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preschool

11 Fun Handwriting Activities For Preschoolers | Easy Cranberry Sauce Writing Tray

November 17, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

There are so many fun handwriting activities for preschoolers before they ever need to pick up a pencil. Also, look at my page How to Homeschool Preschool.

These activities will build not only their letter recognition but also fine motor, gross motor, coordination, posture, and letter formation.

I think it is important for kids to get a good mix of writing with different materials, crayons, markers, and even their fingers.

They can also practice letter formation with sticks, playdough, paint and so much more.

11 Fun Handwriting Activities For Preschoolers | Easy Cranberry Sauce Writing Tray

Mix it up to keep it interesting for them and they will not even realize how much they are learning and developing as it will seem like play.

I have found 11 fantastic ideas for writing in all the stages for preschoolers to get you started. Including some resources that would be a great addition to your preschool.

Too, I also have an easy cranberry sauce writing tray tutorial for you that is completely taste-safe and is a fun new texture for kids to try that sensory seekers will love.

Resources for Teaching Pre-Writing to Preschoolers

9 Preschool Writing Resources for Pre-Writers for Readiness to Write

Preschool means pre or before writing. That means they are not ready to write. You are teaching them prewriting activities to strengthen their fine motor skills.

Wooden Letters Practicing Board, Double-Sided Alphabet Tracing Tool Learning

 This Wooden Letters Practicing Board would get a lot of use. I see it in car rides, doctors' offices, waiting at restaurants, and many other times to keep them busy while they learn.

Magnetic Letters Double-Side Magnet Board - Foam Alphabet Letters for Kids Spelling and Learning

These magnetic letters kit is great because it grows with your child from first learning to write letters to simple sight words and right on through more advanced spelling words. I like items that you can get years of use out of.

Learning Without Tears - Pre-K Writing Book - Social-Emotional, Pre-Writing Skills

Once they are ready for writing, if you need a solid program to use for yearly evaluations or just to
see the progress on their own, Handwriting Without Tears is a very popular option.

Alphabet Learning Toys for Toddlers

271 Pcs Alphabet Sounds Teaching Tubs] Alphabet Learning Toy Set includes 26 Cardboard Cans with Plastic Lids, 52 Letter Cards (Uppercase and Lowercase each 26), and 193 Photo Cards
to encourage toddlers early learning of spelling and memory of corresponding objects.

Pre-Writing Basic Patterns Stencils

These tracing templates fine-tune developing motor skills, strengthen muscle-memory, and introduce essential writing elements

Preschool Skills: Tracing, Cutting, and Gluing, Scissor Skills, Fine Motor

If you are looking for ways to help your child get ready for school, or just looking to help them develop fine motor skills then this is the book for you! Developed by teachers, with the top skills that teachers look for in their students entering Kindergarten. This book will help your child learn how to trace lines, and use scissors and glue properly.

Crayons in a Rock Shape, 32 Count, Tripod Grip Made For Handwriting Development in Kids and Toddler

CRAYON ROCKS - Are simply the best coloring tool for young children! Made in rural Kentucky, USA from soybean wax, they are vibrantly colored and create beautifully textured child artwork similar to oil pastels.

2 Pack LCD Writing Tablet for Kids, Electronic Writing Pad, Colorful Doodle Board Drawing

LCD Writing Tablets for kids are so much fun and will encourage practice drawing and writing with very little encouragement from you

ReadyWriter Classic Edition : Stylus Skills, Printing, and Penmanship

One of my favorites that has been around for years for ages 4 to 8. Learn to write by drawing pictures and doing fun activities.

Also, look at more how to homeschool preschool activities.

How to Homeschool Preschool Activities

  • A Unique Flexible and Beautiful Preschool Homeschool Planner
  • How to Teach Homeschool Preschool From the Inside Out (And Preschool Skills)
  • Celebrate World Jellyfish Day With A Jellyfish in a Jar Preschool Activity
  • Fun Bat Anatomy Toilet Paper Roll Craft | 8 Bat Science Activities Preschool
  • Fun Resources and Books About The Human Body For Preschoolers
  • Make Cute Felt Leaf Sachets For Fall Leaf Crafts for Preschoolers
  • Fun Corn Life Cycle Preschool Sensory Bin and Printable Lifecycle Foldout
  • 10 Egg Carton Crafts For 2 Year Olds and Fun Nature Color Match Activity
  • Learn About Indigenous Animal Geography Fun Activity for Preschool to Elementary
11 Fun Handwriting Activities For Preschoolers | Easy Cranberry Sauce Writing Tray

Then look at these fun handwriting activities.

11 Fun Handwriting Activities for Preschoolers

  1. Before writing you can use playdough to learn about forming letters like with the Playdough Mat Name Forming activity here.
  2. This Rainbow Rice Sensory Writing Tray is tons of fun and most of us have plenty of rice in the pantry so give it a try.
  3. There will be lots of ooey-gooey writing practice with this Slime Writing Tray where they can use their fingers or something else to write with.
  4. If you want to avoid the mess or your child just doesn’t like messy hands try this idea for Shaving Cream Writing in a bag.
  5. A different take on the shaving cream but keeping the mess contained is to learn How to Make Sensory Bags PLUS a Letter and Number Card FREEBIE
  6. Who needs a pencil when you have a pile of fun play dough and a skewer? Check out this Play-Dough Writing Tray.
  7. I really love this idea for Q-Tip letter tracing, who knew such a simple household item could be so useful?
  8. How creative is this idea for Icy Letter Writing? A fun activity for winter or a great way to cool down and practice in the summer.
  9. Break out the watercolor paints for this Simple Watercolor Activity for name and handwriting practice.
  10. Prewriting activities like these DIY Alphabet Lacing Cards help a child learn letter recognition and formation while building the muscles and coordination they will need for actual writing.
  11. Pushpin Letters are good for coordination, and fine motor skills, and will help your child learn the grasp they will need for writing with a pencil correctly
11 Fun Handwriting Activities For Preschoolers | Easy Cranberry Sauce Writing Tray

Finally, look at how to make this easy cranberry sauce writing tray.

