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X is for X Ray Craft | Unique Crayon Resist Skeleton

January 14, 2024 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

X is for X Ray craft and this is a wonderful way to introduce a doctor’s office, doctors, hospitals and other workers in the medical field. Also, I have more alphabet letter fun on my page How to Homeschool Preschool.

And introduce your preschooler to concepts like X-rays and what to expect if they ever need one.

It lends itself nicely to many subjects and subtopics to create a rich and well-balanced unit for preschoolers.

X is for X Ray Craft | Unique Crayon Resist Skeleton

I have found that many children already begin preschool lessons identifying this letter right off the bat from X marks the spot in books and TV shows.

So, your focus can just be heavy on the fun theme and more of a review of the letter itself.

There are no shortage of ideas around the x-ray theme and you can keep it simple or expand on it as much as you like.

More How to Homeschool Preschool Letter of the Week Activities

  • Alphabet Letter A is for Apple Craft for Preschool | Fun Apple Study
  • Letter O is for Owl Preschool Craft | Fun Great Horned Owl Study
  • Alphabet Letter H Handprint Craft For Fun Preschool Horse Study
  • How To Make An Alphabet Teeth Cleaning Activity | 5 Preschool Letter T Crafts
  • Alphabet Letter R is for Rainbow Craft for Preschool | Fun Rain Mobile
  • Alphabet Letter M is for Monkey Handprint Preschool Fun Monkey Study
  • Alphabet Letter G is for Gorilla Fun Paper Plate Preschool Mask
  • W Is For Winter Craft Easy Snowman Oobleck Activity
  • Letter E Is For Eagle Easy Preschool Eagle Study
  • Alphabet Letter N Is For Nest Handprint & Fun Nests Preschool Craft
  • B is for Bird Craft | Free Preschool Bluebird Study
  • X is for X Ray Craft | Unique Crayon Resist Skeleton

Language Arts Focus Day 1

I try not to incorporate much writing in preschool.

But in my opinion, as x is so easily identifiable by young children it becomes a somewhat easy one to recreate.

Let your child practice making Xs with crayons on scrap paper.

Letter/Sound Recognition- X is a fun one because it is so easy to make and can be practiced with any kind of lines, even your arms.

Practice making Xs with your arms and repeating the sound it makes together.

X is for X Ray Craft | Unique Crayon Resist Skeleton

Book- X-Ray Me! Is a cute board book showing a wonderful example of X-rays, inside the human body.

It helps create a simple connection between concepts like the skull and skeleton.

Craft/Activity- This Preschool Alphabet X-Ray Game is just darling! I was so excited when I found it for you.

It goes along perfectly with our theme and can be used as a learning tool as well as part of their dramatic play (which is still good for social-emotional learning)

Song/Fingerplay- Do You Know The X-Ray Man? (Tune of Do you know the muffin man?)

Snack- Ease into your unit and use whatever stick-shaped snack foods you have on hand to practice making X’s .

And enjoy them as a treat. Use pretzel sticks, carrot or celery sticks, breadsticks, line raisins up in an X shape, cut-out strips of tortillas and have them create X’s. No need for special ingredients.

Science Focus Day 2

X is for x-ray is the perfect setup for an all-about-my-body study.

Children are fascinated with skeletons and the fact that they are inside their skin giving everything its shape and protecting more delicate organs.

Letter/Sound Recognition- Create Touch & Feel Letter X for your child to practice. Too, use it as a review of letters he is already familiar with.

Add to it as you cover each letter in the alphabet and you will have a full set in no time.

This type of multi-sensory activity is phenomenal for letter recognition.

Book- Andy’s X-Ray talks about what happens when a bone breaks, who takes care of it, and how it is taken care of.

Craft/Activity- Grab an empty roll from recycling and create this Toilet Paper Roll X-Ray Fish Craft.

Song/Fingerplay- I like to throw in a Jack Hartmann Letter X song every time because it is just good stuff for learning letter sounds, recognition, and teaching words that begin with the letter.

His songs are always danceable, catchy, and repetitive fun.

Snack- Here are ideas for 5 snacks that start with the letter x to choose from.

Math Focus Day 3

What is your preschooler learning for math? Recognizing and applying numbers? Basic addition and subtraction? More or fewer? Start there with simple activities and build on those skills as they learn.

Letter/Sound Recognition-  This X is for X-Ray activity is low prep but high impact and reuses items that we are using for other activities in a different way so you get the most bang for your buck and time.

Book- Check out X is for X-Ray Fish that will give your child a whole new look on x-ray images and a few other words that start with X.

Craft/Activity- X-Ray Math.

For this activity, you only need a black sheet of construction paper, a white crayon, a handful of cotton swabs, and a couple of dice.

Make a + and = sign on one side and a – and = sign on the other with a white crayon leaving plenty of space for cotton swabs.

Have your child roll two dice and work on one side at a time using the cotton swab bones as counters/manipulatives.

X is for X Ray Craft | Unique Crayon Resist Skeleton

Song/Fingerplay- Where is X ? (Tune of Thumbkin)

Where is X? Where is X?
Here I am. Here I am. (make an x with pointer fingers)
How are you today, sir? Very well, I thank you. (wiggle fingers)
Run away. Run away. (hide fingers behind the back)

Snack- Reinforce learning about different X sounds with this How to Make a Musical Xylophone Snack in Five Minutes! Not only is it cute but healthy too.

History/Geography Focus Day 4

For social studies learn about doctors, nurses, and even specialists like surgeons and x-ray technicians.

Grab a set of these true-life X-rays for dramatic play and learning.

Letter/Sound Recognition- Make an X-ray with those sweet tiny hands and forearms painted white and demonstrate the shape uniquely.

Book- Going To The Doctor is a great opportunity to talk about the real-world experience of visiting a doctor and what to expect.

Even though at this age your child is familiar with doctor visits you can go a little more in-depth about what happens there, what tools they use (including an x-ray machine), and the names of the different people there- receptionist, doctor, nurse, etc.

Craft/Activity-Put together the items for this easy peasy X-Ray Playdough to teach simple bones and where they are located in the body.

Song/Fingerplay- The Be a Doctor Song is just right for today’s focus on doctors and is fun to move to.

