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Geronimo Stilton Theme Mouse in Space Fun Puffy Moon Craft (Glow in the Dark)

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, for book Number 52 the Geronimo Stilton theme is Mouse in Space and we’re making a fun puffy paint moon craft. The Geronimo Stilton books were written by Elisabetta Dami an Italian children’s book writer.

The Geronimo Stilton series is an absolute delight for children ages 7 to 10 years old and are full of mouse fun and adventure. Today, Geronimo Stilton theme is about space.

Geronimo Stilton Theme Mouse in Space Fun Puffy Moon Craft (Glow in the Dark)

So instead of going back in time like his adventures take him, Geronimo Stilton is headed to space.

Geronimo blasts off on a top-secret mission full of space training, interaction with Dr. Wicked Whiskers, satellites, and a spacewalk.

This book is perfect for diving into some fun science.

Space Unit Study Craft

And today we are going to learn about and create a puffy paint moon that glows in the dark.

This spacecraft has a lot of texture, is fun to make and the fun continues when you turn out the light.

Once charged a bit in the light it will glow brightly, and you have a fun moon to hang up in your bedroom or classroom.

Choose a few activities, crafts, and other books and you have yourself the makings of a space unit study.

Geronimo Stilton Theme Mouse in Space Fun Puffy Moon Craft (Glow in the Dark)

I have some ideas to get you started below.

Don’t forget to use the words in different colors, font sizes, and types in the Geronimo Stilton books for spelling and vocabulary.

They make it easy to turn a simple book into a mini unit study.

Geronimo Stilton Theme Mouse in Space Fun Puffy Moon Craft (Glow in the Dark)

There are many topics they cover and the layout of the words on the pages makes it fun.

The Space themed Safari Ltd. Toob is a great place to start and can be used in dioramas, sensory bins, or just fun dramatic play situations.

You could also use them to tell a story about space or they can be used as inspiration for a drawing.

Then Basher Space Exploration and Basher Astronomy take big topics and break them down with silly pictures.

This makes topics easy to understand for any grade.

Four Space Hands-on Craft Ideas

Next, add in more hands-on ideas to make this unit study longer.

And this last one is my HUGE Exploring Space and Astronomy Free Unit Study for Multiple Ages.

Don’t forget to grab Mouse in Space! (Geronimo Stilton #52).

Then grab the free unit study.

Geronimo Stilton Theme Mouse in Space Fun Puffy Moon Craft (Glow in the Dark)

Also, add more Geronimo Stilton book resources for a fun literature slant to space.

Other Geronimo Stilton

Most of the hands-on activities below can be done with multiple ages.

Finally, let’s make this fun glow in the dark moon craft.

Now off to the moon!

You can trace a plate or bowl to create the outline of your moon.

But this makes for a great opportunity to introduce your child to a compass to create circles.

How to Make A Glow in the Dark Puffy Paint Moon Craft

Geronimo Stilton Theme Mouse in Space Fun Puffy Moon Craft (Glow in the Dark)

You can make your glow in the dark puffy paint moon craft on paper.

However, we had some flat canvases already and I wanted to create something a little more permanent.

So we used our canvases. Trace your moon either with a round plate or demonstrate how to use a compass to draw a circle as large as your canvas.

Geronimo Stilton Theme Mouse in Space Fun Puffy Moon Craft (Glow in the Dark)

Next, combine 1 part glue to 3 parts shaving cream.
How much you mix will depend on how large of a moon you are going to make or if you want extra for more than one.

For a 8 1/2 x12 canvas I used about 1 cup shaving cream, ¼ cup of glue, and 1 heaping Tablespoon glow in the dark paint.

Once mixed, paint in your moon with very thick blobs of paint. Cover the entire circle well.

Geronimo Stilton Theme Mouse in Space Fun Puffy Moon Craft (Glow in the Dark)

While the paint is still wet, stamp in it a few times with different size caps to create craters.

Your kids can also use their fingers. Add a few blobs of your glow in the dark paint here and there around the canvas to be stars or asteroids.