Easy Cranberry Sauce Writing Tray

You will need:

  • Shallow tray or dish
  • Canned cranberry sauce, pureed
  • Spatula or spoon
  • Fresh cranberries
  • Cardstock
  • Marker

First, open cranberry sauce and stir to break it up and make it as smooth as you can.

11 Fun Handwriting Activities For Preschoolers | Easy Cranberry Sauce Writing Tray

Pour into the tray and smooth it out with the bottom of the can.

11 Fun Handwriting Activities For Preschoolers | Easy Cranberry Sauce Writing Tray

Draw shapes, letters, and numbers on cardstock with a marker.

11 Fun Handwriting Activities For Preschoolers | Easy Cranberry Sauce Writing Tray

Cut them out, if you would like them to be able to be used often you may want to laminate them so they can easily be wiped off after messy play like this one.

11 Fun Handwriting Activities For Preschoolers | Easy Cranberry Sauce Writing Tray

You can also add a handful of fresh cranberries to explore a different texture but also they can be used to count when a child writes numbers with their fingers.

11 Fun Handwriting Activities For Preschoolers | Easy Cranberry Sauce Writing Tray

Look at that fine motor work!

11 Fun Handwriting Activities For Preschoolers | Easy Cranberry Sauce Writing Tray

Encourage letter and number writing but also free play in the sensory bin to make it a well-rounded experience.

I highly recommend taking this one outside or at least placing a plastic shower curtain liner under the area as it can be pretty sticky.

11 Fun Handwriting Activities For Preschoolers | Easy Cranberry Sauce Writing Tray

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: cranberries, fine motor skills, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, handwriting, homeschool preschool, preschool, teachingwriting, writing

Frozen Nature Ice Sun Catcher for Preschool Play and Fun

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

Create a beautiful nature-filled ice sun catcher with your preschooler by taking a nature walk in the woods, a local park, or even your backyard. Also, look at this Simple and Easy Instant Ice Kids Activity Homeschool Science Experiments post and my page How to Homeschool Preschool.

It is a fun way to explore the outdoors and finish up with a neat nature-filled ice sun catcher to remember it (at least as long as the ice lasts).

Frozen Nature Ice Sun Catcher for Preschool Play and Fun

Fill it with colorful flowers, berries, small pinecones, interesting pebbles or twigs, and leaves.

You can use your ice sun catcher to learn about the objects that they find but also as a different science lesson talking about ice and why and how it melts.

The best part about this activity is that it can be repeated over and over with different results each time.

For example, add food coloring, different items, and different types of water and explore the various results with your preschooler.

Books About Winter

While exploring nature, don’t forget to take along a favorite resource book like Nature Anatomy and see if you can spot any of your finds in the pages.

Preschoolers really love looking through books with good illustrations to compare to.

29 Winter Books to Read to Kids and For Kids Who Love to Read

Add in a few books to make your winter unit study complete. Add books for all ages.

Winter Is Coming

Day after day, a girl goes to her favorite place in the woods and quietly watches from her tree house as the chipmunks, the doe, the rabbits prepare for the winter.

As the temperature drops, sunset comes earlier and a new season begins.

Hanna's Cold Winter

Hanna was a hippopotamus in the Budapest Zoo. Hanna and the other hippos thrived in the warm springs which flowed from the ground. One winter, however, it was so cold that the river froze.

Over and Under the Snow

Part of the acclaimed nature book series that includes Over and Under the Pond, Over and Under the Rainforest, and Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt, this volume takes readers on a cross country ski trip through the winter woods to discover the secret world of animals living under the snow.

Over the snow, the world is hushed and white. But under the snow lies a secret world of squirrels and snow hares, bears and bullfrogs, and many other animals making their winter home under the snow. This beloved nonfiction picture book reveals the tunnels and caves formed beneath the snow but over the ground, where many kinds of animals live through the winter, safe and warm, awake and busy, but hidden beneath the snow. 

ENCHANTING AND EDUCATIONAL: A charming story and beautifully rendered illustrations invite readers of all ages to explore and learn about the "subnivean zone" (the space between the colder snow and the warmer ground) where many animals live in the winter, opening a fascinating window into the natural world.

The Snow Day

A young rabbit wakes up to wonderful news: A snow day! School is canceled, and the day that follows is rich with the magic and delight of the falling snow.

Animals in Winter

This is a clear and appealing book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom. Introduce kids to basic science ideas as part of discussions about the seasons and animals.

Miss Maple's Seeds

What happens to seeds that don't sprout? Fortunately, they have Miss Maple to look after them.

Every year, she rescues orphan seeds, taking them to her cozy maple tree house. All winter long, she nurtures them and teaches them the ways of seeds and the paths.

Breadcrumbs

Once upon a time, Hazel and Jack were best friends. But that was before he stopped talking to her and disappeared into a forest with a mysterious woman made of ice. Now it's up to Hazel to go in after him. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's "The Snow Queen,"

Brave Irene: A Picture Book

This winning heroine will inspire every child to cheer her on as she ventures through a bitter cold snowstorm in William Steig's classic Brave Irene.

Icefall

Trapped in a hidden fortress tucked between towering mountains and a frozen sea, Solveig, along with her brother the crown prince, their older sister, and an army of restless warriors, anxiously awaits news of her father's victory at battle.