Snack- Here is a Berenstain Bears Go to The Doctor Unit Study Snack plus a whole list of more fun doctor-themed snack ideas that you could use to fit perfectly in with the theme

X is for X Ray Craft Books & Resources for Preschoolers

Have fun with your preschool theme X is for x-ray and grab some of these resources.

Image for True to Life Human X-Rays

True to Life Human X-Rays

Hold these life-size human x-rays up to the light or use them on a light table (sold separately) and see details of a real skeleton. Arrange them together to reproduce the entire body of a 5' Adult.

Image for X-Ray Me!: Look Inside Your Body

X-Ray Me!: Look Inside Your Body

“X-ray” the inside of your body from head to toe with this irresistible, interactive, large-format board book!

Two die-cut handles allow readers to hold the book up to their bodies and visualize various body parts and organs—including bones, the brain, lungs, heart, and many more. This unique book is perfect for sharing with friends and sharing in the classroom!

The bright, bold illustrations are clearly labeled and offer an introduction to the way the body works. The unique format encourages interaction, both in the classroom and at home. A great choice for learning together. X-Ray Me! features ten images of what’s inside your body and includes basic information about organs, systems, and your skeleton.

Image for Andy's X-ray: Mediwonderland

Andy's X-ray: Mediwonderland

Find out what happens when Andy isn’t careful whilst cycling and ends up in the hospital with a broken leg. Andy’s X-ray is a book in a series of children’s books designed to make medical procedures less frightening by presenting them through enjoyable stories with brightly colored illustrations. The evolving series covers common medical procedures from minor ones like blood tests to serious ones such as major surgery and chemotherapy. Inspiration to write it came from my own experience with a sick young child and being unable to find anything to help make the procedures less daunting or answer all the “how” and “why” questions. Happily, after two surgeries and a year in and out of hospital, my daughter is now in remission.I hope these books can help many children and their families all over the world.

Image for X is for X-Ray Fish (The Animal Alphabet Library)

X is for X-Ray Fish (The Animal Alphabet Library)

Introduce your little one to the exciting lives of x-ray fishes! This gorgeously illustrated children’s book teaches kids x-ray fish-related first words beginning with the letter X.Explore with x-ray fishes! The friendly, read-aloud text and exciting illustrations will capture the attention of young nature-lovers in no time. Babies and toddlers will love learning new words about x-ray fishes while practicing their X letter sound. This baby book is ideal for promoting early learning and language development.X is for xylophone! Did you know that x-ray fishes live in rivers in South America? Packed with bright pictures and short text, this engaging animal book provides curious kids with lots to talk about and look at!

Image for Going to the Doctor: A Toddler Prep Book

Going to the Doctor: A Toddler Prep Book

A simple and effective approach to preparing your child for a visit to the doctor Going to the doctor can be stressful for anyone – especially young children
who don’t know what to expect. Help your little one learn what they’ll actually see, hear, and experience with Going to the Doctor, a Toddler Prep Book featuring actual photos and simple, easy-to-understand language.

Image for Inside Your Outside: All About the Human Body

Inside Your Outside: All About the Human Body

Join the Cat in the Hat, Sally and Dick for a ride through the human body where they visit the right and left sides of the brain, meet the Feletons from far off Fadin (when they stand in the sun you can see through their skin), scuba dive through the blood system, follow food and water through the digestive tract, and a whole lot more! Perfect for readers who are curious about the body and for any kid who loves learning and science.Featuring beloved characters from Dr. Seuss's The Cat in the Hat, the Learning Library are unjacketed hardcover picture books that explore a range of nonfiction topics about the world we live in and include an index, glossary, and suggestions for further reading.

Language Arts Focus Day 5

Today’s craft incorporates a surprise reveal of an x-ray as well as the letter X, naturally building letter recognition into a nifty activity.

Letter/Sound Recognition- Create a very easy x-ray-themed letter writing tray by placing a piece of white paper in the bottom of a shallow container.

Cover with a very thin layer of black sand or dyed rice, or I used these tiny little black aquarium pebbles for the child to run their finger through to practice.

X is for X Ray Craft | Unique Crayon Resist Skeleton

Book-  Classic Dr. Seuss, Inside Your Outside and learn all about the insides and outsides bout the amazing human body.

Craft/Activity- Crayon Resist Skeleton- See Below for instructions

X is for X Ray Craft | Unique Crayon Resist Skeleton

Song/Fingerplay-  This version of the  Letter X Song is definitely a dance-worthy song and teaches X is a consonant, the sound, and lots of words that make the x sound, in the beginning, middle, and ending sound.

While this is a trickier concept to teach it doesn’t hurt to introduce it to your child.

Snack-What an adorable way to finish off your unit and (possibly) get your child to eat their veggies.

Look at this X Is for X-citing X-ray Skeleton made of fresh sliced veggies.

X is for X Ray Craft Crayon Resist Skeleton

You will need:

  • Cardstock/watercolor paper
  • White crayon
  • Black watercolor paint
  • Paintbrush
  • A cup of water
X is for X Ray Craft | Unique Crayon Resist Skeleton

First, use a white crayon to draw a simple skeleton shape on a piece of white paper. If it helps you can very lightly trace one first with a pencil.

X is for X Ray Craft | Unique Crayon Resist Skeleton

Make an upper and lowercase x in the corner as well to reinforce the letter knowledge.

Next. set your child up with watercolor paint, a paintbrush, and a clean cup of water.

Have your child cover the entire page in black watercolor to create a look like that of an x-ray.

Allow it to dry.

1 CommentFiled Under: Teach Homeschool Preschool Tagged With: homeschool preschool, homeschoolreading, human body, human body crafts, letter sounds, phonics, preschool, preschool skills, reading

B is for Bird Craft | Free Preschool Bluebird Study

January 13, 2024 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a B is for bird craft, a tutorial for a toilet paper roll bluebird and resources for an entire bird-themed preschool study. Also, I have more alphabet letter fun on my page How to Homeschool Preschool.

What a fun nature topic for littles!

Backyard birds are plentiful almost anywhere and you can even double up on the B’s and cover blue jays, blue-footed boobies, bald eagles, or bluebirds like we are today.

B is for Bird Craft | Free Preschool Bluebird Study

There are a lot of topics to choose from when doing a bird unit study.

Focus on birds in your area, nests, eggs, feathers, bird calls, or birds’ life cycles.

Whatever you want to concentrate on, hands-on fun activities are best with preschoolers and help them learn while having a blast.

