silverstein to Emily Dickinson, this collection emphasizes the fun and diversity of poetry, providing young readers with a well-rounded, inclusive selection of poets.

The Complete Tales and Poems of Winnie-the-Pooh

In 1926, the world was introduced to a portly little bear named Winnie-the-Pooh. Along with his young friend, Christopher Robin, Pooh delighted readers from the very beginning. His often befuddled perceptions and adorable insights won the hearts of everyone around him, including his close group of friends. From the energetic Tigger to the dismal Eeyore, A. A. Milne created a charming bunch, both entertaining and inspirational. These simple creatures often reflected a small piece of all of us: humble, silly, wise, cautious, creative, and full of life.

Hands-On Activities Poetry

While you can use anything you have on hand already it would be fun to visit thrift stores and hunt for pretty cups and teapots together-also a great lesson in thriftiness.
This is a great opportunity to let your child take the lead. Let your child help or completely plan the menu, the theme, or other activities.
Some kids just can’t sit still, and that’s okay. During poetry read-aloud, let your kids be busy with play dough, drawing, or simple quiet handiwork like needle felting or a simple sewing project.
Create a template for younger children to learn how to properly set a table. Simply trace the plate, cup, and utensils on a piece of construction paper and laminate it for practice.
Have your child write their own poem to share and try different styles of poetry each time or for each person.
Make tea sandwiches. Put together your child’s favorite be it a peanut butter and jelly or cucumber sandwich. Cut them into tiny bite-size pieces for a fun treat.
Think of special food like tea with crumpets, scones, tiny cookies, fruit, and dainty petit fours for a special treat.
Make teatime a lesson in table manners, practice being fancy pinkies up.

More Homeschool Poetry Resources

In addition, I have these other posts with more great resources.

Also, look at these books for middle and high school kids.

Middle to High School Poetry Books & Curriculum

Grab some of these books for your middle to high school students and instill a love of poetry. It doesn't have to be that hard to learn about figurative language.

150 Most Famous Poems: Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, William Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe,

Are you looking for a Poetry Book with an amazing collection of the most famous english poems?

This great English Poetry Anthology contains 150 of the Most Famous Poems of the last centuries. Dating from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, these famous poems remain Masterpieces of English Literature and continue to inspire and influence people all over the world.

Poetry Speaks Who I Am: 100 Poems of Discovery, Inspiration, Independence, and Everything Else for Teens

Poetry Speaks Who I Am is filled with more than 100 remarkable poems for teen boys and girls, making it the perfect addition to any classroom. With poems about who teens are and who they are becoming, they'll find poems that make them laugh, that make them angry, or poems that speak directly to them.

The Art of Poetry

Poetry is a universal art form, and a deep communication of the world around us. The Art of Poetry is an excellent upper school curriculum. It will teach how to read a poem, and introduce students to the many elements and forms of poetry. The book is rich with examples from many sources, including their explication. A biography of each poet is included, along with an audio CD of many of the poems.

The Complete Poetry

Throughout her illustrious career in letters, Maya Angelou gifted, healed, and inspired the world with her words. Now the beauty and spirit of those words live on in this new and complete collection of poetry that reflects and honors the writer’s remarkable life.

Poetry for Young People: Robert Frost (Volume 1)

Use all your senses—not just your eyes—when you read Robert Frost’s remarkable poems. Your own world will quickly melt away as Frost draws you into winter wonderlands, forests, and fields. More than twenty-five of the Pulitzer-Prize winner’s best-loved poems are included, along with stunning illustrations, in this introduction to the work of one of America’s greatest poets.

100 Great Poems for Girls

Girls of all ages will enjoy reading poems catered specifically to them, whether it means envisioning adventures with princesses and witches, or laughing at the antics of mischievous little girls.

What do you think? Ready to give one of these themes a try?

Free Fun Daniel Boone Quotes for Beginning Cursive Copywork

February 24, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have some fun Daniel Boone quotes copywork today. And grab my unit study on my page Daniel Boone – North American Explorer.

We love expanding our Daniel Boone Unit study.

Adding in copywork is a fun way to add writing to the study.

So, I rounded up some famous Daniel Boone quotes and created these free copywork printables.

Free Fun Daniel Boone Quotes for Beginning Cursive Copywork

Although we have followed a unit study approach, I’ve learned copywork which is a technique used by Charlotte Mason homeschoolers worked for my kids.

Copywork is one of the best ways to practice handwriting.

Daniel Boone Quotes

First, look at these quotes by Daniel Boone which are on the free printables.

I’ve opened the way for others to make fortunes, but a fortune for myself was not what I was after.
Lightning does not often strike twice in the same place.

