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unit study

Mexico Unit Study and Make a Fun Easy Floral Headband

February 7, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

There are many fantastic topics that can help make a fun and full Mexico Unit Study. Also, you’ll love these other Best Homeschool Unit Studies and my Meso-America Unit Study and Lapbook.

And I have a lot of topic ideas to get you started on your way and exciting activities to go along with it.

Besides ideas for fantastic activities to get your learner excited, and information on some subtopics for Mexico.

I also have a tutorial for a fun easy floral headband.

Mexico Unit Study and Make a Fun Easy Floral Headband

It’s like the style Frida Kahlo is known for that is also worn in celebrations and has become part of the traditional costume.

There is much to learn about this amazing country that is just south of the U.S. bordering California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.

It is rich in culture and history that spans way back to the Mayans that began as early as 1500 BCE.

You can cover flora, fauna, history, geography, artists, special days, food, and more.

Additionally, you can explore present and ancient Mexico through hands-on activities and engaging books that open the culture of another land.

Books for Kids About Mexico

First, I like to use a living book or even picture book if I can to begin our unit study.

Then I add reference books to add to our learning.

10 Mexico Books & Resources For Kids Who Love Reading and Being Read To

Add some of these books to your home library about Mexico. Also, use them for a homeschool unit study.

The Underdogs: A Novel of the Mexican Revolution (Penguin Classics)

The Underdogs is the first great novel about the first great revolution of the twentieth century. Demetrio Macias, a poor, illiterate Indian, must join the rebels to save his family. Courageous and charismatic, he earns a generalship in Pancho Villa’s army, only to become discouraged with the cause after it becomes hopelessly factionalized. At once a spare, moving depiction of the limits of political idealism, an authentic representation of Mexico’s peasant life, and a timeless portrait of revolution, The Underdogs is an iconic novel of the Latin American experience and a powerful novel about the disillusionment of war.

Stories from Mexico

Tales from Mexican folklore including The Palace of Canela, In Through the Window, The Coyote and the Sheep, The Cu Bird, and SenÄor Coyote and Juan's Maguey.

Adelita

Hace mucho tiempo—a long time ago—there lived a beautiful young woman named Adelita. So begins the age-old tale of a kindhearted young woman, her jealous stepmother, two hateful stepsisters, and a young man in search of a wife. The young man, Javier, falls madly in love with beautiful Adelita, but she disappears from his fiesta at midnight, leaving him with only one clue to her hidden identity: a beautiful rebozo—shawl. With the rebozo in place of a glass slipper, this favorite fairy tale takes a delightful twist. Tomie dePaola's exquisite paintings, filled with the folk art of Mexico, make this a Cinderella story like no other.

Hill Of Fire (I Can Read, Book 3) (I Can Read Level 3)

Every day is the same for Pablo's father. Then one afternoon the ground growls, hisses smoke, and swallows up his plow. A volcano is erupting in the middle of his cornfield!

Mexico in Story and Pictures

Imagine

Have you ever imagined what you might be when you grow up? When he was very young, Juan Felipe Herrera picked chamomile flowers in windy fields and let tadpoles swim across his hands in a creek. He slept outside and learned to say good-bye to his amiguitoseach time his family moved to a new town. He went to school and taught himself to read and write English and filled paper pads with rivers of ink as he walked down the street after school. And when he grew up, he became the United States Poet Laureate and read his poems aloud on the steps of the Library of Congress. If he could do all of that . . . what could you do? With this illustrated poem of endless possibility, Juan Felipe Herrera and Lauren Castillo breathe magic into the hopes and dreams of readers searching
for their place in life.

Old Ramon

Fun novel combining Mexico and California cultures where a young boy learns about life and growing up.

The Princess and the Warrior: A Tale of Two Volcanoes

In the picture book Princess and the Warrior: A Tale of Two Volcanoes, award-winning author and illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh brings a cherished Mexican legend to life.A Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor BookALA/ALSC Notable Children’s Book! “A palette of earthy, evocative colors .

. . A genuine triumph.” ―Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)“Use this Aztec legend to inspire readers while teaching a bit about dramatic irony.” —School Library Journal Izta was the most beautiful princess in the land, and suitors traveled from far and wide to woo her. Even though she was the daughter of the emperor, Izta had no desire to marry a man of wealth and power. Instead, she fell in love with Popoca, a brave warrior who fought in her father’s army—and a man who did not offer her riches but a promise to stay by her side forever. The emperor did not want his daughter to marry a mere warrior, but he recognized Popoca’s bravery. He offered Popoca a deal: If the warrior could defeat their enemy, Jaguar Claw, then the emperor would permit Popoca and Izta to wed. But Jaguar Claw had a plan to thwart the warrior. Would all be lost? Today two majestic volcanoes—Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl—stand overlooking Mexico City. They have been admired and revered for countless generations and have formed the basis of many origin and creation myths.

Growing Up In Aztec Times (Growing Up In series)

Describes the daily life of the Aztecs, discussing life in the city, life in the country, education, food and drink, and other aspects.