Geronimo Stilton Theme Mouse in Space Fun Puffy Moon Craft (Glow in the Dark)

Allow paint to dry overnight so it is completely dry throughout.

Once it is dry your child can add very wet watercolor around your moon.

Add watercolor right up to the edges of your puffy paint. Then, sprinkle with a bit of salt to create some texture.

Geronimo Stilton Theme Mouse in Space Fun Puffy Moon Craft (Glow in the Dark)

Once dry brush away your salt and it will take some of the watercolor with it leaving a unique texture to the night sky.

Geronimo Stilton Theme Mouse in Space Fun Puffy Moon Craft (Glow in the Dark)

You can grab a flat canvas at Dollar Tree to keep it very low cost. Look how great it looks at night!

Geronimo Stilton Theme Mouse in Space Fun Puffy Moon Craft (Glow in the Dark)

What do you think? Are you ready for this fun science activity go with your literature study?

Learning About The Solar System Free Cosmic Wonders Guide

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have some learning about the solar system activities and a free Cosmic Wonders Fun Guide to the Universe’s Coolest Events. Look at my other page Exploring Space and Astronomy Free Unit Study for more ideas and topics for hands-on learning.

Learning about the cool events in the night sky printable has family activities and learning prompts.

And there are many hands-on ideas to keep your kids learning. For example, your child can build a comet model and keep a sky journal.

Learning About The Solar System Free Cosmic Wonders Guide

However, you want to explain what are cosmic events. Your child may know some of them.

For instance, they are supernovas which is a star that when it dies it explodes. Too, some supernovas can be seen from Earth without a telescope.

And a shooting star which your child may be familiar with is a tiny piece of space rock burning up in Earth’s atmosphere.

BOOKS ABOUT THE WONDERS OF THE SKY FOR KIDS

Next, look at a few of these books about the universe.

5 Books About Awesome Things in the Skies

Whether it’s the Northern Lights or shooting stars these books bring the wonder of the skies to life!

Next, look at these solar system activities to add to your learning day.

SOLAR SYSTEM ACTIVITIES

Learning About The Solar System Free Cosmic Wonders Guide

Also, look at what is included in this free printable.

COSMIC WONDERS OF THE UNIVERSITY

  • meteor showers
  • auroras
  • solar & lunar eclipses
  • comets
  • planetary alignments
  • supermoons
  • blood moons
  • zodiacal light
  • earthshine
  • sun halos

HOW TO GET THE FREE COSMIC WONDERS GUIDE

Now, how to grab the freebie.  It’s a subscriber freebie.

That means when you sign up to follow me, you get my emails in your inbox and you get this freebie.

1) CLICK HERE ON THIS LINK TO SIGN UP ON MY EMAIL LIST & TO GET THIS FREEBIE.

2) Grab the freebie instantly.

3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me!

4 Weeks Free Galileo Unit Study & How to Make a Telescope Craft

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I have a 4 weeks free Galileo unit study and a fun telescope craft. Look at my other pages Best Homeschool Unit Studies and Exploring Space and Astronomy Free Unit Study for more ideas and topics for hands-on learning.

To make a Galileo unit study exciting we are crafting our own refracting telescope and look at some other great ideas to build it up.

A refracting telescope is a type of optical telescope that uses lenses to focus light and create an image of a distant object.

4 Weeks Free Galileo Unit Study & How to Make a Telescope Craft

It is the oldest and most common type of telescope.

And was first developed in the 17th century by Galileo Galilei.

Galileo Galilei was an Italian astronomer, physicist, engineer, philosopher, and mathematician who lived in the 16th and 17th centuries.

He is considered to be one of the most important figures in the history of science.

His work laid the foundation for modern physics as well as the development of calculus.

He was born in Pisa, Italy, in 1564 and he showed an early interest in science and mathematics, and he studied at the University of Pisa.

After graduating, Galileo taught mathematics at the University of Padua for the next 18 years.

While he was there, he made a number of important discoveries.

He developed a new theory of motion, which showed that objects fall at the same rate regardless of their weight.

Also, he also invented the telescope, which allowed him to make detailed observations of the planets and stars.