Poetree

The poem is indeed about the yearly cycle in the life of a tree. But it is also an intriguing poetic concoction.

The initial letters of each line in each stanza spell out a word that pertains to that tree's life cycle - SEED, GERMINATE, SHOOT, ROOTS, LEAVES, FLOWERS. It's a kids' acrostic.

Moominland Midwinter

Everyone knows the Moomins sleep through the winter. But this year, Moomintroll has woken up early.

So while the rest of the family slumber, he decides to visit his favorite summer haunts. But all he finds is this strange white stuff. Even the sun is gone! Moomintroll is angry: whoever Winter is, she has some nerve.

Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow

Blessed--or cursed--with an ability to understand animals, the Lass (as she's known to her family) has always been seen as strange.

And when an isbjorn (polar bear) seeks her out, and promises that her family will become rich if only the Lass will accompany him to his castle, she doesn't hesitate. But the bear is not what he seems, nor is his castle, which is made of ice and inhabited by a silent staff of servants

If Polar Bears Disappeared

The freezing ecosystem in the far north of the globe is home to many different kinds of animals.

They can be Strong, like a walrus Tough, like a lemming Resilient, like an arctic fox.

But no arctic animal is as iconic as the polar bear.

The Very, Very Far North

An inquisitive polar bear named Duane befriends an array of animals as he discovers where he belongs in this charming classic-in-the making

The Longest Night

It is the longest night of the year, and the snow lies deep. All through the forest, animals long for dawn's warmth.

Strong and clever creatures boast that only they can bring back the sun. But the wind knows better.

The Adventures of a South Pole Pig: A novel of snow and courage

Flora the pig was born for adventure: “If it’s unexplored and needs to get dug up, call me. I’m your pig,” she says.

The day Flora spots a team of sled dogs is the day she sets her heart on becoming a sled pig.

Before she knows it, she’s on board a ship to Antarctica for the most exhilarating—and dangerous—adventure of her life.

Wolf in the Snow

A girl is lost in a snowstorm. A wolf cub is lost, too. How will they find their way home?

The Snowflake Sisters

Crystal and Ivory snowflake take full advantage of this beautiful snowy evening in New York City as they travel to the park, fly through Time Square, journey past the Statue of Liberty, and more before coming in for their final landing of the day.

Mr. Popper's Penguins

A classic of American humor, the adventures of a house painter and his brood of high-stepping penguins have delighted children for generations.

One Snowy Night (Percy the Park Keeper)

Percy the Park Keeper always feeds the animals in the park where he lives.

But one cold winter’s night Percy discovers that his little friends need more than food and he must find a way to help them find a warm place to sleep for the night.

Dog Driven

From the author of Ice Dogs comes a riveting adventure about a musher who sets out to prove her impaired vision won't hold her back from competing in a rigorous sled race through the Canadian wilderness. Perfect for fans of Gary Paulsen.

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

There are more animals to find among the trees, and the kindly figure with his "promises to keep" exudes warmth as he stops to appreciate the quiet delights of winter.

Stranger in the Woods: A Photographic Fantasy (Nature)

Forest animals, awakened by the birds' warning that there is a stranger in the woods, set out to discover if there is danger and find, instead, a wonderful surprise.

Owl Moon

Late one winter night a little girl and her father go owling. The trees stand still as statues and the world is silent as a dream.

Whoo-whoo-whoo, the father calls to the mysterious nighttime bird.

Here Comes Jack Frost

One cold morning a lonely boy wishes for something to do. His animal friends are hibernating, and he has nobody to play with―even all the birds have flown south.

When he meets Jack Frost, the last thing he expects is to make a new friend . . . or to discover how enchanting winter can be!

Twelve Kinds of Ice

With the first ice—a skim on a sheep pail so thin it breaks when touched—one family’s winter begins in earnest. Next comes ice like panes of glass. And eventually, skating ice! Take a literary skate over field ice and streambed, through sleeping orchards and beyond.

Blizzard

With accounts from the survivors and period photos, a tale by the author of the Newbery Honor book, The Great Fire tells what is was like to live through the Great Blizzard of 1888 that crippled New York City with its fierce winds and blinding snow.

Grandmother Winter

Grandmother Winter lives all alone with her snow-white flock of geese. All through the spring, summer, and fall, Grandmother Winter tends her geese and gathers their feathers. Why?

To bring snowfall as soft as feathers and bright as a winter moon. To the woodland and all of its creatures, the arrival of winter is a gift.

Wild Child

Lynn Plourde's text snaps and crackles like the leaves of fall as Mother Earth gently gets her daughter ready for bed.

And Greg Couch's extraordinary illustrations take readers from the soft greens of late summer through the fiery oranges of a fall sunset to the peaceful blues of early winter's eve.

Also, look at these other fun sun catchers to do in winter.

6 Fun Sun Catchers to Do in Winter

While you may not think of sun catchers for winter there are plenty of engaging and pretty ideas for indoors and out and I have 6 more for you to check out

  1. I just love this Arctic Animal Sun Catcher Craft to go along with studying snowy animals like polar bears and penguins.
  2. These pretty Snowflake Sun Catchers are a great way to highlight how unique snowflakes are.
  3. Here is a completely different take on a sun catcher, using beads to reflect the light with this Pinecone Sun Catcher Craft.
  4. Mitten Sun catchers can launch a good discussion about what kind of clothing is needed for winter and how to protect ourselves from extreme temperatures.
  5. Make a Winter Tree Suncatcher using tear art for a lovely nature-themed craft.
  6. Snowman Sun Catcher is just too sweet and makes a simple but pretty craft to decorate your windows.
Frozen Nature Ice Sun Catcher for Preschool Play and Fun

Frozen Nature Ice Sun Catcher

You will need:

  • Nature items:  leaves, twigs, bark, pinecones, flowers, etc.
  • Shallow container
  • Water
  • Ribbon
Frozen Nature Ice Sun Catcher for Preschool Play and Fun

First, add a length of ribbon or rope to the top to hang it from.