The Tale of Rabbit and Coyote

Poor Coyote! What’s he doing, hanging upside down in the farmer’s house, next to a pot of boiling water? How’d he wind up underneath the jicara tree, getting bonked by rock-hard fruit? Who tricked him into whacking a wasps’ nest with a stick? And why is he always howling at the moon? Because of Rabbit, that’s why! Longtime collaborators Tony Johnston and Tomie dePaola look to the folklore of Oaxaca, Mexico, for this nutty, naughty tale of trickery and hijinks. Written with sly humor and illustrated in the vibrant golds, blues, and reds of the Southwest, this is a story with a flavor as distinctive as chile peppers.

Mexico Unit Study

Geography Ideas About Mexico

One thing that is important to include in your unit study of Mexico is the geography of the country.

Mexico is a country with extreme landforms from high mountains to deep canyons located in the center to deserts in the north, and even thick rainforests in the south and east.

  • Mexico is a country that is part of North America.
  • The country’s name came from the Aztec word Mexica (mesh-EE-ca).
  • Also, the ancient Maya’s and Aztecs lived in the country of Mexico.
  • There are some great free printable maps on this page to color, print, labeled or to label.
  • The Rio Grande River is the border between the United States and Mexico.
  • Mount Popocatépetl is one of the highest volcanoes in Mexico.

Mexico is bordered on the north by a 2,000-mile stretch of the United States.

Guatemala and Belize are found on the southeast; the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea are on the east; the Pacific Ocean is on the south and west.

The climate varies greatly because there is a great distance from north to south.

Language Arts Ideas About Mexico

Next, here are some language art ideas.

  • Learn this list of 20 Spanish words.
  • Reading. Choose one or more of the books above. There are different levels and I have something for every age.
  • Here are some vocabulary words which also explains some of the culture of Mexico.
    • sombrero: a large, wide brimmed hat
    • poncho: a blanket with a hole in the center for the head to go through
    • serape: a blanket woven from colorful yarn
    • fiesta: a party
    • pinata: large container normally an animal shape filled with candy used at parties
  • Most areas have a Mexican supermarket. Visit the store and have your child write down the names of foods from Mexico.
  • Read a Mexican folktale and role play. Young children love this and especially dressing up and playing the part of one of the animals. For example, look at Senor Coyote and Rabbit.
Mexico Unit Study and Make a Fun Easy Floral Headband

Math Ideas About Mexico

Additionally, here are a few ideas for fun math.

  • Explain that the currency in Mexico is pesos.
  • Try to explain the value and then convert it to dollars.
  • Play games about money and learn about money from Mexico and other countries on Math is Fun. Click on money. Play Make the Amount but first look at Currencies of the World to be familiar with the coins of Mexico.

Moreover, add some of these science ideas.

Science Ideas about Mexico

Besides learning about the rainforest, learn how chocolate is made.

  • Look at my rainforest lapbook and unit study.
  • Rainforest Amazon Activities for Kids
  • Fun Chocolate Unit Study and DIY Chocolate Candy Bar Activity

Ancient Mayans- Of course if you are studying these ancient people you will want to dig into the pyramid of Chichen Itza.

Also, learn about the contributions the Mayans made – The Mayan Calendar, Filtration systems, rubber, chocolate, and medicines.

Here is a book recommendation that goes along with the unit as well as a fun LEGO build for the pyramid- Geronimo Stilton Adventure The Journey Through Time #2: Back in Time (Mayan Craft).

LEGO is a fabulous manipulative to incorporate.

Monarch Butterflies- Monarchs travel up to an incredible 3,000 miles to the forests of central Mexico in a great migration to winter in the warmer climate.

This is a great science topic to include in your lesson on Mexico, learning about the Monarch specifically as well as the life cycle of a butterfly. Add this Fun and Easy Hands-on Life Cycle Butterfly Activity for Kids to you quick study.

Music, Food, and Art of Mexico

Also, more topics to learn about are about the music, food, and art of Mexico.

  • Easy Mexican Crafts: How to Make a Taco Craft

First, La Cucaracha in Spanish phrase means “the cockroach” and it is a Mexican folk dance. This is fun to learn and do with a group like in a co-op or with other family members.

Mariachi music is performed by a band playing as they stroll and the Mexican Hat Dance is the national dance of Mexico.

Here is another fun video showing the Hat Dance. I love it because it’s quirky, but also your child can hear both the music and see the dance.

Too, the instructor gives tips for each age on how to vary the dance. So much fun to do at home or in a co-op.

Too, corn, chilies and chocolate come originally from Mexico.

Tacos- Especially Tacos el Pastor- or “ Shepherd Style” tacos that are made with seasoned and marinated pork. They are very different from the typical fast food or Tex Mex style restaurant tacos that you have probably had.

In addition, learn about tamales and how to make tortillas.

Frida Kahlo- One of the most celebrated Mexican artists is Frida Kahlo. She was a painter who was known for portraits, especially self-portraits in a naive folk art style. She is also identifiable with her large colorful floral headbands like the one below.

  • 5 Mexico Crafts For Preschoolers And Free Activity Pages

More Unit Study Ideas

  • Free Marco Polo Unit Study, Lapbook, and Hands-on Ideas
  • South America Printable Lapbook and Fun Hands-on Unit Study Ideas
  • Texas Homeschool Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas
  • France Unit Study and Make Easy French Bread
  • US Westward Expansion Lapbook and Hands-on Unit Study Ideas

Mexico Unit Study and Make a Fun Easy Floral Headband

Finally, look how to make this fun easy Mexican floral headband.