Use these bird figures throughout your study with playdough, in sensory bins, create nests for them made from sticks gathered from the yard.

Place one in front of your child to inspire them to draw their version, and try to find each one in the books you read throughout the week.

More How to Homeschool Preschool Letter of the Week Activities

  • Alphabet Letter A is for Apple Craft for Preschool | Fun Apple Study
  • Letter O is for Owl Preschool Craft | Fun Great Horned Owl Study
  • Alphabet Letter H Handprint Craft For Fun Preschool Horse Study
  • How To Make An Alphabet Teeth Cleaning Activity | 5 Preschool Letter T Crafts
  • Alphabet Letter R is for Rainbow Craft for Preschool | Fun Rain Mobile
  • Alphabet Letter M is for Monkey Handprint Preschool Fun Monkey Study
  • Alphabet Letter G is for Gorilla Fun Paper Plate Preschool Mask
  • W Is For Winter Craft Easy Snowman Oobleck Activity
  • Letter E Is For Eagle Easy Preschool Eagle Study
  • Alphabet Letter N Is For Nest Handprint & Fun Nests Preschool Craft
  • B is for Bird Craft | Free Preschool Bluebird Study
  • X is for X Ray Craft | Unique Crayon Resist Skeleton
B is for Bird Craft | Free Preschool Bluebird Study

Language Arts Focus Day 1

I like to start a new letter unit by grabbing whatever letter tiles we have for that letter, letter magnets, and flashcards and putting them out for a child to investigate and study.

They can be used throughout the week for any language arts activity.

Letter/Sound Recognition- Place a white sheet of paper in the bottom of a shallow container. Then cover it with a thin layer of bird seed and provide your child with a few flashcards with letters and numbers.

Make them yourself, or just let them practice freely with this simple letter-writing tray.

Book- An Egg is Quiet has wonderful illustrations and simple language. It teaches about different eggs- from birds to sea turtles. This series also contains a Nest is Noisy.

Craft/Activity- Try this printable for Bird Letter Recognition. It’ so much fun for your child to feed crackers with letters on them as they say the sound to the bird.

Song/Fingerplay- Start off practicing the sound of the letter B. Learn what upper and lowercase look like, words that start with b, and even the sign for B. Letter B | Sing and Learn the Letters of the Alphabet.

Snack- The early bird gets the worm or so they say. So, start your b is for bird craft unit with a healthier version of dirt and worms that is delicious to eat.

Science Focus Day 2

Science can focus heavily on the life cycle or the different species, the parts of a bird, or feathers. Or whatever you want to talk about with your child.

Letter/Sound Recognition- Print this fun Letter B book for kids to flip through, color, or trace words and letters as they like and they can reference tit throughout the week.

Book- For a beautiful reference that covers a wide variety of birds from backyard birds to flightless birds, swans, nests, eggs and everything in between The Big Book of Birds is the one. 

It is an oversized book perfect for little hands with charming illustrations they will love.

Craft/Activity- Make a toilet roll bluebird. See below for instructions on making this bird, then when it is done use a reference book to help identify the different parts of a bird.

B is for Bird Craft | Free Preschool Bluebird Study

Song/Fingerplay-Learn all about different birds and some of their characteristics in the catchy Birds Song.

Snack-Wow what a fun idea this Robin Bread–aka PB and J Shaped Like a Bird big visual impact with little effort is my kind of treat!

Math Focus Day 3

Count feathers, and eggs in the refrigerator, count how many robins you see in the backyard today.  Simple preschool math is all around you and it is so easy to incorporate the bird theme.

Letter/Sound Recognition- I don’t always encourage technology but it also has its place even in preschool. This is one of my favorite products for teaching in preschool.

It comes with the entire alphabet in magnets in the base.

When the letter is placed in the base it tells the child the name of the letter as well as the sound that it makes.

I think this is a great independent practice activity and can be used throughout learning the entire alphabet.

Book- Incorporate another activity into math focus through reading Counting is For The Birds where your child gets to count backyard birds as they come to eat at the feeder.

Craft/Activity- Grab an inexpensive pack of colorful feathers, you can even find them at Dollar Tree and use them to sort by color. 

B is for Bird Craft | Free Preschool Bluebird Study

Arrange them from shortest to longest.

B is for Bird Craft | Free Preschool Bluebird Study

Or simply for counting and basic addition and subtraction.

Song/Finger Play- Here you will find the words and hand motions for the simple rhyme Little Robin Redbreast.

Snack- This quick video shows you how to make an Apple Bird Snack full of healthy fruits in a fun design your child will love.

History/Geography Focus Day 4

What better topic to focus on today for geography than learning about your own state’s bird?

 If you don’t already know, find out what your state bird is, and do a little research on it. If you want to expand on that look into other states around you or maybe the state where Grandma lives.

Grab a map and look for the states that you’re going to be researching, it’s never too early to introduce simple math skills.

Letter/Sound Recognition- Grab a brown paper lunch bag and right lower and uppercase B on it, go around the house and find as many objects as you can that start with the letter b and place them in the bag.

Have your child draw out the objects one by one and practice the beginning sound before the word like a bird.

Some ideas are a piece of paper in the color blue, a butterfly, birds, a ball, a bow, and letter b tiles. 

B is for Bird Craft | Free Preschool Bluebird Study

Book- Since we are learning about state birds today, I found this cute book- United Tweets of America.

Song/Fingerplay- Sing a Song of Sixpence

Sing a song of sixpence,
A pocketful of rye.
Four and twenty blackbirds
Baked in a pie.
When the pie was opened,
The birds began to sing.
Wasn’t that a dainty dish
To sit before the king?
The king was in his counting house,
Counting out his money.
The queen was in the parlor,
Eating bread and honey.
The maid was in the garden,
Hanging out the clothes,
When down came a blackbird
And pecked off her nose.
They sent for the king’s doctor,
Who sewed it on again?
He sewed it on so neatly,
The seam was never seen.

Snack- Owl Rice Cakes are relatively healthy and are a great way to talk about the parts of a bird as you build his wings, eyes, and beak.

B is For Bird Craft Preschool Theme

While you teach your preschooler about the letter sound of B, add some of these fun books and resources to your unit study.

