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How to Make Hot Cocoa Cloud Dough | 8 Hot Cocoa Crafts for Preschoolers

November 26, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

With a chill in the air, it is the perfect time to make hot cocoa crafts for preschoolers to warm them up in a different way. Also, you’ll love the ideas on my page How to Homeschool Preschool.

From paper cups to playdough there are many fun ways to create hot cocoa crafts for preschoolers to enjoy during the winter season.

Also, if you love to celebrate all the little holidays like I do, December 13th is National Cocoa Day.

How to Make Hot Cocoa Cloud Dough | 8 Hot Cocoa Crafts for Preschoolers

And these ideas as well as my hot cocoa cloud dough are a great way to celebrate it.

If you learn how to make my taste safe version of hot cocoa cloud dough, you will be very cool with the preschool set indeed.

Cloud dough is a unique textured sensory material, and messy, so plan accordingly.

This cloud dough version is taste safe but you will want to bake your flour beforehand to make it safe as raw flour can contain bacteria such as Salmonella.

Winter Books to Read Aloud to Your Preschooler

Next, these books I’ve rounded up can be used to read aloud to your preschooler or for your older kids to read independently.

13 Snow, Snowman, Animals, and Winter Books

Add one or more of these books to your learning day if you're learning about snow, snowflakes, winter or just for fun.

Image for Winter Cottage

Winter Cottage

Immerse Yourself in This Story of Love and Companionship Amidst Deprivation

It is the fall of 1930, and America has plunged into the Great Depression. On a remote dirt road deep in the snowy woods of northern Wisconsin, misfortune forces the impoverished Sparkes family to take desperate measures.

A wayfaring quartet consisting of thirteen-year-old Araminta (nicknamed Minty), her recently unemployed father-a poetry-quoting widower called Pops-and her younger sister, Eglantine (known as Eggs-a dreamer like Pops), and their dog, Buster, are on their way to Minneapolis to live with the curmudgeonly Aunt Amy. When their car breaks down and they are unable to fix it, the homeless four stumble upon a vacant summer cottage by a lake. In desperate straits, they decide to settle in.

Image for 1. The Story of Snow: The Science of Winter's Wonder

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

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

Image for 2. Sneezy the Snowman

2. Sneezy the Snowman

B-R-R-R-R! AH-CHOO! Sneezy the Snowman is cold, cold, cold. To warm up, he drinks cocoa, sits in a hot tub, stands near a warm fire–and melts! But the children know just what to do to build him up again–and make him feel “just right”.

Image for 3. Snowmen at Night

3. Snowmen at Night

Have you ever built a snowman and discovered the next day that his grin has gotten a little crooked, or his tree-branch arms have moved? And you've wondered . . . what do snowmen do at night? This delightful wintertime tale reveals all!

Image for 4. The Biggest Snowman Ever

4. The Biggest Snowman Ever

When the mayor of Mouseville announces the town snowman contest, Clayton and Desmond claim that they will each make the biggest snowman ever. But building a huge snowman alone is hard! They work and work, but their snowmen just aren't big enough. Soon they have an idea. As the day of the contest approaches, Clayton and Desmond join forces to build the biggest snowman ever.

Image for 5. Over and Under the Snow

5. Over and 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 exploring the subnivean zone 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.

Image for A Hat for Minerva Louise

A Hat for Minerva Louise

"Stoeke's second book about that intrepid screwball, Minerva Louise, is a rare find."—The Horn Book, starred review. The other chickens hate snowy mornings. But not Minerva Louise! To her a snowy day—like everything else—is an adventure. But this chilly, chipper hen needs something to keep her warm. What she finds—and how she finds it—will keep young readers cackling.

Image for 6. How to Catch a Snowman

6. How to Catch a Snowman

Our heroes' entry for the snowman contest has magically come to life―and ran away! Can YOU help catch it? Get ready for snow much fun as you travel through a winter wonderland with running, skating, and bouncing through trap after trap to catch the snowman and claim the winning prize. Will the snowman teach our heroes a lesson they'll never forget?

Image for The Big Snow

The Big Snow

When the geese begin to fly south, the leaves flutter down from the trees and the cold winds begin to blow from the north, the animals of the woods and meadows, big and small, prepare for the long, cold winter ahead when the countryside is hidden under a deep blanket of snow. They gather food and look for warm, snug places in the ground, trees, caves or thickets, where they can find protection against the icy winds.It might have been hard for the birds and animals of the hillside to survive when the Big Snow came if their good friends, who lived in the little stone house, had not remembered to put food out for them.Here, in many beautiful pictures, the Haders show how winter comes to the woodland as the busy animals make their preparations.