Make a Fun Easy Floral Headband

You will need:

  • A wide headband
  • Variety of silk flowers
  • Hot glue
Mexico Unit Study and Make a Fun Easy Floral Headband

To keep your cost low try to find an inexpensive variety of flowers on a single stem, Dollar Tree is a great resource for this.

You might also find some at a thrift store or in your own supply stash.

Pull the flowers themselves off the stem or cut them off close to the underside of the flower if they are attached.

Mexico Unit Study and Make a Fun Easy Floral Headband

Lay your headband flat and arrange the flowers loosely around the band to get an idea of how you would like to place them.

Mexico Unit Study and Make a Fun Easy Floral Headband

Hot glue a few pieces of greenery to the headband.

Mexico Unit Study and Make a Fun Easy Floral Headband

Now you can begin hot gluing the flowers around the headband. I like to start with one large flower and put it in place.

Mexico Unit Study and Make a Fun Easy Floral Headband

Then I work my way down to smaller ones, finally filling in with the smallest ones. Be sure to make it full on either side.

Mexico Unit Study and Make a Fun Easy Floral Headband

You will want to hold each flower in place until the glue sets firmly.

Once the glue has set your headband is ready to wear.

Mexico Unit Study and Make a Fun Easy Floral Headband

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: crafts, flowers, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, Mexico, unit studies, unit study

Alphabet Letter R is for Rainbow Craft for Preschool | Fun Rain Mobile

January 7, 2024 | 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Create this R is for rainbow craft. And find plenty more ideas to enjoy a rainbow (and rain) themed unit with your preschooler. Also, I have more alphabet letter fun on my page How to Homeschool Preschool.

Rain and rainbows are a perfect theme for introducing the letter R.

They are fun, colorful, and a natural part of life.

But rather than just focusing on rainbows you can use it as a starting point to create a fun little unit all about weather.

Alphabet Letter R is for Rainbow Craft for Preschool | Fun Rain Mobile

Add a special focus on r is for rainbow and incorporate math, language arts, science, and history as well.

There are plenty of great ideas to keep your preschooler busy and engaged throughout the study.

And you can choose as many or as few as you like to customize it to what fits your family and your schedule.

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

Start the week by demonstrating for your child how to make the letter R sound. You can use catchy videos to help what they learn really stick.

Letter/Sound Recognition- Learn the Letter R with a favorite of mine, Jack Hartmann.

His videos are so much fun while sounding out the letter. And words that start with the letter as well as hand motions, dancing, and memorable teaching.

Book- The sweet story A Rainbow of My Own is a great read aloud to tie in with the rainbow theme and is presented in easy-to-understand language.

Alphabet Letter R is for Rainbow Craft for Preschool | Fun Rain Mobile

Craft/Activity- I found a matching upper and lower case Rainbow Alphabet Activity that goes along with my book selection for the day- A Rainbow of My Own.

Song/Fingerplay- A little twist on an old classic, this version of Singing in The Rain will have your little one up and dancing.

Snack- Keep it simple but I think this Froot Loops Rainbow Craft and Snack will still be a big hit, just look how cute it is.

Science Focus Day 2

Keep preschoolers engaged with hands-on experiments and simple discussions about how it rains as well as why rainbows appear after a rain.

This Rain Cloud in a Jar activity is a fantastic visual for young children to understand why and how rain falls.

Letter/Sound Recognition- The Rainbow Alphabet Matching Game offers a free printable for matching lower and uppercase letters.

Book- The simple text of Rainbows introduces young learners to the science behind rainbows. Including why rainbows occur and what they are made of.

Craft/Activity – Try this super fun and engaging Scented Rainbow Science For Preschoolers activity, preschoolers love that fizzing foaming reaction.

Another fantastic science activity is the Rainbow Skittles Experiment.

Song/Fingerplay- While your child may already know the colors of the rainbow, they will still enjoy singing along to The Rainbow Colors Song.

Snack-Rainbow Yogurt Bark is healthy but will appeal to both their eyes and taste buds. I think this is a great easy snack that they can also help prepare.

Alphabet Letter R is for Rainbow Craft for Preschool | Fun Rain Mobile

Then add some R is for rainbow craft math.

Math Focus Day 3

Additionally, you can keep it very simple by creating a math activity with a single piece of blue construction paper and a marker.

Cut out 10 raindrop shapes and number them 1-10, have your child place them in order.

To make it a little more challenging line them up and pull out a number or two and have your child place the number in the correct spot.

As they advance you can also use them to ask your child to demonstrate things like show me one more than 3, one less etc.

Alphabet Letter R is for Rainbow Craft for Preschool | Fun Rain Mobile

Letter/Sound Recognition- Create the Raindrops Letter Matching craft.

Use construction paper or craft foam for an easy and fun game, focus on a few letters or all.

Book- Before you get the rainbow you get – Rain!  A cute storybook about finding joy in the rain and all the fun it brings.

Craft/Activity-Another fantastic idea for math is to practice simple Math With a Rainbow Abacus that will delight your child while they learn basic number sense.

Song/Finger Play-Revisit Jack Harmann for a catchy song about the Colors of The Rainbow.

Snack- Enjoy a snack or lunch starting with R, here are some ideas to get you started -Ravioli, rice, ramen, ranch dressing, raw carrots, raisins, Romaine lettuce, and raspberries.

History/Geography/ Focus Day 4

This topic is a great time to introduce community helpers like meteorologists to your child.