I have never been lost, but I will admit to being confused for several weeks.
Nature was here a series of wonders, and a fund of delight.

All you need for happiness is a good gun, a good horse, and a good wife.
I was happy in the midst of dangers and inconveniences.
It isn’t how you die. It’s what you live for.

Also, I have some fun resources to go with this study of Daniel Boone.

10 Resources for A Daniel Boone Unit Study

Whether you want to add a hands-on unit study or are looking for a few resources, you'll love one of these.

1. Daniel Boone: The Life and Legend of an American Pioneer

Struggle against the Shawnee defenders of Kentucky. Drawing from popular narrative, public record, documentation from Boone's own hand, and recollection gathered by 19th-century antiquarians, the author employs the methods of the new social history to produce a portrait that defines Daniel Boone and the times he helped shape.

2. Who Was Daniel Boone? (Who Was?)

Called the "Great Pathfinder", Daniel Boone is most famous for opening up the West to settlers through Kentucky. A symbol of America's pioneering spirit Boone was a skilled outdoorsman and an avid reader although he never attended school. Sydelle Kramer skillfully recounts Boone's many adventures such as the day he rescued his own daughter from kidnappers.

3. The Dangerous Book for Boys

The bestselling book—more than 1.5 million copies sold—for every boy from eight to eighty, covering essential boyhood skills such as building tree houses, learning how to fish, finding true north, and even answering the age old question of what the big deal with girls is—now a Prime Original Series created by Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) and Greg Mottola (Superbad).

In this digital age, there is still a place for knots, skimming stones and stories of incredible courage. This book recaptures Sunday afternoons, stimulates curiosity, and makes for great father-son activities. The brothers Conn and Hal have put together a wonderful collection of all things that make being young or young at heart fun—building go-carts and electromagnets, identifying insects and spiders, and flying the world's best paper airplanes.

4. Willy Whitefeather's Outdoor Survival Handbook for Kids

From treating a bee sting to building an overnight shelter, kids will gain the knowledge and confidence they need to survive outdoors.All ages

5. Daniel Boone: Frontiersman (Heroes of History)

Written for readers age 10 and up -- enjoyed by adults!In search of open spaces and land to call his own, Daniel Boone fearlessly led a band of brave settlers into the bountiful Kentucky wilderness. Daniel's expert hunting ability, incredible outdoor survival skills, and courage under fire helped his companions stay alive in a dangerous and unknown land despite threatening encounters with soldiers, Indians, and even other settlers.

6. History Pockets: Explorers of North America, Grades 4-6+

The book includes the following pockets:

Introduction to Explorers of North America
Christopher Columbus
John Cabot
Hernando Cortes
Jacques Cartier
Sir Francis Drake
Henry Hudson
Daniel Boone
James Cook
Lewis and Clark
John Wesley Powell

7. Daniel Boone: Trailblazer

Born in Pennsylvania in 1734, Daniel Boone cut a path west, carving his name into trees. Although he endured repeated property losses, he became a household name and was greatly admired for his surveying skills and the many claims he laid, opening the west for further settlement.

8. Survive & Thrive: A Pocket Guide To Wilderness Safety Skills, Plus 16 Quick-Check Skill Cards

Gear up for outdoor adventure, learn to stay alive, and help yourself thrive – feeling confident that you can handle whatever comes your way!

Accidents happen and nature can be unpredictable, which is why this ultra-portable survival kit is a must-have for casual nature explorers and slightly more adventurous campers in need of essential outdoor guidance that they can carry along with them.

9. Bear Grylls The Complete Adventures Collection 12 Books Set

Titles In This Set:The Blizzard ChallengeThe Desert ChallengeThe Jungle ChallengeThe Sea ChallengeThe River ChallengeThe Earthquake ChallengeThe Volcano ChallengeThe Safari ChallengeThe Cave ChallengeThe Mountain ChallengeThe Arctic ChallengeThe Sailing Challenge

10. Daniel Boone: Young Hunter and Tracker (Childhood of Famous Americans)

A general account of the life of the prominent American frontiersman who is especially remembered for helping to settle Kentucky

Next, look at some tips about the benefits of copywork.

What is Copywork

Copywork has been around a long time. One of the first things we have our kids do is to trace letters.

When kids can’t write we use trace boards or have them form letters with playdough.

Tracing is the beginning of copywork.

However, when you’re teaching any age writer, copywork has many benefits.

Plus, copywork is a process where many skills are being learned at once.

There is a lot of bang for your buck which is hard to get from other language arts activities.

It’s hard to beat the value of this skill.

6 Benefits of Copywork

Look at 6 benefits of copywork.