Image for 7. Curious About Snow (Smithsonian)

7. Curious About Snow (Smithsonian)

The Smithsonian does things right and this Curious About Snow book is a
great introduction for curious kiddos with real images and simple explanations.

Image for 8. Animals in Winter

8. 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.

Image for 9. Arctic Figurines, Including A Harp Seal, Husky, Caribou, Arctic Rabbit, Killer Whale, Walrus, Arctic Fox, Beluga Whale, Igloo, And Polar Bear

9. Arctic Figurines, Including A Harp Seal, Husky, Caribou, Arctic Rabbit, Killer Whale, Walrus, Arctic Fox, Beluga Whale, Igloo, And Polar Bear

SET OF 10 FUN AND FRIGID FIGURES – It’s hard to stay warm at the North Pole, but you can discover its wonders in your home with these frigid friends. This TOOB includes a Harp Seal, Husky, Caribou, Arctic Rabbit, Killer Whale, Walrus, Arctic Fox, Beluga Whale, Igloo, and Polar Bear.

Image for 10. Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World

10. 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.

Also, add some of this background information about hot cocoa.

You may want to include your older children.

The History of Hot Cocoa 

Hot cocoa likely developed around 500 BC, where the Mayans drank chocolate made from ground-up cocoa seeds that were mixed up with water, cornmeal, and chili peppers.

It was made by pouring it back and forth between two cups to get it thick and foamy. At that time, it was pretty bitter and not what we enjoy today.

The explorer Cortez in the 1500s brought cocoa beans and the tools to make it back to Europe where it became a drink popular with the upper class.

In the 1800s, Coenraad Johannes Van Houten of the Netherlands created the first cocoa powder press.

Using it he was able to separate the greasy cocoa butter from the cacao seeds and create a much more drinkable concoction and also at this time he learned how to create a solid chocolate bar.

How to Make Hot Cocoa Cloud Dough | 8 Hot Cocoa Crafts for Preschoolers

Up until the 19th century, hot chocolate was used to treat stomach and liver diseases.

Also, as part of soldier rations and now we can enjoy it any time with lots of marshmallows.

Eventually eating chocolate became much more popular than drinking it.

8 Hot Cocoa Crafts for Preschoolers

  1. These 3 Fun Cocoa Winter Hands on Science Activities have a science application of course but don’t overlook the fun of deliciously scented slime for play.
  2. Try Hot Chocolate Playdough Recipe + 3 Ways to Play, it will smell amazing and be a great sensory experience that is great for building small muscles and fine motor skills.
  3. Such a great basic craft supply, turn wooden craft sticks into this adorable Popsicle Stick Hot Cocoa Mug Craft with your preschooler.
  4. Inside My Hot Cocoa Mug Craft Idea For Kids is a very unique take on creating a hot cocoa mug art project.
  5. 3D art is so much fun, just look at this Paper Cup Hot Chocolate Craft for Kids, you can find lots of adorable winter printed cups at Dollar Tree too or let them decorate their own paper cup with stickers or markers.
  6. Use cocoa in a fresh new way and turn it into a sweet-smelling paint, check out Chocolate Painting with I’m a Hungry Dinosaur.
  7. This is a simple layered gift idea that little hands can make as a gift  to friends and family. –DIY Gift Idea: Hot Cocoa  Mix In A Jar, it looks pretty, you put a bow on it, I’m calling it a craft!
  8. This is a great simple felt craft. Hot Cocoa Art, perfect for using up scraps of felt you may have on hand.

Finally, look at how to make this fun hot cocoa cloud dough.

How to Make Hot Cocoa Cloud Dough

 I did not give you exact measurements.

It will depend on the size of your container, and it is easy to make any size batch.

You will need:

  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking cocoa or hot cocoa mix
  • Vegetable or coconut oil
  • Marshmallows

You will also need:

  • Cups
  • Straws
  • Measuring cups/spoons
  • Peppermints/candy canes
How to Make Hot Cocoa Cloud Dough | 8 Hot Cocoa Crafts for Preschoolers

Prepare flour by baking it for 5 minutes in a 350 degree oven and allow to cool.

Combine flour and cocoa mix or baking cocoa until you get the color and amount of base that you want. A whisk works well to incorporate your dry ingredients.

How to Make Hot Cocoa Cloud Dough | 8 Hot Cocoa Crafts for Preschoolers

Add in oil just a little at a time.

How to Make Hot Cocoa Cloud Dough | 8 Hot Cocoa Crafts for Preschoolers

Add it just until the dough becomes a consistency that when squeezed in your hand holds its shape, kind of like a good snow.

How to Make Hot Cocoa Cloud Dough | 8 Hot Cocoa Crafts for Preschoolers

You can also add in vanilla and peppermint.