Image for Birds Figurines, 23pcs Realistic Eagle Parrot Robin Owl

Birds Figurines, 23pcs Realistic Eagle Parrot Robin Owl

Early Educational Toys - These Parrot Birds Figures Set Are Great For Education Purposes. It Will Help To Improve Children's Concentration And Outsight, Develop And Train Their Imagination And Creativity.

Image for An Egg Is Quiet:

An Egg Is Quiet:

This stunningly beautiful and wonderfully informative book from award-winning artist Sylvia Long and author Dianna Hutts Aston makes for a fascinating introduction to the vast and amazing world of eggs. Featuring poetic text and an elegant design, this acclaimed book teaches children countless interesting facts about eggs. Full of wit and charm, An Egg Is Quiet will at once spark the imagination and cultivate a love of science.

Image for The Big Book of Birds (The Big Book Series)

The Big Book of Birds (The Big Book Series)

Following up the hugely successful The Big Book of Bugs, The Big Book of Beasts, and The Big Book of the Blue, The Big Book of Birds is a fact-filled tour of the world’s most wonderful winged creatures. Yuval Zommer’s distinctive illustrations show off some of the most colorful, flamboyant, impressive, and wacky birds of the sky. Picture-book charm pairs with informative nonfiction to make a beautiful, large-format title for parents to share with young children and for older children to read by themselves.

Image for LeapFrog Tad's Fridge Phonics Magnetic Letter Set Small

LeapFrog Tad's Fridge Phonics Magnetic Letter Set Small

  • Choose a level and push the letter tiles into the letter slot to reinforce letter names, phonics and word skills . Magnetic back makes it great for fridge play in the kitchen
  • Image for Counting Is for the Birds

    Counting Is for the Birds

    Count up to twenty colorful backyard birds as they gather to crack seeds at the feeder while a cunning cat lurks below! What will be the fate of these colorful birds? The surprise ending will delight readers of all ages.Frank Mazzola's striking digital paintings, coupled with his lighthearted verse and engaging facts, will make bird lovers out of young and old alike.

    Image for United Tweets of America: 50 State Birds Their Stories, Their Glories

    United Tweets of America: 50 State Birds Their Stories, Their Glories

    Welcome to the United Tweets Pageant! This colorful parade of state birds competing to be Top Tweet will have readers of all ages laughing aloud. From Alabama's Yellowhammer to Wyoming's Western Meadowlark, each bird is a winner, and each bird loves to show off the state it calls home. Hudson Talbott has created an inspired introduction to states and their birds. His vibrant, detailed illustrations infuse the birds' interactions with energy and humor, making this a great way to spark kids' interest in United States history, geography, and, of course, wildlife!

    Image for A Bird Is a Bird

    A Bird Is a Bird

    What is a bird? And how is it different from a mammal or a reptile?Some birds are huge and some are tiny. Some birds are fantastically colorful and some are plain. But what do all birds share? Early nonfiction expert Lizzy Rockwell explains that birds have beaks, wings, and feathers, and hatch from eggs. Other animals might have some of these features in common, but only a bird has them all. Only a bird is a bird! A clear text and beautiful illustrations cover dozens of different birds and their shared characteristics, as well as the unique qualities of unusual birds, such as penguins and peacocks.

    Language Arts Focus Day 5

    Three basic foundations for language arts in preschool are:

    • Letter recognition,
    • Learning letter sounds, and
    • Learning to form letters.

    Choose fun hands-on activities to teach these to your child and use repetition as well. 

    Book –Only A Bird is a Bird and this book teaches children all about what makes a bird as well as some of the differences with splashy colorful illustrations and language. It is perfect for early years without talking down to them.

    Craft/Activity- Grab your letter tiles and spell out a few bird-related words like bird, egg, nest, and feather. Remove the beginning letter, set it near the words in a pile and read each of the words to your child without the beginning sound.

    Help your child determine which letter makes the beginning sound for that word. It is not important that they can read the word itself.

    This is simply helping them to make a connection and understand that letters put together to make words and reinforce the beginning letter sound with the actual image of the letter.

    B is for Bird Craft | Free Preschool Bluebird Study

    Song/Fingerplay- Two Little Blackbirds has cute hand motions that are fun and easy to learn, this will be a very popular chant for weeks to come.

    Snack- These Crow-eos are too cute but are very easy to make for a quick and simple bird-themed snack.

    Toilet Paper Roll Bluebird

    You will need:

    • Empty toilet paper roll
    • Blue construction paper or craft foam
    • Yellow construction paper or craft foam
    • Rusty red craft paint
    • Black pipe cleaner
    • Google eyes
    • Gluestick
    • Scissors
    B is for Bird Craft | Free Preschool Bluebird Study

    First, cut your blue craft foam just under 4” tall by 5 ¾” around and glue it to the empty toilet paper roll.

    B is for Bird Craft | Free Preschool Bluebird Study

    At the same time cut a small tail and a pair of wings out of the same color.

    To give a little texture to the feathers you can make little snips along the edge of each.

    Then cut a small triangle of yellow for the beak.

     And to give your child a little more Independence you can either allow them to cut it out completely independently or trace the shape and let them practice using scissors by cutting it out themselves.

    B is for Bird Craft | Free Preschool Bluebird Study

    Now paint the belly of the bluebird with rusty red paint.

    If you don’t want to use paint you could also just have them glue red paper to the bird.

    Mixed media projects are a great way to introduce your preschooler to new art mediums.

    B is for Bird Craft | Free Preschool Bluebird Study

    Twist two little bird feet out of black pipe cleaners and hot glue them inside the toilet paper roll so they just peek out.

    B is for Bird Craft | Free Preschool Bluebird Study

    Once the glue on the belly has dried your child can begin assembling the bluebird by attaching the wings, beak, and google eyes.

    For a more secure hold, you can use hot glue but if you want to let your child do it they can use regular school glue and pin them into place with either tape or clothes pins until the glue dries.

    You can either stop here if you’re happy with your bluebird or place a scrap piece of the blue on top and around the circle shape to finish off his head, secure in place with glue

    B is for Bird Craft | Free Preschool Bluebird Study

    1 CommentFiled Under: Teach Homeschool Preschool Tagged With: birds, homeschool preschool, homeschoolreading, letter sounds, life science, nests, phonics, preschool, preschool skills, reading

    11 Best Science Fiction Books For Middle Schoolers

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

    Are you looking for the best science fiction books for middle schoolers? Also, you’ll love my pages How to Successfully Homeschool Middle School and Science Fiction for Middle School Fun Jurassic Park Quick Unit Study (DIY Insect in Amber) to round out your day.