Watch a few minutes of the weather report and talk it over with your child. 

Letter/Sound Recognition- Remember that you do not always have to focus on just the letter you are learning for the week.

It is truly best to continually review what you have learned and at least introduce new letters and sound organically if not for mastery just for familiarity.

Cut rainbow colors of construction paper into ¼ their size and write the name of the color at the top so your child can see it.

Have them go on a hunt around the house and find objects of that color, as they place them practice sounding out the first letter of each object.

Alphabet Letter R is for Rainbow Craft for Preschool | Fun Rain Mobile

Book- The Rain Came Down.

Craft/Activity- Let your child enjoy dramatic play time as a meteorologist. Create this Fun Felt Weather Chart that is fantastic for daily use during your morning time.

Song/Fingerplay- Let’s go back to practicing The Letter R Sound.

Review upper and lower case, and learning words that start with the letter R.

Silly and memorable you may find your preschooler singing this song all day.

Snack-This treat covers rainbow and rice krispies! These Rainbow Rice Krispies look delicious and are a fun way to celebrate the theme.

Books for Learning About R is for Rainbow Craft

8 Rainbow Books

R is for rainbow. Add some books and resources for a fun unit study rainbow theme.

A Rainbow of My Own

A small boy imagines what it would be like to have his own rainbow to play with.

Rainbows (Amazing Sights of the Sky)

One of the best things about a rainy day is the possibility of seeing a rainbow, but there's more to rainbows than meets the eye! Simple text introduces readers to the science behind rainbows. Including why rainbows occur and what they are made of.

What Makes a Rainbow?: A Magic Ribbon Book

A rainbow of ribbons magically appear when you open the pages of this innovative book! Toddlers will love listening to the charming story and seeing a different colored ribbon with the turn of each page. The last page is sure to delight with all the colors of the rainbow. What a fun way to learn colors!

Rain!

One rainy day in the city, an eager little boy exclaims, “Rain!” Across town a grumpy man grumbles, “Rain.” In this endearing picture book, a rainy-day cityscape comes to life in vibrant, cut-paper-style artwork. The boy in his green frog hat splashes in puddles—“Hoppy, hoppy, hoppy!”—while the old man curses the “dang puddles.” Can the boy’s natural exuberance (and perhaps a cookie) cheer up the grouchy gentleman and turn the day around?

The Rain Came Down

"On Saturday morning, the rain came down. It made the chickens squawk. The cat yowled at the chickens, and the dog barked at the cat. And still, the rain came down."The barking dog wakes the baby, the dog barks louder, and a policeman comes. His police car blocks traffic, and a woman in a taxi yells, so the taxi driver honks his horn. The truck driver in front of him gets mad and starts honking back. The beauty parlor owner comes out to look, and she bumps into the barber, and they begin to argue. A painter bonks the barber on the head with a can of paint, and then the baker opens up his umbrella and pokes the pizza man. On and on and on until suddenly . . . . . . the rain stops!The sun comes out, everything shimmers, and all of the bickering townspeople make amends–even the arguing children, who get free ice cream cones.

Who Likes Rain?

With spring come April showers. It's time to put on a raincoat, grab an umbrella, and head outdoors. The worms like rain, and so do the fish and frogs. But what about the cat and dog? In this lyrical picture book, one spunky little girl discovers just who likes rain―and who doesn't―as she explores the rainy-day habits of the world around her.

Newton's Rainbow: The Revolutionary Discoveries of a Young Scientist

Famed for his supposed encounter with a falling apple that inspired his theory of gravity, Isaac Newton (1642–1727) grew from a quiet and curious boy into one of the most influential scientists of all time. Newton's Rainbow tells the story of young Isaac―always reading, questioning, observing, and inventing―and how he eventually made his way to Cambridge University, where he studied the work of earlier scientists and began building on their accomplishments. This colorful picture book biography celebrates Newton's discoveries that illuminated the mysteries of gravity, motion, and even rainbows, discoveries that gave mankind a new understanding of the natural world, discoveries that changed science forever.

Quiet Bunny's Many Colors

Quiet Bunny loves the bright colors of spring: the yellow ducks, green frogs, and blue jays —everything but his own mousy-brown and wintry-white fur. It takes the help of a wise old owl for Bunny to realize that it's the rainbow of colors, including his own, that makes the world so beautiful.

Also, add day 5.

Language Arts Focus Day 5

Of course, throughout the week you have been repeating the letter R’s sound, pointing it out whenever you see it,

Also, you’re doing a language arts rich activity like reading aloud.

But take another day to do some additional intentional activities.

Letter/Sound Recognition- Squishy sensory fun is a great practice idea for pre-writing skills, use the Rainbow Bag Writing Tray to introduce “writing” with a finger before picking up pencils.

Book- Who Likes Rain? I feel like this one is a wonderful combination of picture book and science book, as it talks about who and why they like (and need) the rain.

Craft/Activity- Create this Fun Rain Mobile below for an art project in line with our theme that can be hung up anywhere.

I am also quite certain that most kids would love to dig into a sensory bin with this DIY Rainbow Spaghetti as the base, colorful and squishy fun.

Song/Fingerplay- If you are not already familiar with them The Laurie Berkner Band is another really good resource for children’s songs covering a lot of topics and “Umbrella” is so contagious!