Or any other scented oils or extracts if you like to make the smell stronger.

Now begin layering in hot cocoa items like straws, marshmallows, sprinkles, candy canes, peppermints, etc.

How to Make Hot Cocoa Cloud Dough | 8 Hot Cocoa Crafts for Preschoolers

To encourage fine motor activities like pouring, scooping, pinching, digging, scraping, etc. include measuring cups, spoons, and coffee cups.

Little ones won’t need much prompting to figure out what to do with the bin.

How to Make Hot Cocoa Cloud Dough | 8 Hot Cocoa Crafts for Preschoolers

They will be happy to fill cups, pour them out, and offer you some too.

How to Make Hot Cocoa Cloud Dough | 8 Hot Cocoa Crafts for Preschoolers

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

How to Create a Paper Bag Corn Craft | 10 Corn Lesson Plans For Preschoolers

November 22, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

If you are looking for corn lesson plans for preschoolers, I have a plethora of corn-y ideas for all the subjects to share with you. Also, you’ll love my pages How to Homeschool Preschool and Fall Season Unit Study {Pumpkins, Leaves, Corn, & More}.

Choose the lesson plans and activities that you like from the list.

Then put them together to create your custom unit study as short or as long as you like.

There are options for science, math, history, and language arts ideas.

How to Create a Paper Bag Corn Craft | 10 Corn Lesson Plans For Preschoolers

Corn has a long history from when it was first domesticated by native peoples in southern Mexico about 10,000 years ago.

Then the native Americans passed it on to newcomers and throughout modern history.

Today, it is used in a wide variety of applications.

For example, corn meal, corn starch, corn syrup, tortillas, hominy, cooking oil, ethanol, adhesives, and much more.

We are much more dependent on corn than we realize.

Corn has become the most widely grown crop in the western hemisphere.

History and Uses of Flint Corn

You know the beautiful multicolored ears of corn you find in the fall?

That is Flint Corn or Indian corn. 

Flint corn is used for ornamental purposes, but it is also used for semolina flour, popcorn, and as a high-quality feed grain.

The flint corn plant grows wild.

Thousands of years ago it was domesticated so that its ears were larger.

And it became important to the diet of the natives of that area. 

How to Create a Paper Bag Corn Craft | 10 Corn Lesson Plans For Preschoolers

It looked much different back then than it does now.

Explorers took corn back with them and spread it throughout the world and it now grows primarily in Central and South America.

Before you dig into lesson plans, pick up a few books to pore over.

Learning About Corn Books

6 Books About Corn and Resources for Multiple Ages

Books for kids who want to learn about corn.

Image for Corn Is Maize: The Gift of the Indians

Corn Is Maize: The Gift of the Indians

With simple prose and beautiful illustrations, award-winning author-illustrator Aliki tells the story of how Native American farmers thousands of years ago found and nourished a wild grass plant and made corn an important part of their lives. They learned the best ways to grow and store and use its fat yellow kernels. And then they shared this knowledge with the new settlers of America.

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Corn

Find out everything about this versatile and important grain—its history as a crop, the four main types, and how we grow and use it to make everything from food to paper to medicine!

Image for From Kernel to Corn (Start to Finish, Second Series)

From Kernel to Corn (Start to Finish, Second Series)

How does a corn seed become corn on the cob? Follow each step in nature's cycle―from planting to picking and eating―in this fascinating book!

Image for Glass Gem Cherokee Indian Corn, Flint Corn 100 Seeds

Glass Gem Cherokee Indian Corn, Flint Corn 100 Seeds

GROW. For the best results, it's essential to cover your seeds with about one inch of soil and tamp down firmly before watering lightly.You can plant your seeds in either rows or hills. If you are planting them in rows, plant one seed every 4 inches in rows that are 18 to 24 inches apart.

Image for Farm Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of Country Life

Farm Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of Country Life

Learn the difference between a farrow and a barrow, and what distinguishes a weanling from a yearling. Country and city mice alike will delight in Julia Rothman’s charming illustrated guide to the curious parts and pieces of rural living. Dissecting everything from the shapes of squash varieties to how a barn is constructed and what makes up a beehive to crop rotation patterns, Rothman gives a richly entertaining tour of the quirky details of country life. 

Image for The Story of Corn: It Starts with a Seed

The Story of Corn: It Starts with a Seed

How does a seed become a yummy ear of corn? A farmer plants seeds. The seeds change into plants. Plants grow. Soon cobs grow on the plants. Learn about the life cycle of corn step by step.

Next, look at these corn lesson plans for preschoolers.