    Science fiction books encourage reading and are also great options for reading aloud.

    Too, they are great for encouraging imagination and curiosity in the reader.

    11 Best Science Fiction Books For Middle Schoolers

    It also opens the door for discussions on the benefits and drawbacks of futuristic ideals of society, technology, and sciences.

    Besides that, it is just fun sometimes to step away from reality and wonder what if in the form of an entertaining story.

    What exactly is the difference between science fiction and fantasy?

    Simply put, science fiction is based on reality. It has exaggerations and possibilities of what could be and is set in futuristic times.

    Living in space, time travel, and dystopian societies are often the main plot and settings of Science Fiction

    Fantasy is rooted in the impossible but fantastic possibilities.

    And is often based on an equivalent time in past human history.

    More Middle School Resources

    • Free Middle School Science Curriculum and Magazines
    • 11 Best Science Fiction Books For Middle Schoolers
    • How to Choose the BEST Homeschool Middle and High School Language Arts Curriculum & Options
    • 10 Best Science Movies for Middle School
    • The Best Eighth Grade Homeschool Curriculum | Tips and Recommendations

    If you have a middle schooler who loves fantasy or a reluctant reader who might be drawn into reading fantasy, I have a list with a variety of classic and newer science fiction books to choose from.

    11 Best Science Fiction Books For Middle Schoolers

    Besides January 1st is National Science Fiction Day.

    So, I thought it was a great time to share my top 11 best science fiction books for middle schoolers.

    Common Sense Media is a great place for you to check reviews and get a little more detail on the themes and language in books; choose for yourself what is appropriate and what is not for your family.

    SCIENCE FICTION CRAFTS

    • How to Make a Time Travel Craft Inspired by The Time Machine Book

    Best Science Fiction Books For Middle Schoolers

    11 Science Fiction Books for Middle School

    Your kids will love reading one or two of these science fiction books or them to add to your unit study.

    Image for The Wild Robot (Volume 1)

    The Wild Robot (Volume 1)

    This newer addition to sci-fi is an absolute delight and is part of a series of 3 books following robot Roz as she navigates her accidental life on a wild remote island. We adored this first selection as a read-aloud. 

    Image for The War of the Worlds

    The War of the Worlds

    So begins The War of the Worlds, the science fiction classic that first proposed the possibility of intelligent life on other planets and has enthralled readers for generations. This compelling tale describes the Martian invasion of earth. When huge, tireless creatures land in England, complete chaos erupts. Using their fiery heat rays and crushing strength, the aliens just may succeed in silencing all opposition. Is life on earth doomed? Will mankind survive? A timeless view of a universe turned upside down, The War of the Worlds is an ingenious and imaginative look into the possibilities of the future and the secrets yet to be revealed.

    Image for Journey to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker: Force Collector

    Journey to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker: Force Collector

    This is probably one of the best book versions of Star Wars ( in the opinion of a teen fan) but it is not based on familiar characters in the Star Wars universe rather it is a new storyline and new characters in familiar locations. This is a stand-alone story with no sequels as of now

    Image for The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: The Illustrated Edition

    The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: The Illustrated Edition

    It’s an ordinary Thursday morning for Arthur Dent . . . until his house gets demolished. The Earth follows shortly after to make way for a new hyperspace express route, and Arthur’s best friend has just announced that he’s an alien.After that, things get much, much worse.With just a towel, a small yellow fish, and a book, Arthur has to navigate through a very hostile universe in the company of a gang of unreliable aliens. Luckily the fish is quite good at languages. And the book is The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy . . . which helpfully has the words DON’T PANIC inscribed in large, friendly letters on its cover.Douglas Adams’s mega-selling pop-culture classic sends logic into orbit, plays havoc with both time and physics, offers up pithy commentary on such things as ballpoint pens, potted plants, and digital watches . . . and, most important, reveals the ultimate answer to life, the universe, and everything.

    Image for The Time Machine

    The Time Machine

    Embark on an extraordinary time-travel adventure with H.G. Wells. Explore fascinating future worlds and dystopian societies. Witness the implications of human evolution and societal decay. Engage with thought-provoking questions about the nature of humanity. Experience the brilliance of H.G. Wells’ visionary storytelling.

    Image for The City of Ember Deluxe Edition: The First Book of Ember

    The City of Ember Deluxe Edition: The First Book of Ember

    The city of Ember was built as a last refuge for the human race. After two hundred years the great lamps that lights the city are beginning to flicker, and two friends fight together to save the city in this first of 4 in the series. It is listed as recommended for grades 3-7 but it really is an enjoyable story for even older grades.

    Image for Last Day on Mars (Chronicle of the Dark Star, 1)

    Last Day on Mars (Chronicle of the Dark Star, 1)

    This part 1 of a 3-part series has stunning visual imagery and impossible situations like life on the red planet, when even that is threatened the few humans left must travel to yet another home on a distant star unlocking mysteries about time and space,

    Image for Ender's Game (The Ender Saga, 1)

    Ender's Game (The Ender Saga, 1)

    This is the first of Orson Scott Card's Cards Ender's Saga, to date there are 5 novels and one novella in the Ender series based on the government breeding child geniuses and training them as soldiers against alien attack.

    Image for The Hunger Games

    The Hunger Games

    Even if They have already seen the movies I highly recommend assigning your middle schooler this series. It gives a lot of material for discussions of moral choices, allegiance to your government at all costs, friendships, how a future like this could come to be, and more

    Image for Divergent (Divergent Series, 1)

    Divergent (Divergent Series, 1)

    Similar to Hunger Games this is the first in a 4 part series of a dystopian world where everyone is split up into 5 factions—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent) splitting families and friends and pitting them against one another.

    Image for Ready Player One

    Ready Player One

    If you have a teen who loves gaming and the 80s along with science fiction they are really going to enjoy this one that is set in 204 but filled with pop culture references from that totally awesome decade

    Leave a CommentFiled Under: Reading Lists Tagged With: book lists, books, reading, science, science fiction

    Fun Paper Cup Snowman Game Matching Upper and Lowercase Alphabet Letters

    December 2, 2023 | Leave a Comment
    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

    A cup is just a cup unless you turn it into a fun paper cup snowman or one of a bunch of great paper cup ideas, which I have found for you. Be sure you grab more ideas for winter fun on my page Winter Season Unit Study with free lapbook and look at my How to Homeschool Preschool.