Frozen Nature Ice Sun Catcher for Preschool Play and Fun

After gathering plenty of items for your ice sun catcher let your child lay them out however they like in your shallow container, you could even make multiple small ones by using a muffin tin.

Frozen Nature Ice Sun Catcher for Preschool Play and Fun

Once it is full of nature it is ready for the next step.

Frozen Nature Ice Sun Catcher for Preschool Play and Fun

Let your preschooler carefully fill with water.

Frozen Nature Ice Sun Catcher for Preschool Play and Fun

Place in the freezer overnight.

Carefully remove it from the container, you may need to flip it over and run warm water over the back for a minute or two to loosen it.

Frozen Nature Ice Sun Catcher for Preschool Play and Fun

Carry it outside.

Frozen Nature Ice Sun Catcher for Preschool Play and Fun

Hang from a tree and enjoy if the weather stays cold enough to keep it frozen!

Go back outside often as it melts and watch the changes.

Ask your preschooler how long does it take?

And ask your child questions like “Do you think the sun makes it melt faster?” to encourage critical thinking.

Here is how the backside looks with the sun shining through it.

Tip- for super clear ice use filtered water instead of tap water.

Frozen Nature Ice Sun Catcher for Preschool Play and Fun

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschoolinginwinter, ice, nature, nature study, preschool, seasons, winter crafts, winter season

Celebrate World Jellyfish Day With A Jellyfish in a Jar Preschool Activity

November 14, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We are creating a jellyfish in a jar preschool activity that is part art project and part science to highlight World Jellyfish Day on November 3rd. Also, you’ll love How to Homeschool Preschool and Learn How to Make an Easy Jellyfish Lights Craft.

It is a fun but simple demonstration of how jellyfish move in the water and making the jellyfish together provides the perfect opportunity to talk about its anatomy.

The best part is that you can make it with trash, well at least items destined for the trash or recycle bin.

Celebrate World Jellyfish Day With A Jellyfish in a Jar Preschool Activity

What makes this cool science activity work the way it does?

Air is lighter than water, so any way that you turn the bottle, the head of the jellyfish will rise to the top.

Use these facts below to learn more about the moon jelly that closely resembles our jellyfish in a jar and some of the resources and activities I found to create an entire study or just a day of fun and learning.

4 Facts About Moon Jellyfish

Since our jellyfish in a jar activity resembles a moon jellyfish, we are going to swim right into it and learn all about this amazing invertebrate.

  1. Aurelia is a genus of jellyfish; they are commonly called moon jellies and are in the class Scyphozoa. There are currently 25 accepted species that fall under moon jellies.
  1. Moon jellies can be identified by four circles visible through the translucent white bell and short tentacles.
  1. Moon jellyfish can be found in oceans all around the world. They thrive in a warm environment and are often found near coastlines in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans.
  1. Moon jellies even went into space as an experiment on the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1991 as part of a study on the effects of weightlessness on the development of internal organs in juvenile jellies.
Celebrate World Jellyfish Day With A Jellyfish in a Jar Preschool Activity

Also, look at some of these books about jellyfish.

I always lean toward living books first, then add reference books.

Books and Resources about Jellyfish

Add some of these books and resources to your study of jellyfish.

Jellyfish: A Natural History

With their undulating umbrella-shaped bells and sprawling tentacles, they are compelling and gorgeous, strange and dangerous. In many places they’re also vastly increasing in number, and these population blooms may be an ominous indicator of the rising temperatures and toxicity of the oceans.

Jellyfish (A Day in the Life: Sea Animals)

Beautiful and translucent, jellyfish can be deadly but some are perfectly harmless. Learn about the physical traits of jellyfish, how they move, where they are found, and their hunting and sleeping habits.

Moon Jelly Swims Through the Sea

Describes the life cycle of a female moon jellyfish as she escapes the many hazards of the sea to develop from planula to polyp to ephyra to a young adult ready to lay her own fertilized eggs.

Jellyfish - 70 Piece Tube Building Stem/Steam Toy

SIMPLE DESIGN - FUELS CREATIVITY: One shape, endless possibility! Every brick easily connects to the next. Create colorful flat mosaics or work in 3-D to make more intricate builds. Mix and match any Plus-Plus set to bring more ideas to life!

Jellyfish Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles

CHALLENGE GAME - Wooden jigsaw puzzles with uniquely shaped pieces are actually more challenging than traditional woodcut puzzles. It is absolutely going to be a great adventure!

A Jellyfish Is Not a Fish (Let'S-Read-And-Find-Out Science Book)

Describes the general characteristics and functions of a variety of jellyfish with emphasis on the ones to avoid.

Bloom

Once, the ocean was full of friends. Then a little jellyfish notices that things are changing--friends are disappearing! He sets out to discover the truth and learns that everyone has a part to play in protecting the careful balance of the ocean. "Bloom" refers to a substantial increase in jellyfish population that can be caused by climate change and pollution. In this beautifully illustrated, timely, and topical tale, the jellyfish band together to deliver an important message.

Additionally, look at these other jellyfish crafts.

Jellyfish Activities

Choose one or more additional activities to make your jellyfish study even better, allowing a deeper dive into the topic.