 Snack-A healthy and easy treat to start off the day this Rainy Day Breakfast will be fun and delicious.

Alphabet Letter R is for Rainbow Craft for Preschool | Fun Rain Mobile

Finally, look at this r is for rainbow craft rain mobile.

Fun R is for Rainbow Craft Rain Mobile

You will need:

  • White and blue craft foam
  • Rainbow colored pipe cleaners
  • String
  • Scissors
  • Hot glue/tacky glue
Alphabet Letter R is for Rainbow Craft for Preschool | Fun Rain Mobile

First, lay two sheets of white craft foam together and cut out two symmetrical clouds shapes as large as you would like it to be.

Alphabet Letter R is for Rainbow Craft for Preschool | Fun Rain Mobile

Use a small cylinder-shaped object to bend lengths of rainbow colored pipe cleaners into somewhat similar shapes and sizes.

Alphabet Letter R is for Rainbow Craft for Preschool | Fun Rain Mobile

Layer the rainbow colors and attach with glue, talking to your child as you do it together about the order the colors appear in the rainbow.

You can use hot glue for a quicker dry time but if you want to let your child do as much of the project as possible opt for a strong hold tacky glue instead.

Alphabet Letter R is for Rainbow Craft for Preschool | Fun Rain Mobile

Cut varying lengths of string and glue across the bottom of one of the cloud shapes.

Alphabet Letter R is for Rainbow Craft for Preschool | Fun Rain Mobile

Make a small loop of string and attach to the top of the same cloud to create a hanger.

Alphabet Letter R is for Rainbow Craft for Preschool | Fun Rain Mobile

Cut raindrops from craft foam and glue onto the strings.

Alphabet Letter R is for Rainbow Craft for Preschool | Fun Rain Mobile

2 CommentsFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool preschool, letter sounds, phonics, preschool, preschool skills, rain, rainbow, unit study, weather

How to Make a Popsicle Stick Stem Dogsled | Balto Unit Study

November 21, 2023 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We’re making a popsicle stick STEM dogsled as we enjoy a ride through the story of Balto. Also, look at my 4 Week Free Alaska Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas.

Even though Balto might make you think of simply a literature unit, you can still work in some amazing history, geography, math, language arts, and science.

You have a great choice of activities and resources below.

Also, I have a tutorial for you to build your own dog sled from popsicle sticks. 

How to Make a Popsicle Stick Stem Dogsled | Balto Unit Study

The STEM part of this study can be learned naturally.

For example, your child investigates different methods for creating a sled to make it aerodynamic.

In addition, he learns about friction as it glides or sticks on the path down the ramp, problem-solving, and encourages outside-of-the-box thinking.

Encourage everyone in the family to create a sled and then race.

Ask questions like what made your sleds go faster or slower? What would you change next time?

Facts About the Book Balto

First, if you are not already familiar with the story of Balto let me give you a quick rundown.

It is based on a true story set in Nome Alaska and centers around the dog Balto who is a purebred Siberian husky.

He leads a dog team on a life-saving mission for serum when there is an outbreak of diphtheria.

  • Balto was not the only dog responsible for saving the children of Nome, sled dogs took turns carrying the medicine from Nenena, Alaska to Nome. 
  • There is a statue of Balto that was placed in Central Park, and it remains there, still today.
  • The run by mushers and dogs for the diphtheria serum was also known as the Great Race of Mercy.
  • The trip from Nenena to Nome normally took 30 days for a sled dog team, this time it was done in a miraculous 6 days to deliver the medicine before it expired.
  • A sled dog team is typically made up of a musher and 4 to 6 dogs or a pair and 8 to 12 dogs. This relay included 20 mushers and around 100 to 150 dogs. 
How to Make a Popsicle Stick Stem Dogsled | Balto Unit Study

Next, if your kids love reading books about dogs and dogs stories, look at some of these fun reads.

I lean toward living books to bring unit studies to life.

9 Books and Resources for Kids Who Love Dogs and Sled Dogs

If your child loves books about dogs and sled dogs, grab some of these for a fun unit study.

Balto and the Great Race (Stepping Stone)

Balto has a quiet life as a sled dog—until tragedy strikes. Dozens of children in Nome become sick with diphtheria. Without antitoxin serum, they will perish—and the closest supply is 650 miles away! The only way to get the serum to Nome is by sled, but can the dogs deliver it in time? Heading bravely into a brutal blizzard, Balto leads the race for life.

Togo

Togo wasn't meant to be a sled dog. He was too feisty and independent to make a good team member, let alone a leader. But Togo is determined, and when his trainer, Leonhard Seppala, gives him a chance, he soon becomes one of the fastest sled dogs in history! His skills are put to the ultimate test, though, when Seppala and his team are called on to make the now-famous run across the frozen Arctic to deliver the serum that will save Alaska from a life-threatening outbreak of diphtheria.

Kiana's Iditarod (PAWS IV)

Kiana is no ordinary dog. Born and bred to race, she leads her team of huskies on a journey unlike any other. The Iditarod - known traditionally as Alaska's 'Last Great Race' - spans 1,049 icy miles from Anchorage to Nome. From the treacherous terrain to the bitter, blowing winds, the trail is full of obstacles Kiana and her team must overcome in order to reach the finish line. Along the way, they encounter packs of wild wolves, a mighty moose, and other dog-sled teams fighting for first place. Can Kiana summon the strength of her team and lead them to victory? Author Shelley Gill brings her firsthand experience as the fifth woman to complete the Iditarod race to this crackling adventure story, while Shannon Cartwright's vibrant color illustrations bring Kiana and her team's extraordinary efforts to life for young readers.