    You don’t need an expensive box curriculum or stacks of worksheets to teach preschoolers, you just need a little creativity.

    Fun Paper Cup Snowman Game Matching Upper and Lowercase Alphabet Letters

    If you’re going with the winter or snowman theme and you need some great ideas to touch on all the subjects.

    So today I have you covered with crafts, games, math, science, snacks, and language arts.

    Too, I have an adorable snowman alphabet match game using just cups and markers.

    You can create the cutest snowmen for your preschooler to practice identifying and matching letters.

    Even if you don’t live in an area with snow, the snowman is just an iconic part of winter and very recognizable by even the youngest children.

    Books about Snowman

    Then learning about snowman is a fun subject for all ages.

    Include your older kids with some of these fun books as literature or as a read aloud.

    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.

    Next, look at more paper cup snowman crafts.

    Paper Cup Snowman Crafts and Activities

    Before we jump into covering different subjects for preschool let’s look at a few more great uses for paper cups using our snowman theme.

    You can get a pretty good-sized pack from Dollar Tree and really get your money’s worth out of them by using them for all sorts of activities and crafts.

    1. Turn some of your extra cups into a snowman community with this Paper Cup Snowman Craft idea.
    2. Get out some of their energy and giggles with a Snowman Slam craft and game rolled into one.
    3. Pom Pom Popper Snowman –While this one may seem just for fun it can actually help your child develop that pincer grasp and fine motor skills while playing, excellent for prewriting practice!
    4. No snow? No problem when you can make an entire adorable Snowman out of plastic cups.
    Fun Paper Cup Snowman Game Matching Upper and Lowercase Alphabet Letters

     Yes, I know this is not a snowman but look how precious this one is, I had to give it an honorable mention while you are stocked up on paper cups! Paper Cup Hot Chocolate Craft

    More Snow and Winter Crafts

    • 10 Toilet Paper Roll Winter Crafts | Make An Adorable Toilet Roll Winter Village
    • Fun Styrofoam Snowman Art Activity & 5 Facts About The Wonders of Winter
    • 10 Middle School Winter Crafts and Make a Sweet Smelling Hot Cocoa Candle
    • 6 Facts About the Snowy Owl & Stuffed Heat Pack Winter Owl Craft
    • Winter Craft Ideas for Kids Animals in Winter Fun Snow Slime
    • Cute and Simple Snowman Story Stones Winter Art Activities For Preschoolers
    Fun Paper Cup Snowman Game Matching Upper and Lowercase Alphabet Letters

    Finally, look at how to make this fun stacked paper cup snowman.

    Fun Paper Cup Snowman Game 

    You will need:

    • Foam coffee cups
    • Markers
    Fun Paper Cup Snowman Game Matching Upper and Lowercase Alphabet Letters

    First, you will need two coffee cups for each letter that you want your preschooler to practice.

    Flip your coffee cups upside down.

    On the bottom, which is the top rim when it’s right side up you’re going to want to write a capital letter on one.

    Then write the matching lowercase letter on a second coffee cup.

    Fun Paper Cup Snowman Game Matching Upper and Lowercase Alphabet Letters

    Now, you and your preschooler can go crazy, creating snowman faces, buttons, and arms with the markers.

    Fun Paper Cup Snowman Game Matching Upper and Lowercase Alphabet Letters

    Helping to create their own game is going to make it a lot more fun for your little one and this snowman mob is going to teach them so much.

    Fun Paper Cup Snowman Game Matching Upper and Lowercase Alphabet Letters

    To play:

    Unstack the matching cups and mix them up.

    Let your preschooler find and stack them to match.

    Fun Paper Cup Snowman Game Matching Upper and Lowercase Alphabet Letters

    Some cool variations to this snowman match are:

    Practice the letters that spell out their name.

    Stacking numbers in order.

    Stack one set of letters in ABC order. 

    They store well too, just stack them up and put them away until next time.

    Fun Paper Cup Snowman Game Matching Upper and Lowercase Alphabet Letters

    Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: alphabet, homeschool preschool, homeschoolanguagearts, language arts, letter sounds, preschool, reading, snow, snowman, winter crafts, winter season

    25+ Texas History Books For Middle School For a Fun Unit Study

    August 13, 2023 | Leave a Comment
    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

    Today, I have a short list of 25 plus Texas history books for middle school. Also, look at my Free Texas Homeschool Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas page.

    When studying Texas history, I’ve used many resources but none of them beat a Texas living history book or picture book.

    So, although these are only a few of the books we love, they’re enough to round out your study of Texas.

    25+ Texas History Books For Middle School For a Fun Unit Study

    In addition, I added some books of different levels.

    Not all middle school kids are on the same reading level.

    Besides, picture books still appeal to even adults.

    And they have a way of putting topics in a nutshell especially if you’re building a foundation to begin your study.

    Texas History Topics

    Next, when you’re preparing a study about Texas, you can use many ways to break down the topics.

    For example, here is one of the formats I follow.

    • Early Texas & Native Texans
    • Texas Revolution
    • Republic of Texas
    • Statehood
    • American Civil War & Reconstruction
    • Cowboys, Cattle and Cattle Drives
    • Hurricanes, Oil, and Modern Texas

    Begin a study by looking for books about these topics.

    25+ Texas History Books For Middle School For a Fun Unit Study

    Also, look at these hands-on ideas to add when studying Texas.

    More Texas History Crafts & Activities

    • Free Texas Homeschool Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas
    • Facts About Wildflowers And a Fun Felt Texas Bluebonnet Craft
    • How Texas Cattle Drives Shaped Its History and Longhorn Craft
    • History of the Texas Cowboy, Cattle Drives, and Chisholm Trail
    • Texas Native American History Quick Unit Study (Middle School)
    • How to Build the Alamo: Hands-on Learning (Free Texas Unit Study)
    • Free Copywork Cattle A Texas Poem For a Fun Unit Study
    • 22 Famous Texans Notebooking Pages (editable) For a Fun History Study
    25+ Texas History Books For Middle School For a Fun Unit Study

    Look at these editable notebooking pages to include in your Texas history unit study.