  • Learn How to Make an Easy Jellyfish Lights Craft that will be fun to hang up in your child’s room as a reminder of what they learned.
  • Make a Paper Lantern Jellyfish as you study their anatomy or habits.
  • I like art activities that serve more than one purpose like this Fine Motor Jellyfish Craft For Kids that will develop fine motor skills and muscles.
  • Create Black Glue Jellyfish Art for a dramatic art activity.
  • A colorful Suncatcher Jellyfish Kids Craft will brighten up your windows on any dark or sunny day.
  • Another craft that uses art and developing fine motor skills Paper Plate Jellyfish Craft for Kids
  • Jellyfish are the perfect shape for a cute and colorful windsock, check out this Scrape Painted Jellyfish Windsock.
  • Make these cute Egg Carton Jellyfish from just beads and egg cartons.
Celebrate World Jellyfish Day With A Jellyfish in a Jar Preschool Activity

Finally, look how to make this jellyfish in a jar preschool activity.

Jellyfish in a Jar Preschool Activity

You will need:

  • Large clean jar
  • Water
  • Small plastic bag
  • Scissors
  • Straw
  • String
  • Blue food coloring
Celebrate World Jellyfish Day With A Jellyfish in a Jar Preschool Activity

First, cut a square of plastic out of a store bag or ziploc bag that would fit inside your jar with plenty of room to move.

Cut strips through both sides, leaving a few inches uncut for tentacles, you may want to cut away a few of the strips so it is not so full.

Celebrate World Jellyfish Day With A Jellyfish in a Jar Preschool Activity

Place a straw into the center and wrap a string just above the cuts to define the head (bell) of the jellyfish.

Celebrate World Jellyfish Day With A Jellyfish in a Jar Preschool Activity

Blow into the straw to fill it with air. As you pull out the straw, tighten and tie off the string to keep it filled with air.

Celebrate World Jellyfish Day With A Jellyfish in a Jar Preschool Activity

Fill the jar with water and a drop of blue food coloring.

If you add too much blue it will be hard to see your jellyfish.

Celebrate World Jellyfish Day With A Jellyfish in a Jar Preschool Activity

Use the straw to push the jellyfish down into the jar.

Celebrate World Jellyfish Day With A Jellyfish in a Jar Preschool Activity

Replace the lid and watch the tentacles dance around as you gently swirl the water.

To extend the activity a bit you can let your child use dry erase markers.

Use the markers on the jar to create a colorful world for your jellyfish to live in.

Celebrate World Jellyfish Day With A Jellyfish in a Jar Preschool Activity

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: crafts, elementary science, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool preschool, jellyfish, life science, ocean, preschool, science, siummer crafts

Fun Bat Anatomy Toilet Paper Roll Craft | 8 Bat Science Activities Preschool

October 8, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have 8 bat science activities preschool age and bat toilet paper roll craft. Also, I have more fun ideas for all ages on my post Why Bats Are Not Birds Fun Homeschool Unit Study and Lapbook.

October is the perfect time to incorporate bat science activities preschool ideas into your themes.

Fall is a busy time for bats. In the fall, bats in the eastern U.S. search for food and mates before they begin hibernation.

Some can hibernate for more than 6 months.

Fun Bat Anatomy Toilet Paper Roll Craft | 8 Bat Science Activities Preschool

Too, this year Bat Week is October 24th-31st.

It is an annual celebration, celebrated internationally, that raises awareness about the need for bat conservation.

Why are these little things so important?

While most of us are sleeping, bats are hard at work pollinating flowers, eating lots of insects, and spreading seeds that will grow new plants and trees.

5 Facts About Bat Anatomy

First, look at some fun facts about bats.

  1. Bat wings have a bone structure similar to that of the human hand.
  2. In between the bones are flaps of skin that are called the wing membrane.
  3. Small insect-eating bats like the little brown bat can have as many as 38 teeth, while vampire bats have only 20.
  4. Bats species that have thumbs that extend out of the wing as a small claw. They use this claw to climb up trees and other structures and reach a high “launching point” for flight takeoff.
  5. Bats have a highly adapted respiratory system to keep up with the demands of powered flight. During flight the respiratory cycle has a one-to-one relationship with the wing-beat cycle.
Fun Bat Anatomy Toilet Paper Roll Craft | 8 Bat Science Activities Preschool

Next, add some hands-on activities.

Here are 8 bat science preschool activities.

8 Hands-On Bat Science Activities Preschool

  1. Learn how bats find their way around with this Easy Echolocation Experiment.
  2. There is just something about that baking soda and vinegar reaction that kids can’t get enough of, this is a Fizzy Bat Experiment Your Kids Will Love.
  3. Send these cute little bats soaring with Flying Bat Straw Rockets with Free Printable Bat Templates. Who can send theirs the Highest? Farthest? Fastest?
  4. Another option for getting bats moving is the Flying Bats Stem Activity For Preschoolers
  5. This Free Printable: Types of Bats 3-Part Cards has images and species names for 8 different bats.
  6. Make Bat Habitats to demonstrate where and how they sleep with this super fun craft idea that is quick and easy.
  7. 4 Fun and Engaging Bat Activities
  8. Sensory bottles are a simple way for kids to explore and this one is full of sight words but could easily be modified to be letters for young preschoolers – Bat Themed Sensory Bottle Sight Word Game

If I could recommend one science book that works from preschool to high school as a delightful resource, it is the series Nature Anatomy.

You can use it to find not only bat species information but also a nice diagram on bat anatomy.

Fun Bat Anatomy Toilet Paper Roll Craft | 8 Bat Science Activities Preschool

Next, look at more books about bats.