1.
When a child sees the correct way to form sentences, he is learning by doing and following a model.

2.
Spelling is strengthened because a child is absorbing the correct way to spell from the start.

3.
Grammar skills are learned because a child sees the correct way a sentence is form with the details of like a capital and a period at the end of a sentence.

4.
Additionally, when a child has less to focus on, they can focus on neatness and legibility.

5.
It teaches a child to pay attention to the details or letters in every word and have legible cursive.

6.
Many sentences are not required to set a good model for both how a well written sentence or paragraph looks and sounds.

Finally, when a child composes his own sentences, he has a mental picture of how well-written and composed sentences both look like and sound like.

I have more copywork lessons here. Look at these free copywork printables.

Next, look at these Daniel Boone resources below.

More Daniel Boone Facts for Kids Activities

How to Get the Free Daniel Boone Quotes

Finally, how to grab the free lesson planning pages. It’s a subscriber freebie.

That means when you sign up to follow me, you get access my subscribers library and this freebie.

However, not all of my freebies are in the library (wink).

I like to keep up to date with what is valuable to you so I can give you more, some freebies you must sign up again on the form below even if you are already a follower.

It’s the only way I have of freely delivering them to you. Just follow the steps below.

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How to Make A Fun ABC Flip Book Fingerprint Activity for Kindergarten

January 1, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today I have a fun fingerprint activity for kindergarten. Also, grab my other tips, ideas, and crafts for kindergarten on my page Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum.

I am all for creating your own curriculum, especially in the early years like kindergarten.

While each child develops at their own pace, I have found that learning comes much more naturally to a child who enjoys what they are learning.

How to Make A Fun ABC Flip Book Fingerprint Activity for Kindergarten

Too, when learning is fun children are engaged.

You can use a workbook or worksheets.

Or you can make it even more interesting and let your child have more ownership in creating their own collection of ABCs

So, today we’re creating an ABC flip book fingerprint activity for kindergarten.

5 Ways to Help a Child Learn Letter Recognition

This little book gives you at least 5 ways to practice letter recognition skills:

Start by having your child place the letters in the upper right corner with letter stickers. He can also practice writing the letter if you prefer but this gives your child a good reference for the letters’ correct form. This is the first introduction to letters for the book.

Next, as you work through the letters, have your child name an item or two that begins with the letter. For example, A is for Apple, O is for Octopus. Stamp their finger in ink and onto the page and then encourage them to create that object from their fingerprint.

Find the objects to match up with the letters by taking your book on a letter scavenger hunt throughout the house or outdoors. Encourage your child to say the letter and its sound several times throughout the activity.

Combine the book with letter beads or to spell the simple words your child created with their fingerprint like cat, apple, dog, and etc.

Finally, another easy way for the book for practice is to use it as flashcards. Show the letter stickers in the upper right corner and ask for the letter name or sound.

Their ABC flip book can also go on road trips, out to eat, and while waiting at doctors’ offices to keep little minds and hands busy.

When all the pages are done, you can laminate to make them sturdier and then put them back on the ring for practice throughout the whole school year if you like.

Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum And Crafts

You can use this ABC flip book as part of a larger curriculum.

Additionally, you can use it for a letter of the week approach, do them in order, out of order, as a review, to introduce letters, or in any way that suits your child’s needs and your style.

Besides the creative outlet of putting the book together and practicing letters and sounds with the alpha stickers your child also gets practice when finding words that start with the letter, flipping through to review, and as you add to it each time.

The little ring makes it easy to carry around and easy to flip through.

It’s the perfect size for little hands.

How to Make an ABC Flip Book Fingerprint Activity for Kindergarten

Now, let me give you a simple rundown on how to put it all together:

You will need:

8.5×11 Cardstock
Stamp pads
Binder Ring
Letter Stickers
Large hole punch
markers/crayons

Cut 4 sheets of cardstock into 4.25 x 5.5 rectangles You will end up with a few extra. So use these for free fingerprint art.

On the front cover write ABC lightly in pencil.

Let your child “trace” it with their fingerprints to decorate the frog cover.

Punch a hole through the upper left corner of all the pages.

I used my large industrial hole punch, but you can use a single hole punch. You will just have to punch the paper one or two sheets at a time.

Slip your binder ring through all the holes to create a flipbook that can be carried around or stored in a basket with your other learning supplies.

Add A-Z letter stickers to the upper right corner of each page front and back, you can choose uppercase, lowercase or both depending on what you are working on.

Now enjoy finding objects that start with each letter with your child to fill their book through looking at ABC books, using their imagination, or on a letter hunt.

Give your child markers and or crayons to complete their drawings, turning fingerprints into cute little objects.

Write at the bottom of each page the letter and the word your child has chosen to represent it so that they can see it in writing. G is for grape for example.