Kavik the Wolf Dog

When Andy Evans stumbles upon the snow-covered wreckage of a small plane, he’s shocked to find a survivor. Should he put the gravely injured dog out of his misery? The look in the animal’s eyes says he’s not ready to die. It turns out that Kävik’s a champion sled dog, and soon he makes a full recovery. When his rightful owner finds out Kävik is alive, he wants the dog back. But Kävik has other ideas.

.Siberian Husky Figurine

Detailed Representation: Hand-painted by professionals, this Siberian Husky figurine comes alive with realistic features and markings, a perfect gift for dog lovers.

White Fang

WHITE FANG !!!! (PART 1 of 2) From Jack London, one of the greatest American writers of all time, comes this masterpiece in adventure story telling: WHITE FANG!!! Can White Fang the timber wolf pup ever be tamed? WHITE FANG (PART 1 of 2)examines the violent world of wild animals and the equally violent world of humans. WHITE FANG! A tale of animal heroism, survival and adventure like never before seen in American literature.

Stone Fox

Based on a Rocky Mountain legend, Stone Fox tells the story of Little Willy, who lives with his grandfather in Wyoming. When Grandfather falls ill, he is no longer able to work the farm, which is in danger of foreclosure. Little Willy is determined to win the National Dogsled Race—the prize money would save the farm and his grandfather. But he isn't the only one who desperately wants to win. Willy and his brave dog Searchlight must face off against experienced racers, including a Native American man named Stone Fox, who has never lost a race.

Dogteam

On a moonlit winter night, a team of dogs pulls a sled, taking the narrator and readers on a wondrous ride through the snow, into and out of the woods. It is a ride you'll wish would never end.

The Adventures of Balto: The Untold Story of Alaska's Famous Iditarod Sled Dog

Balto, the great Alaska sled dog, has been dead since 1933. But he still stands larger-than-life on Dogdom's Mount Olympus, where the world's great canines are immortalized. Yet few people know Balto's true story.

Additionally, look at some of these unit study facts to go along the popsicle stick stem dogsled.

Balto Unit Study

Don’t just read the book, immerse yourselves in it with fun hands-on activities that cover a wide variety of subjects and ages so everyone in the family is included.

You can widen your unit a bit by incorporating the topics of winter, Alaska, snow, blizzards, and other themes that are prevalent throughout the story.

Math Unit Study Ideas for Balto

  • Research how long it takes to get from where you are to Nome, Alaska-by foot, car, train, and plane.
  • For the littlest learners, you can do Winter Math Activities With Printable Snowflake Number Circle.
  • Here is a wintery-themed Hands-On Math: Fun and Easy Snowflake Geometry idea.
  • If you live somewhere with snow have your child create and maintain a record of the daily snowfall.

Science Unit Study Ideas for Balto

  • Learn about the different wildlife found in Alaska- Caribou, moose, polar bear, bald eagle, Orcas, and more for science.
  • Use a Siberian Husky Figure to reenact the story, use it in a diorama, or as part of a lovely winter sensory bin.
  • Your popsicle stick stem dogsled craft today is a great opportunity for hands-on science. This is a great time to let your child hypothesize and experiment, they will be naturally problem-solving, engineering, and thinking critically along the way.
  • Find out how Inuit of the Arctic: How Animals Survive Harsh Winters Fun Blubber Activity, goes along with this unit very well.

History/Geography Unit Study Ideas for Balto

  • Locate Nome, Alaska on a map or globe. Then locate the starting point in Nenena, Alaska, and track the path with your finger.
How to Make a Popsicle Stick Stem Dogsled | Balto Unit Study
  • Use this stencil of Alaska as a base to create a felt, salt dough, paper, or any other material map to learn the geography of this chilly state.

After finishing the book, watch the animated adaptation of Balto.

Language Arts Unit Study Ideas For Balto

For younger readers, Totally True Adventures, Balto and The Great Race is a wonderful retelling of the story.

  • Provide your child with writing prompts. Encourage them to write or type a paragraph or an entire story from the inspiration.  “As the snow started falling faster my dogsled team and I…” , “ If I could be anywhere during the winter time it would be….”. Or “ Let me tell you about the time I interviewed Balto.”
  • Flip through your copy of Balto ahead of time. Then write down words that your child might not know or might be a challenge for spelling. Use these throughout your study as spelling/vocabulary words.
  • This Snow & Ice Salt Writing Tray is great for prewriting letters. But it is also a really fun sensory activity. For older children they can practice sight words and spelling.

Crafts for Learning About Balto

  • Follow this tutorial video and draw a Siberian husky, just like Balto for art.
  • Create these fabulous DIY Stand-up Cardboard Huskies to display, and add them to your dogsled to complete it.
  •  A Super Easy Snowball Painting is not only fun but can help your child understand the total white-out conditions that can be faced in a winter storm.

If you are looking for more ideas like this Balto Unit Study you can work in more winter studies with the 8 Cool Winter Crafts for Middle School | Craft a Snowman Bead Necklace and a list of other great books that fit the theme to get them through winter.