Books for All Ages About Bats

Also, I’ve added not only books preschoolers will love, but added a few for your older kid too.

Besides, all ages from k to gray love bats.

9 Books and Resources for Kids Who Love Bats

Add some of these fun books and resources about bats for a hands-on day of learning.

Stellaluna 25th Anniversary Edition

Knocked from her mother’s safe embrace by an attacking owl, Stellaluna lands headfirst in a bird’s nest. This adorable baby fruit bat’s world is literally turned upside down when she is adopted by the occupants of the nest and adapts to their peculiar bird habits. Two pages of notes at the end of the story provide factual information about bats. “Delightful and informative but never didactic; a splendid debut.”--Kirkus Reviews

National Geographic Readers: Bats

They live in spooky caves, in forests, even in the dark reaches of ordinary attics and bridges. They flock by the hundreds, and they sleep while hanging upside down! In this beautifully photographed Level 2 Reader, kids learn about one of the most interesting creatures around—and discover the bat’s unique place in the wild and in the world. The high-interest topic, expertly written text, and bonus learning activity lay the groundwork for a successful and rewarding reading experience.

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.

Bats (New & Updated Edition)

Though people often think of bats as scary, bats are really shy, gentle animals. There are nearly 1000 different species of bats, and they live on every continent except Antarctica. Some are tiny, but the giant flying fox bat has a five-foot wingspan! Popular science author Gail Gibbons also discusses the efforts to protect the world's only truly flying mammals. A final page offers additional facts.

Bats of the World

The natural history and evolution of bats- Important identifying features- Habitats, migration patterns, and common mating practices- The status of various endangered bat species

Bats: An Illustrated Guide to All Species

Bats: An Illustrated Guide to All Species explores bats and their fundamental role in our ecosystems through lavish full-color photographs and lively narrative. From the Giant Golden Crowned Flying Fox, a megabat with a wingspan of more than five feet, to the aptly named Bumblebee Bat, the world's smallest mammal, the number and diversity of bat species have proven to be both rich and underestimated. Nocturnal, fast-flying, and secretive, bats are difficult to observe and catalog. This richly illustrated handbook presents bats' evolution, biology, behavior, and ecology. It offers in-depth profiles of four hundred megabats and microbats and detailed summaries of all the species identified to date. Complete with an introduction exploring bats' natural history and their unique adaptations to life on the wing, Bats includes close-up images of these animals' delicate and intricate forms and faces, each shaped by evolution to meet the demands of an extraordinarily specialized life.

Bat Plush, Stuffed Animal

  • Even if the nocturnal life is not for you; this plush toy bat will be ready to play.
  • Stuffed animals are the perfect gift for any age or occasion.

    The Secret Lives of Bats: My Adventures with the World's Most Misunderstood Mammals

    Stories and science surrounding the beloved bat, from an ecologist who has dedicated his life to the curious creature.

    Few people realize how sophisticated and intelligent bats are. Merlin Tuttle knows, and he has stopped at nothing to find and protect them on every continent they inhabit. Sharing highlights from a lifetime of adventure and discovery, Tuttle takes us to the frontiers of bat research to show that frog-eating bats can identify frogs by their calls, that some bats have social sophistication similar to that of higher primates, and that bats have remarkable memories. Bats also provide enormous benefits by eating crop pests, pollinating plants, and carrying seeds needed for reforestation. They save farmers billions of dollars annually and are essential to a healthy planet. Tuttle’s account
    forever changes the way we see these poorly understood yet fascinating creatures.

    Dissect-It Simulated Synthetic Lab Dissection - Bat

    REALISTIC AND SAFE EXPERIENCE – Made out of gelatin-like material that is absolutely safe for children, our Dissect-It Bat gives the realistic experience of a dissection without the use of a real bat!

    Fun Bat Anatomy Toilet Paper Roll Craft

    You will need:

    • Toilet paper roll
    • Brown craft paint
    • Brown craft foam
    • Brown pipe cleaner
    • Google eyes
    • Paintbrush
    • Black marker
    • Glue gun/sticks

    You could also make your bat gray, black, tan, or even red.

    Fun Bat Anatomy Toilet Paper Roll Craft | 8 Bat Science Activities Preschool

    First, fold over ½” of the top of the tube on both sides, overlapping them and securing with hot glue.

    Fun Bat Anatomy Toilet Paper Roll Craft | 8 Bat Science Activities Preschool

    Press together the opposite end and punch two holes through both layers.

    Fun Bat Anatomy Toilet Paper Roll Craft | 8 Bat Science Activities Preschool

    Paint the entire toilet paper tube on both sides and allow it to dry.

    Fun Bat Anatomy Toilet Paper Roll Craft | 8 Bat Science Activities Preschool

    While the paint is drying you can ready the craft foam for wings.

    Trace one wing on half the craft foam, be sure to include the thumb claw on the top of the wing and the arches on the bottom of the wing.

    Also leave a small tail point in the center.

    Fun Bat Anatomy Toilet Paper Roll Craft | 8 Bat Science Activities Preschool

    Fold the foam in half and cut out your wing on both sides so that it is symmetrical on both sides.

    Leave the center uncut.

    Fun Bat Anatomy Toilet Paper Roll Craft | 8 Bat Science Activities Preschool

    Trace the outline of the wings and the area from the top of the wing down to the finger with a black marker.

    Fun Bat Anatomy Toilet Paper Roll Craft | 8 Bat Science Activities Preschool

    Once the paint is dry hot glue the bottom, be careful not to block the holes you made.

    Glue on googly eyes and draw on the mouth/nose.

    Fun Bat Anatomy Toilet Paper Roll Craft | 8 Bat Science Activities Preschool

    Run a pipe cleaner through one punched hole in the bottom and out the other, trim it down. 