KIDS BOOKS ABOUT GALILEO

First, look at these fun books

4 Books About Galileo

Add these books to our home library. Use for a unit study or reading for the day.

Then look at these history and geography Galileo unit study ideas.

HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY GALILEO UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 1

He was the first person to observe the four largest moons of Jupiter and discovered the phases of Venus.

Galileo published his book “The Starry Messenger” in 1610 and described his observations of the solar system. His book provided strong evidence in support of the Copernican theory, which said that the Earth revolves around the Sun.

This important work has been translated into more than 100 languages.

Grab a map or atlas and help your child locate different NASA space center locations throughout the US and the world.

  • White Sands Test Facility-Cruces, NM
  • Ames Research Center-Moffett Field, CA
  • Armstrong Flight Research Center-Edwards, CA
  • Glenn Research Center-Cleveland, OH
  • Goddard Space Flight Center-Greenbelt, MD
  • Goddard Institute of Space Studies-New York, NY
  • IV and V Facility-Fairmont, WV
  • Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)-Pasadena, CA
  • Johnson Space Center-Houston, TX
  • Kennedy Space Center-FL
  • Langley Research Center-Hampton, VA
  • Marshall Space Flight Center-Huntsville, AL
  • NASA HQ-Washington, D.C.
  • Stennis Space Center-MS
  • Wallops Flight Facility-Wallops Island, VA

Then look at more hands-on ideas.

NATURE & SCIENCE GALILEO UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 2

MATH & LANGUAGE ARTS GALILEO UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 3

  • Simple Space Themed Addition and Subtraction is a solid way to learn basic math facts while keeping with the unit.
  • These Find The Letter Worksheets with a space theme are perfect for preschoolers and kindergarteners.
  • Learn about time and motion. Galileo famously discovered that objects fall at the same rate regardless of weight.
  • These Space Counting Mats can be laminated and used over and over with small treats like candies or crackers as well as other non edible manipulatives.
  • Teach kids about angles.
  • Learn about planetary distances.
  • Write a short biography about Galileo.

4 Weeks Free Galileo Unit Study & How to Make a Telescope Craft

Additionally, look at arts and crafts ideas for learning about Galileo.

ARTS & CRAFTS GALILEO UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 4

Next, look at more best homeschool unit studies.

MORE BEST HOMESCHOOL UNIT STUDIES

HOW TO MAKE A TELESCOPE CRAFT

Finally, look at how to make a telescope craft.

You will need:

  • An empty paper towel roll
  • Masking, duct, packing tape
  • Markers, crayons, stickers
  • Old pair of reading glasses (can be purchased at Dollar Tree)
  • Scissors
4 Weeks Free Galileo Unit Study & How to Make a Telescope Craft

First, cut lengthwise down one of the paper towel tubes.

Squeeze it lightly together and slide it inside of the uncut tube.

4 Weeks Free Galileo Unit Study & How to Make a Telescope Craft

Before moving on let your child decorate the outside of their “telescope” with crayons or markers, you could also use space themed stickers like these.

4 Weeks Free Galileo Unit Study & How to Make a Telescope Craft

Pop the lenses carefully out of the glasses.

4 Weeks Free Galileo Unit Study & How to Make a Telescope Craft

Place one lens with the concave (curved outward) side face away from the tube, use duct tape or masking tape to secure it to the end, covering as little of the glass as possible.

4 Weeks Free Galileo Unit Study & How to Make a Telescope Craft

On the other end of the telescope tape the second lens with the curve facing the inside of the tube.

4 Weeks Free Galileo Unit Study & How to Make a Telescope Craft

To focus, slide the inner paper towel tube in and out as you look through the end.

Easy Study Of The Solar System Fun Interactive Worksheets

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have some easy study of the solar system interactive worksheets. Pair this with my lapbook and Exploring Space and Astronomy Free Unit Study for Multiple Ages for a fun study.

You know I’m a huge advocate for hands-on learning.

And these study of the solar system interactive worksheets fit with that slant.

Easy Study Of The Solar System Fun Interactive Worksheets

Interactive worksheets can have fill in the blank, puzzles, word searches and a place for or child to draw.