    • 0. Westward Expansion History Fun 10 Coloring Pages

      0. Westward Expansion History Fun 10 Coloring Pages

      $1.75
      Add to cart

    Furthermore, if you’re learning about the history of cattle, or Texas cattle drives and cowboys you may love my lapbook.

    25+ Texas History Books For Middle School For a Fun Unit Study
    • Dynamic History of the Texas Cowboy, Cattle Drives, and Chisholm Trail Lapbook for Multiple Ages

      Dynamic History of the Texas Cowboy, Cattle Drives, and Chisholm Trail Lapbook for Multiple Ages

      $4.00
      Add to cart

    Additionally, I have this free Texas lapbook for followers.

    25+ Texas History Books For Middle School For a Fun Unit Study

    How to Get the Free Texas Lapbook

    Now, how to grab the free lapbook. It’s a subscriber freebie. And I have a list of links for this unit study included in the download.

     1) Sign up on my list.
    2) Grab the freebie instantly.
    3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me!

    Lastly, look at these books for the history of Texas.

    27 Books For Kids Who Love Reading And Being Read to About Texas

     Forget a boring textbook and add some of these books about Texas to your unit study or add to your learning day.

    Image for Susanna of the Alamo: A True Story

    Susanna of the Alamo: A True Story

    Relates the experiences of the Texas woman who, along with her baby, survived the 1836 massacre at the Alamo.

    Image for The Boy in the Alamo

    The Boy in the Alamo

    The classic story of the siege of the Alamo, as told for young readers. Originally published in 1958, thousands of children each year enjoy this story from the unique point of view of twelve-year old Billy Campbell.

    Image for Plains Warrior: Chief Quanah Parker and the Comanches

    Plains Warrior: Chief Quanah Parker and the Comanches

    A biography of the legendary Comanche leader profiles the son of a white woman, who fiercely defended tribal lands against those who tried to seize them and who, after being moved with his people to a reservation, fought for the recognition and decent treatment of his tribe.

    Image for A Paradise Called Texas

    A Paradise Called Texas

    Searching for a better life, Mina, Papa, and Mama left their German fatherland aboard the brig Margaretha ,bound for Texas. They had been told it was the paradise of North America, but when Mina steps onto the desolate beach at Indian Point on a cold December day in 1845, she wants to go back to Germany and Opa's cozy house in the village of Wehrestedt. But go on they must. In spite of mama's tragic death, Mina and Papa push inland with the Kaufmann family to the Texas Hill Country. There Mina encounters an Indian chief and his young daughter, Amaya, whose help she needs when Papa falls ill. Based on her ancestors' immigration to Texas, Janice Shefelman tells of a journey into the wilderness that is filled with hardship, tragedy and adventure.

    Image for The Texans! Tejas to Today

    The Texans! Tejas to Today

    Lessons Taught In Story Form.

    Image for Alamo All-Stars (Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales #6): A Texas Tale (Volume 6)

    Alamo All-Stars (Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales #6): A Texas Tale (Volume 6)

    “Remember the Alamo!” That rallying cry has gone down in Texas history. But what, exactly, should we remember? Who were the ragtag group of adventurers behind the famous slogan, and how did they end up barricaded in a fort against a Mexican army Who survived, who died, and how. In the early 1800s, Native Americans, the Mexican government, and settlers from other areas of the United States were fighting over the territory that would become the Lone Star state. Here, vivid illustrations—rendered in black, white, and shades of gray, with tinges of yellow—and witty text tell the story, from Texas’s near wilderness beginnings to the Battle of the Alamo and General Sam Houston’s ultimate victory over General Antonio López de Santa Anna at the Battle of San Jacinto.

    Image for Indians Who Lived in Texas

    Indians Who Lived in Texas

    Briefly describes the environment, daily life, and customs of four Indian groups that lived in Texas--the farmers, the fishermen, the plant gatherers, and the hunters.

    Image for Make Way for Sam Houston (Unforgettable Americans)

    Make Way for Sam Houston (Unforgettable Americans)

    Colorful Sam Houston leaps to life in the pages of this fresh and funny biography, set against the story of Texas's fight for independence from Mexico.

    Image for Wilderness Pioneer, Stephen F. Austin of Texas

    Wilderness Pioneer, Stephen F. Austin of Texas

    I wanted to tell Austin's story so that boys and girls all over the United States would come to know him not as a stuffy figure in a history book but as a man who had a great dream for the welfare of his fellowmen, and in working to make that dream come true met adventure and danger, heartache and happiness.

    Image for Caleb's Choice (Puffin Novel)

    Caleb's Choice (Puffin Novel)

    In 1858 Texas, people are violently divided over a law that makes it a crime to help runaway slaves. Caleb isn't sure how he feels. When an escaped slave saves his life, Caleb knows he has a debt to repay. But should he break the law and risk his life to help two slaves escape?

    Image for A Gentle Tour Through Texas History

    A Gentle Tour Through Texas History

    A guide for teaching Texas History through literature. It is based on a 34-week timeframe and is useful for students in grades K-6/7.

    Image for Johnny Texas

    Johnny Texas

    In the early days of Texas history, ten-year-old Johann comes from Germany with his family to settle in this vast land and soon grows to love his new home.

    Image for Remember the Alamo! (Landmark books)

    Remember the Alamo! (Landmark books)

    I love this series of books and this one tends to be fairly accurate.

    Image for A Time to Stand: The Epic of the Alamo

    A Time to Stand: The Epic of the Alamo

    The #1 New York Times–bestselling author of The Miracle of Dunkirk tells the story of the Texans who fought Santa Anna’s troops at the Battle of the Alamo. Looking out over the walls of the whitewashed Alamo, sweltering in the intense sun of a February heat wave, Colonel William Travis knew his small garrison had little chance of holding back the Mexican army. Even after a call for reinforcements brought dozens of Texans determined to fight for their fledgling republic, the cause remained hopeless. Gunpowder was scarce, food was running out, and the compound was too large to easily defend with less than two hundred soldiers. Still, given the choice, only one man opted to surrender. The rest resolved to fight and die. After thirteen days, the Mexicans charged, and the Texans were slaughtered. In exquisite detail, Walter Lord recreates the fight to uphold the Texan flag. He sheds light not just on frontier celebrities like Jim Bowie and Davy Crockett, but on the ordinary soldiers who died alongside them. Though the fight ended two centuries ago, the men of the Alamo will never be forgotten.