    Twist small pieces of brown pipe cleaner around the bottom of each to form toes.

    Fun Bat Anatomy Toilet Paper Roll Craft | 8 Bat Science Activities Preschool

    Glue the body in place to the center of the wings, let the tail hang below the roll.

    Fun Bat Anatomy Toilet Paper Roll Craft | 8 Bat Science Activities Preschool

    Now if you want to take your bat craft to the next level you can create or help your child write out their own labels for the bats anatomy.

    Depending on your child’s age you can have more detailed labels like individual fingers or just leave it general for younger children.

    Fun Bat Anatomy Toilet Paper Roll Craft | 8 Bat Science Activities Preschool

    Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: bats, elementary science, fall, fall crafts, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, life science, preschool, preschool skills, toilet paper roll

    8 Pirate Play Doh Map Fun Ideas and Sensory Tray

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

    I’m sharing some fun play doh map ideas and a sensory tray for your preschool and kindergarten kids.  Also, you’ll love more ideas on my Pirates page.

    This activity is a great way to introduce your child to directions, identify markers and symbols, and details, build fine motor skills, and allow guided dramatic small-world play.

    It is quick to set up and clean up.

    8 Pirate Play Doh Map Fun Ideas and Sensory Tray

    And uses simple craft items and toys you probably already laying around the house making it a great addition to your theme.

    You can create an inviting-themed tray that will keep your little ones busy for hours with the simple steps below.

    Books & Resources about Pirates

    First, look at some of these fun books to include any aged child to your learning day.

    Books for Multiple Ages About Pirates and Fun Resources

    Add a few of these books about pirates to your history, science or pirates unit study.

    The Ballad of the Pirate Queens

    Recounting the stories of two legendary women pirates, a ballad about Anne Bonney and Mary Reade describes their desperate 1720 evening battle with the governor's men while the rest of the crew remained below.

    A Pirate's Life for Me! A Day Aboard a Pirate Ship

    Ahoy, matey! Did you ever wonder what life was like on a pirate ship? Join this pirate crew for a day and see for yourself. Hoist the Jolly Roger as the pirates prepare to attack a merchant ship and you'll earn a share of the loot. Sing a sea chantey as you help wind the capstan. And after you climb down the ratlines from the crow's nest, you can feast on salmagundi. From Spanish galleons to stinkpots, from treasure maps to desert islands, for a pirate it's all in a day's work!

    One-Eyed Jake

    One-Eyed Jake was the most despicable pirate to ever sail the seven seas. The cook, the bo'sun, and the cabin boy were desperate to escape Jake's evil clutches and live quiet, law-abiding lives--and one day they get their chance. "Buried treasure reluctant beginning readers need."--School Library Journal. "Illustrated with bouncy bravado."--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books.

    Treasure Island: The Original 1883 Edition With Complete Illustrations

    "For sheer storytelling delight and pure adventure, Treasure Island has never been surpassed. From the moment young Jim Hawkins first encounters the sinister Blind Pew at the Admiral Benbow Inn until the climactic battle for treasure on a tropic isle, the novel creates scenes and characters that have fired the imaginations of generations of readers.

    Mystery History:Pirate Galleon (Mystery History Series)

    Describes life aboard a pirate ship. Includes games, puzzles, and mazes.

    Little Children's Pirate Activity Book

    An action-packed, write-in activity book for little children, full of lots of different things to do. There are things to spot, mazes to follow, colouring, drawing and lots more. Factual information about the
    life aboard a pirate ship are incorporated into the activities.

    The Pirate's Handbook: How to Become a Rogue of the High Seas

    Presents facts about the lives of real pirates, and provides ideas for how to become one with instructions for making pirate shoe buckles, a treasure map, pirate flag, and pieces of eight

    The Book of Pirates: by Howard Pyle with Original Illustrations

    Rarely have the exploits of marauding pirates and buccaneers of the Spanish Main been more vividly recounted than in the stories of author and illustrator Howard Pyle. Possessed of a unique talent for recapturing the flavor of bygone eras, Pyle wrote and illustrated these highly readable sagas of the sea wolves who sailed under the dreaded black flag.

    Pirates (Magic Tree House Research Guide, paper)

    When Jack and Annie got back from their adventure in Magic Tree House #4: Pirates Past Noon, they had lots of questions. Did pirates really make people walk the plank? What was life like on a pirate ship? Is there any buried treasure around today? Argh! How do you talk like a pirate? Find out the answers to these questions and more as Jack and Annie track the facts.

    The Stowaway: A Tale of California Pirates

    When a pirate terrorizes the 1818 California coast, a brave young boy summons up the courage to defend his Monterey home from a savage attack. By the author of Jimmy Spoon and the Pony Express.

    Pirates: Robbers of the High Seas

    Full-color artwork and a simple text chronicle the world of the pirates, detailing the exploits of such famous villains as Captain Kidd and Blackbeard, their battles on the high seas, and their lives aboard ship.

    Treasure Island (Signet Classics)

    For sheer storytelling delight and pure adventure, Treasure Island has never been surpassed. From young Jim Hawkins’s first encounter with the sinister beggar Pew to the climactic battle with the most memorable villain in literature, Long John Silver, this novel has fired readers’ imaginations for generations. A rousing tale of treachery, greed, and daring, Treasure Island continues to enthrall readers of all ages.

    Who Was Blackbeard?