When you add them along with my lapbook and astronomy unit study you can easily study the planets for a week or longer.

So, I have 10 free pages about the solar system.

BOOKS FOR KIDS ABOUT THE SOLAR SYSTEM

First, look at some of these books to add to your reading day.

11 Astronomy Resources & Books

Add one or two books to your unit study or use one as a spine for studying about space.

Next, look at these hands on ideas to go with these fun interactive worksheets.

STUDY OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM HANDS ON IDEAS

Also, look at this fun lapbook.

ASTRONOMY LAPBOOK

This lapbook has two sets of minibooks which are the same.

The only difference is that one set has information filled in each minibook with a cursive font.

Dynamic Astronomy Lapbook for Multiple Ages
  • Because I use a combination of cursive and print fonts, I aim my lapbooks toward upper elementary up to high school.
  • The lapbook could be used for high school when your student uses the lapbook with minibooks with blank inside pages. Another option for high school is to mix and match the minibooks with facts filled in with minibooks with blank inside pages.
  • This is a .pdf instant downloadable product and not a physical product.
  • You are paying for the printables, the lapbook.
  • You can use any reference materials, books, or online resources to complete the lapbook. I don’t provide links in the lapbooks for filling in the information. This keeps my prices low for my products, but I do provide free links and unit studies on my site as I can.
  • My printables are very flexible. You decide which topics you want your children to research.  Also, you can mix and match filled in and blank minibooks of your choice.

Finally, look at what comes with the free solar system interactive worksheets.

FREE SOLAR SYSTEM INTERACTIVE WORKSHEETS

Look at the free printables in this download.

  • The Sun A Super Star!
  • Moon The Night Light
  • Mars The Red Planet
  • Mercury The Swift Planet
  • Venus The Morning Star
  • Earth The Blue Planet
  • Jupiter The Giant Planet
  • Saturn The Ringed Planet
  • Uranus The Ice Giant
  • Neptune The Big Blue Planet

HOW TO GET THE FREE INTERACTIVE WORKSHEETS

Now, how to grab the freebie. It’s a subscriber freebie.

Easy Study Of The Solar System Fun Interactive Worksheets

That means when you sign up to follow me, you get my emails in your inbox and you get this freebie.

1) CLICK HERE ON THIS LINK TO SIGN UP ON MY EMAIL LIST & TO GET THIS FREEBIE.

2) Grab the freebie now.

3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me!

How to Create the Perfect Kindergarten Homeschool Set Up

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You want to create the perfect kindergarten homeschool set up. Also, grab my other tips, ideas, and crafts for kindergarten on my page Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum.

Then figure out your child’s learning style and pick your curriculum, or at least the style of learning you are going to begin following.

You may have a dedicated homeschool room or you may just enjoy school together snuggled up on the couch.

How to Create the Perfect Kindergarten Homeschool Set Up

Either way you will want to create a setup that works well for you.

I can guarantee a few things.

You will probably change curriculum at least a handful of times before you are done.

Next, your needs as a homeschool family will change over the years.

What works now may not work next year, or even later this year and that’s okay.

I am going to give you some tips to help keep it flexible.

So that whatever you choose for a set up will always fit into your homeschool life with a little adjustment here and there.

4 Ways to Begin Your Kindergarten Homeschool Set Up

Do you have an empty extra room already to be a blank canvas as your learning area?

Will you be starting on the couch then moving to a table for penmanship and crafts?

 Get an idea of where you will have your homeschool base so you can set it up properly.

There are benefits for a dedicated room despite what some homeschooler tout.

For example, it helps you and your child to focus with less distraction.

Also, it sets the mood for learning, and gives you a defined place to display posters, your child’s artwork, and more.

At the end of the day, you can close the door and keep the school supplies contained to one room.

The drawback to a room is that learning shouldn’t be stifled and takes place everywhere and all day long.

Crayons and paper scattered on the coffee table might inspire your little Picasso to create art.

A stack of animal books on the kitchen table along with some plastic creatures will invite a curious child to create a diorama.