How to Make a Popsicle Stick Stem Dogsled

I am giving you a general how-to make a popsicle stick stem dogsled.

But remember this is a stem project and you may want to try several ways and models to test which one goes faster, holds more weight, etc.

You will need:

  • Popsicle sticks
  • Sturdy scissors or straight edge blade
  • Cardboard
  • Glue gun/glue sticks
  • Paint-optional

If you enjoy doing projects with craft sticks you may want to invest in this tool.

It comes in really handy and makes cutting much easier, especially with angles like I did on the side braces of this.

How to Make a Popsicle Stick Stem Dogsled | Balto Unit Study

First, determine the length and width you would like to make your sled, use scissors or a razor knife to trim pieces for the bottom, side, and front.

First lay out all the pieces to get an idea of where everything goes.

How to Make a Popsicle Stick Stem Dogsled | Balto Unit Study

I used 4 sticks for the base and then secured them with a stick going across at each end, using hot glue.

Cut them slightly short on each side so you have room to attach runners, so it just needs to be the width of one craft stick on either side.

How to Make a Popsicle Stick Stem Dogsled | Balto Unit Study

Hot glue craft sticks that are full size or cut them down to either side of the base to create runners.

How to Make a Popsicle Stick Stem Dogsled | Balto Unit Study

Flip the sled over and begin construction of the front, to keep it light you will want to cut your sticks in half and again cut down a piece for support across the back.

How to Make a Popsicle Stick Stem Dogsled | Balto Unit Study

Glue on side rails and support at an angle to stabilize the whole thing, you can cut angles or leave the ends straight.

How to Make a Popsicle Stick Stem Dogsled | Balto Unit Study

Finally, you can leave your sled unfinished or paint it.

How to Make a Popsicle Stick Stem Dogsled | Balto Unit Study

Create a snowy ramp with a long strip of cardboard painted white.

How to Make a Popsicle Stick Stem Dogsled | Balto Unit Study

Prop it up at varying heights to test its speed.

How to Make a Popsicle Stick Stem Dogsled | Balto Unit Study

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Over And Under The Snow Activities For a Free Literature Unit Study

November 10, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Look at these easy and fun Over And Under The Snow activities I have gathered to create a fun and free literature unit study for preschoolers (or even kindergarteners ). Also, you’ll love more ideas on my pages Winter Season Unit Study Free Lapbook & Hands-On Ideas, Best Homeschool Unit Studies and How to Homeschool Preschool.

Preschoolers can benefit from a literature unit study.

And you can easily turn it into a fun week-long theme that covers everything from language arts to science and even math.

Over And Under The Snow Activities For a Free Literature Unit Study

You will want to start each day by reading the entire book from start to finish.

You can choose the order you do these activities.

It is totally up to you and what works for you and your child.

Besides the book and some plastic animals, you can put this entire week together with less than $5 in supplies.

I picked up the pack of styrofoam balls, shaving cream, and baking soda that made up 3 of the week’s activities for $3.75 at Dollar Tree.

I have also included a few more ways to use these items to stretch the fun, learning, and budget.

Language Arts Day 1

The act of reading alone is a wonderful language arts activity.

As you read through the book you stimulate their imagination and expand their understanding of the world.

Reading aloud helps them to develop language and listening skills and is an important pre-reading activity to help them understand the written word.

But there are some places you can be intentional.

Throughout the book, some words will be brand new to your child. Take some time to go over them a bit before you read so that your child can understand and learn the new vocabulary.

Here are some new words that you might pick a couple from to focus on:

  • Glide- To move with a smooth continuous motion.
  • Flash- A quick view of something.
  • Tracks- A mark or line of marks left by a person or animal.
  • Huddle- To crowd together closely.
  • Morsels– A small piece of food.
  • Shelter- A place that gives temporary protection from weather or danger.
  • Gnaw-To bite or nibble something persistently.

Point out letters your child is already familiar with on the cover or throughout the book and have them name the letter.

New letters should be told to the child over and over until they have it down.  But make it fun! Talk about what letter f-f-fox starts with or o-o-over.

Finally, the shaving cream that you will be using later in the week can be squirted right onto the table and smoothed out a bit to practice drawing and writing letters with little fingers.

Sensory experiences like this often stick much better than dozens of tracing worksheets.

Over And Under The Snow Activities For a Free Literature Unit Study

Also, add some of these books for a fun read aloud.

I lean toward living books then like to add in reference book when possible.

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.

Winter Is Coming

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

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

Hanna's Cold Winter

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

Over and Under the Snow

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

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

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

The Snow Day

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

Animals in Winter

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

Breadcrumbs

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

Brave Irene: A Picture Book

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

Moominland Midwinter

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

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

Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow

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

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

If Polar Bears Disappeared

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

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

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

The Very, Very Far North

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

The Longest Night

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wolf in the Snow

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

The Snowflake Sisters

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

Mr. Popper's Penguins

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

One Snowy Night (Percy the Park Keeper)

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

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

Dog Driven

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

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

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

Stranger in the Woods: A Photographic Fantasy (Nature)

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

Owl Moon

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

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

Here Comes Jack Frost

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

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

Twelve Kinds of Ice

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

Blizzard

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

Grandmother Winter

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

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

Wild Child

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

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

Next add geography or history or both.

Geography Day 2

In preschool, this is focused on the study of people and how they relate to their world.