    Though much of his early life remains a mystery, Blackbeard most likely began his life as Edward Teach in the sailing port of Bristol, England. He began his career as a hired British sailor during Queen Anne’s War. He eventually settled in the Bahamas under Captain Benjamin Hornigold who taught the young sailor to go "a-pirating." Soon enough, Blackbeard was commanding his own fleet and stealing ships around the Caribbean and up and down the Eastern seaboard. Known for his thick, black beard and fearsome reputation, the legend of Blackbeard has influenced pirate legend and lore for over 300 years.

    Pirate Fluxx

    Play Pirate Fluxx, boardgames are always a good addition to any study.

    How I Became a Pirate

    When Braid Beard’s pirate crew invites Jeremy Jacob to join their voyage, he jumps right on board. Buried treasure, sea chanteys, pirate curses—who wouldn’t go along?

    Soon Jeremy Jacob knows all about being a pirate. He throws his food across the table and his manners to the wind. He hollers like thunder and laughs off bedtime. It’s the heave-ho, blow-the-man-down, very best time of his life. But then Jeremy Jacob finds out what pirates don’t do. . .

    Bucket of Pirate Action Figures

    BUCKET OF PIRATES: Ignite your child's imagination with this bucket of pirate action figures playset! Includes 8 detailed pirate figurines, boat, ship, treasures, and more for epic battles and treasure hunts. Let their creativity soar!

    Next, look at some of these other resources for learning about pirates.

    Pirate Hands-on Ideas for Kids

    Also, I have these fun hands-on ideas for learning about pirates.

    • Fun Homeschool Pirate Unit Study Ideas and Free Pirates Lapbook
    • Pirate Activities For Middle School And Make a Cool Pirate Ship Figurehead
    8 Pirate Play Doh Map Fun Ideas and Sensory Tray

    Additionally, add these pirate play doh ideas for your littles.

    More Pirate Play-Doh Map Ideas

    Watch your little one exploring the 7 seas in their imagination, searching for treasure, learning to read maps, counting, and learning about their senses with these 8 awesome ideas.

    1. Put together a treasure chest full of gold that builds little fine motor skills as well as creativity. Check out How to Make Pirate Treasure Playdoh.
    2. Grab these Free Printable Pirate Playdough Mats to create maps and flags with playdough.
    3. If you are working on counting and number recognition, then you need these Pirate Play Dough Mats 1-10 to go along with your theme.
    4. Slime is definitely a hit with kids, gooey, messy, and a great way to explore, try this Pirate Treasure Slime full of booty.
    5. Make Your Own Pirate Treasure is a simple setup and activity, which means low stress and easy enough for the littlest buccaneers.
    6. Make an Easy DIY Treasure Map for Your Little Pirates with little more than paper scraps that will get their imaginations going.
    7. How fun is this Egg Carton Treasure Chest Pirate Craft? You can hide it all around the house or yard and let them find it again and again.
    8. Brrr, I mean Argh! This Ice Block Treasure Hunt Activity encourages them to problem-solve and experiment to find the treasure.
    8 Pirate Play Doh Map Fun Ideas and Sensory Tray

    Finally, look how to make a pirate play-doh sensory tray.

    Pirate Play-Doh Map Sensory Tray

    This one may make you a little crazy, encouraging your child to mix playdough colors on purpose, but the fun will be totally worth a few dollars worth of Play-Doh as they learn so much.

    You will need:

    • Various colors of Play-Doh
    • Plastic ocean animals
    • Craft foam in various colors
    • Craft sticks, rollers, and tools for shaping/cutting
    • Wood peg doll
    • Large Tray
    8 Pirate Play Doh Map Fun Ideas and Sensory Tray

    You could also include natural items like beach glass, small rocks, driftwood, and seashells.

    First, lay down a piece of blue craft foam in your sensory tray to represent the water.

    8 Pirate Play Doh Map Fun Ideas and Sensory Tray

    Use craft foam to cut out small pieces like an X to mark the spot, a plank to walk, palm tree fronds, “gold“ coins to be found, and any other details that you would like to add.

    8 Pirate Play Doh Map Fun Ideas and Sensory Tray

    I made these little gold coins by using a hole punch on yellow craft foam to fill the treasure chest.

    8 Pirate Play Doh Map Fun Ideas and Sensory Tray

    Lay out all the tools, plastic animals, and playdough on the tray to invite your child in to play and explore.

    Fun Pirate Activities for Preschoolers

    Little plastic cups from Dollar Tree help create an inviting little organized tray that they won’t be able to resist.

    8 Pirate Play Doh Map Fun Ideas and Sensory Tray

    Demonstrate for your child how to spread out the Play-Doh to create an island using a rolling pin. This is also a great time to talk about what makes an island, and the animals that you might find there.

    8 Pirate Play Doh Map Fun Ideas and Sensory Tray

    Encourage your child to create details on the island like coconuts, palms, trees, animals, birds, etc. by pressing them into the Play-Doh for support.

    8 Pirate Play Doh Map Fun Ideas and Sensory Tray

    You might be surprised by what they come up with completely on their own, like a raft for their marooned pirate to escape on.

    8 Pirate Play Doh Map Fun Ideas and Sensory Tray

    We found this treasure chest in our LEGO supply and it was perfect to add to our island.

    8 Pirate Play Doh Map Fun Ideas and Sensory Tray

    Adding an unfinished wood peg doll leaves it open-ended for your child to create their own pirate with playdough.

    The dough sticks nicely to the wood and cleans off well.

    8 Pirate Play Doh Map Fun Ideas and Sensory Tray

    You can also extend the lesson by having them re-create their playdough map on a paper map with crayons.

    Encourage your child to copy the island they made including identifiable features like trees, animals, etc…

    8 Pirate Play Doh Map Fun Ideas and Sensory Tray

    Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, pirates, preschool, preschool skills

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