Or add some popsicle sticks and playdough in to make enclosures for each animal.

How to Create the Perfect Kindergarten Homeschool Set Up

You will probably find that somewhere in the middle works best, but it is up to you and your family.

You may need just a bookshelf in a corner and a basket in the living room.

1. Choose Your Kindergarten Furniture Wisely

Smaller children need smaller furniture.

While they can sit at a big family table for meals you will find that younger kids have a much easier time sitting at a table or desk that is scaled just for them.

To master fine motor skills such as handwriting they really need to be able to use the correct posture.

Search for something that is great for multipurpose uses to get the best bang for your buck like a little table and chair setup.

This is wonderful for writing but also painting, playing with playdough, sorting math manipulatives, and even enjoying a snack.

A good sturdy bookshelf is a must have as well no matter where you find a home for it.

It could be beside your recliner or in a dedicated school space.

You want a home for the majority of your materials to keep them organized and ready to go.

2. Gather up all your mom/teacher materials

Start with your own supplies for planning, even if you are doing a very relaxed homeschool a planner can help keep you organized and also serves as part of your homeschool record. 

Check out some of my very favorite planners here on my site.

I create the 7 Step DIY Unique Homeschool Planner that is free. Let me walk you through step by step to create your own unique planner.

And I have a planner which is specifically designed with teaching little ones from preschool to about first grade.

One of my favorite materials is good mom encouraging books.

Grab My Book on How to Homeschool

Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers is a real eye-opener on homeschooling. It will alleviate a lot of the anxieties about getting started homeschooling.

I have learned so much from other homeschooling moms and if you didn’t already know I am a veteran of 20 years and have written my own book that you can grab right here to help you navigate your first-year homeschooling.

3. Collect your child’s books, supplies, and games

Gather up some basic school supplies like pencils, paper, crayons, markers, a couple types of paper scissors, and glue.

You can add as you go but these are a good place to start.

Check here for a more exhaustive list of my 60 Favorite Top Homeschooling Materials for Kindergarten. Invest in educational toys, manipulatives, and games that align with your child’s interests and learning goals

You want to choose things that can be used in multiple ways and for more than just one year. Here are just a few of my favorites.

How to Create the Perfect Kindergarten Homeschool Set Up
  • Magnetic tiles can be used to make letters and numbers, create roads, to teach shapes, they can be measured, weighed, and as a part of all important make believe play.
  • Letters/Numbers will be used for years to learn not only letters but eventually they can be used as spelling word practice.
  • Dry erase, chalkboards, or LCD tablets are wonderful for beginning writing practice, doing simple math problems, and so much more.
  • Add in a few neat games. Playing board games may seem like all fun but they teach your child how to follow directions, develop critical thinking skills, improve attention span, learn cooperation, and how to be a good winner/loser.

There is much more than this I could recommend.

These are just a few basics beyond crayons and paper that will round out your child’s kindergarten education.

MORE KINDERGARTEN HOMESCHOOL CURRICULUM ACTIVITIES

4. Create a Simple Storage System

To contain your daily materials, you can use a large basket or a bookshelf,

One thing that I really like to utilize throughout all levels of homeschooling- a tiered cart that can be rolled from the kitchen table to the couch, because you will find out that homeschooling takes place everywhere.

A 3-tier cart is a great option because it gives you a place to keep your materials and books, a shelf for their curriculum and supplies, and a section for fun games, puzzles, and manipulatives to use throughout the day.

How to Create the Perfect Kindergarten Homeschool Set Up

The top level is a good place to keep your planner, teacher manuals, books, and special items for yourself.

A few final tips before I let you get to putting together your kindergarten homeschool set up.

Utilize your local library, thrift store, and yard sales to build an amazing library full of living books, picture books, and chapter books for read alouds.

How to Create the Perfect Kindergarten Homeschool Set Up

Enjoy this year, it will be over before you know it and there is nothing like watching your child light up as they learn new things.

Don’t go crazy buying too much right away, you can always add things as you go but start small with just the basics.

This space will not only be a place for your child to learn but also a haven where creativity and curiosity can flourish.