    Image for I Survived the Galveston Hurricane, 1900

    I Survived the Galveston Hurricane, 1900

    More than a century later, the Galveston Hurricane of 1900 is still America's deadliest disaster. Lauren Tarshis's story of one child surviving the horrible event churns with page-turning action and bold hope.

    The city of Galveston, Texas, was booming. Perched on an island off the southern coast of Texas, Galveston had been founded in the 1830s. By 1900, it was Texas's richest and most important city. Boats loaded up with American cotton and wheat steamed from Galveston to countries around the world. Arriving ships were crowded with immigrants. The streets, paved with crushed oyster shells, sparkled like they'd been sprinkled with diamonds.

    Image for Galveston's Summer of the Storm (Chaparral Books)

    Galveston's Summer of the Storm (Chaparral Books)

    When fourteen-year-old Abby Kate boards the train in Austin to spend three weeks with her grandmother in Galveston, she’s full of excitement—about the train ride and the prospect of days on the beach, exploring Galveston with her cousin Jane, family picnics, and her grandmother’s good food. But things go wrong even before she gets to her grandmother’s house. Abby Kate gets off the train briefly in Houston—and the train leaves without her. Stranded in the railroad station, she is befriended by a man traveling with his two sons and eventually reaches Galveston safely.

    Image for Texas Rangers: Legendary Lawmen

    Texas Rangers: Legendary Lawmen

    In the 1820s, the Texas frontier was a rugged, lawless place that needed defending. The men that banded together to protect the citizens of Texas from the threats of bandits and raiding native tribes were known as the Texas Rangers. Since bravery was never in short demand, any unmarried man with a good horse and a sharp shot could be selected to join the ranks. As they roamed the Texas frontier maintaining peace and order, the Rangers were present for many of the most famous moments in Texas's exciting history-they defended the Alamo alongside Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie, spied on the Mexican army during the war for independence, and chased down outlaws in the booming oil towns of the Wild West.

    Image for Texas Tomboy

    Texas Tomboy

    The entire ranch is thirsty—will the rains ever come?

    Image for Remember Goliad: Their Silent Tents

    Remember Goliad: Their Silent Tents

    Palm Sunday, March 27, 1836, turned out to be the blackest day in the war of independence between Texas and Mexico. Colonel James Walker Fannin Jr. and his men were ruthlessly slaughtered at the Presidio La Bahia near Goliad. The order was given directly by General Santa Anna. The author describes the background leading up to the start of hostilities in October 1835 and the two Mexican armies which threatened to overrun the Texans, with the massacre at the Alamo on March 2 and then the attack on the Presidio La Bahia, which Fannin called Fort Defiance. A description of garrison life and the men under Fannin's command precedes the battle of Coleto Plains, where Fannin's Texans, without an adequate water supply and defenses, were surrounded by General Urrea's army and forced to surrender. One of the more traumatic aspects of the battle and executions involved a group of young soldiers from Alabama, mainly from the same area, whose leader, Dr. Shackleford, was spared to minister to the sick and injured and was forced to witness the deaths of his protégées.

    Image for Jane Long Mother of Texas

    Jane Long Mother of Texas

    A biography of the brave wife of General James Long who was the first woman of English descent to enter Texas and bear a child there.

    Image for Camel express; A story of the Jeff Davis experiment (Winston adventure books)

    Camel express; A story of the Jeff Davis experiment (Winston adventure books)

    Story of a little known chapter in American military history; extensive illustrations throughout book by Joseph C. Camana.

    Image for Texas Yankee: The Story of Gail Borden

    Texas Yankee: The Story of Gail Borden

    Famous as a newspaperman and surveyor in Texas, Gail Borden was the discoverer of how to condense milk. 

    Image for Tex's Tales

    Tex's Tales

    Picked up by a tornado and swept away from his family in nineteenth-century Texas, a dog has some exciting adventures in the frontier wilderness before making his way home again.

    Image for Miriam “Ma” Ferguson: First Woman Governor of Texas (Volume 3) (Stars of Texas Series)

    Miriam “Ma” Ferguson: First Woman Governor of Texas (Volume 3) (Stars of Texas Series)

    Miriam Ferguson was a quiet, private person who preferred to stay home in her big house in Temple, Texas, and take care of her husband, raise her two daughters, and tend to her flower garden. But in 1924 she was elected governor of Texas, the first woman governor elected in the United States.

    Image for Texas History for Kids: Lone Star Lives and Legends, with 21 Activities

    Texas History for Kids: Lone Star Lives and Legends, with 21 Activities

    Encapsulating the 500-year saga of the one-of-a-kind state of Texas, this interactive book takes readers from the founding of the Spanish Missions and the victory at San Jacinto to the Great Storm that destroyed Galveston and the establishment of NASA’s Mission Control in Houston while covering everything in between. Texas History for Kids includes 21 informative and fun activities to help readers better understand the state’s culture, politics, and geography. Kids will recreate one of the six national flags that have flown over the state, make castings of local wildlife tracks, design a ranch’s branding iron, celebrate Juneteenth by reciting General Order Number 3, build a miniature Battle of Flowers float, and more. This valuable resource also includes a timeline of significant events, a list of historic sites to visit or explore online, and web resources for further study.

    Image for Make Way for Sam Houston

    Make Way for Sam Houston

    Colorful Sam Houston leaps to life in the pages of this fresh and funny biography, set against the story of Texas's fight for independence from Mexico. Lively, readable, and solidly researched, this is the kind of biography every child needs. Booklist, starred review Jean Fritz has done it again. Her writing turns this larger-than-life character into a very real person.School Library Journal, starred review ?Young readers will find the book fast-paced and fact-packed. The New York Times Book Review Jean Fritz lives in Dobbs Ferry, New York.

    Image for Trail Fever: The Life of a Texas Cowboy

    Trail Fever: The Life of a Texas Cowboy

    The story of one of Texas's most famous cowboys is filled with cattle drives, stampedes, floods, droughts, freezing desert nights, raiders and bandits, and one man's endurance and love of life on the plains.

    Leave a CommentFiled Under: Reading Lists Tagged With: history, history resources, historyspine, homeschoolhistory, homeschoolreading, middle school, middleschool, read aloud, reading, Texas, Texas history, texasunit

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