10 Corn Lesson Plans For Preschoolers

  1. Check out this Fun Corn Life Cycle Preschool Sensory Bin and Printable Life Cycle Foldout for a lesson plan that is truly hands-on and enjoyable.
  2. This Sprouting Indian Corn is a wonderful activity to observe and record over a few weeks as it sprouts and can even be planted to grow your own and observe the life cycle firsthand.
  3. Try my Popcorn Science Mini Unit Study Which Brand Pops the Best as a fun-at-home idea but it also works for science fairs or co-op presentations as well.
  4. Investigate an ear of corn while Learning About the Parts of Corn Using Montessori Printables.
  5. This Corn And Popcorn Fall Science & Sensory Play For Kids comes with a free printable and a whole host of activity ideas for completing it from weighing and measuring to counting and density tests.
  6. Grab an inexpensive bag of candy corn and do this Fun Candy Corn Stem Activity Which Liquid Dissolves Candy Corn Faster, don’t forget to snack on some while you are conducting your experiment.
  7. This Geronimo Stilton Field Trip to Niagara Falls Summary And Fun Corn Craft is a great way to learn about Native Americans who lived along Niagara Falls for a fantastic history slant.
  8. With this DIY Native American Corn Meal activity, you can grind your own cornmeal and then use it in a recipe, this gives kids a small idea of how much work went into grinding corn by hand.
  9. If you want to focus on Indian/Flint corn don’t forget to include a tasty snack like these Mini Indian Corn Treats.
  10. This Corn Maze Numbers Math activity is a wonderfully creative idea for incorporating some math skills into your lesson plans.

How to Create a Paper Bag Corn Craft

This craft idea is inexpensive and quite easy, making it a great preschool craft.

You will need:

  • A paper bag
  • Paper plate
  • Craft paint- green craft paint
  • Round sponge stamper
  • Something to stuff the bag- newspaper, construction paper, tissue paper, etc.
  • Rubber band
How to Create a Paper Bag Corn Craft | 10 Corn Lesson Plans For Preschoolers

First, cut strips ⅓ of the way down from the top opening of the bag, you can make them as thin or thick as you like this will create the top husk.

How to Create a Paper Bag Corn Craft | 10 Corn Lesson Plans For Preschoolers

Paint the husks and a border all around the bag green.

You can either lay it flat or open it over you hand and paint it so that you can get the sides and the opposite side of the bag as well.

How to Create a Paper Bag Corn Craft | 10 Corn Lesson Plans For Preschoolers

Use a paper plate so it’s easier to clean up the mess later and make it like a paint palette with dabs of paint in whatever colors you like.

I went with a colorful flint/Indian corn variety.

How to Create a Paper Bag Corn Craft | 10 Corn Lesson Plans For Preschoolers

Stamp all over the bag on the inside of the green husk you painted with your colors. If you don’t have the round stampers, you can use fingerprints pressed into the paint, q tips, or a pencil eraser to make dots.

How to Create a Paper Bag Corn Craft | 10 Corn Lesson Plans For Preschoolers

Let the bag dry completely and stuff the inside with napkins, tissue paper, or whatever you are using.

How to Create a Paper Bag Corn Craft | 10 Corn Lesson Plans For Preschoolers

Gather the top just below the green husk and close it by wrapping a rubber band around it a few times.

Squeeze and move the bag around to give it more of a corn shape.

How to Create a Paper Bag Corn Craft | 10 Corn Lesson Plans For Preschoolers

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: corn, fall, fall crafts, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, 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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Image for Alphabet Learning Toys for Toddlers

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.

Image for Pre-Writing Basic Patterns Stencils

Pre-Writing Basic Patterns Stencils

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

Image for ReadyWriter Classic Edition : Stylus Skills, Printing, and Penmanship

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.

26 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.

Image for Winter Is Coming

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.

Image for Hanna's Cold Winter

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.

Image for Over and Under the Snow

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.

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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.

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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.

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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,"

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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.

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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.

Image for Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow

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

Image for If Polar Bears Disappeared

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.

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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

Image for The Longest Night

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.

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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.

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Wolf in the Snow

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

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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.

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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.

Image for One Snowy Night (Percy the Park Keeper)

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.

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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.

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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.

Image for Stranger in the Woods: A Photographic Fantasy (Nature)

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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

Image for Wild Child

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.

7 Books and Resources about Jellyfish

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

Image for Jellyfish: A Natural History

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.

Image for Jellyfish (A Day in the Life: Sea Animals)

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.

Image for Moon Jelly Swims Through the Sea

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.

Image for Jellyfish - 70 Piece Tube Building Stem/Steam Toy

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!

Image for Jellyfish Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles

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!

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

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.

Image for Bloom

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

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