This means transportation, community helpers, family, emotions, and caring for our world.

You can talk about the relationship between the little girl and her father in the book.

And explain how they each felt throughout their exploration of the woods and ways that we can take care of the world we live in and the animals by respecting them during walks.

Who are helpers in places like this?

Park rangers and game wardens are likely brand-new community helpers to your child.

Explain to them what each does and how they help our world.

You can also focus on the geography of the animals throughout the story.

Where would you find red squirrels or voles for instance?

Next, add in some fun art. Here are some ideas.

Art Day 3

Create a fun puffy sensory paint by combining white craft paint with a little bit of shaving cream.

Then for an easy over and under the-snow activities use it to create a winter scene with areas for creatures over and under the snow.

Over And Under The Snow Activities For a Free Literature Unit Study


Use a marker to draw trees in the background, encouraging your child to recreate the cover of the book if they like. Both free art and gently directed art are important parts of development.

Over And Under The Snow Activities For a Free Literature Unit Study

Once the paint has dried your child can add animals above and below the snow to re-enact the book.

You can use plastic animals, print out small pieces of paper of winter animals, or let them draw some in.

Over And Under The Snow Activities For a Free Literature Unit Study

You do not need or want a full math curriculum at this age. Simply focus on number sense to begin with.

Math Day 4

As you read the book, have them count with you the number of animals on different pages.

Over And Under The Snow Activities For a Free Literature Unit Study

Number sense includes counting and identifying quantities, number recognition, subitizing (glancing at small numbers and knowing the number).

One-to-one Correspondence- This is simply making the connection between a number and a physical item.

It involves the act of counting each object in a set once, with one touch per object.

 A simple activity you can do to help develop number recognition is to get multiples of an object.

For example, you can grab small styrofoam balls or white buttons to go along with the snow theme of the book and a single dice (two if they are working on higher than 1-5).

Let them roll the die and match the number with the correct number of objects.

Over And Under The Snow Activities For a Free Literature Unit Study

Use positional words like over, under, inside, outside, behind, etc. and have your child move an object to demonstrate them.

This simple spatial activity is a precursor to geometry and measurement.

You can use styrofoam balls for all kinds of counting and adding and subtracting.

More Over and Under the Snow Activities

  • Winter Craft Ideas for Kids Animals in Winter Fun Snow Slime
  • Over and Under the Snow Building Activity
  • Kindergarten Crafts for Winter An Easy and Fun Polar Bear Fork Painting
  • Over and Under the Snow – A Storytime Activity
  • Cardinal Birds in Winter and Birch Trees Easy Watercolor Kids Activity
  • Simple and Easy Instant Ice Kids Activity Homeschool Science Experiments
  • Free Amazing Winter Unit Study and Winter Lapbook for Kids

Science Day 5

The science possibilities are wonderful in this book.

You can study specific animals and their habits, winter weather or both. I have an activity suggestion for this that gives you a concrete example of both.

You can take a deep dive into learning about the creatures above and below the snow by watching short videos on various animals.

Pouring over your favorite zoology books, observing these animals in nature in your own backyard, or at the zoo.

Over And Under The Snow Activities For a Free Literature Unit Study

Or with fun hands-on activities like this Over and Under the Snow sensory bin with two ingredient snow as its base.

Over and Under the Snow Activities – Two Ingredient Snow

You will need:

  • Baking soda
  • unscented/sensitive shaving cream
  • Blue construction paper
  • Paintbrush

To create the 2 ingredient snow, combine baking soda with unscented shaving cream until a snowlike texture is reached.

If it’s too dry add more shaving cream, too wet, more baking soda.

I find that it is easiest to mix it with your hands. If it just holds together when squeezed it’s a great texture.

Over And Under The Snow Activities For a Free Literature Unit Study

Fill the bottom of your chosen shallow container for the sensory bin with the “snow”.

Add small pinecones, twigs, etc. as well as plastic animals mentioned in the book like foxes, squirrels, beavers, frogs, black bears snowshoe hares, and owls.

The sensory bin is used for dramatic small-world play, fine motor skills, and as a wonderful base to work in science learning about animals as well as snow.

Over And Under The Snow Activities For a Free Literature Unit Study

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, life science, science, snow, unit studies, unit study, winter crafts, winter season

Farmer Boy Unit Study and Make a Fun Hand Loom Craft

October 4, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a Farmer Boy unit study and fun hand loom craft. Also, grab more ideas on my Best Homeschool Unit Studies page.

Dig into a wonderful literature-based Farmer Boy unit study while also teaching your child about pioneer and farm life.

Too, I have a step-by-step weaving loom tutorial that demonstrates weaving and ends with a beautiful keepsake.

Farmer Boy Unit Study and Make a Fun Hand Loom Craft

Additionally, this is a great activity that teaches not only a way of life in pioneer days but also a unique handicraft, fine motor skills, following directions and patterning.

Another great book to supplement your study is Julia Rothman Farm Anatomy to study the farming aspect of life back then.

It covers farm animals, skills like how to plow a field and milk a cow, make cheese, barn structures, and more modern machinery.

Besides a great way to learn is by doing, so here are activities for each area that you might want to teach-cooking, science, history, language arts, and crafts.

Farmer Boy Unit Study Ideas

RECIPES

  • Make Fried Apples N’ Onions alongside your next dinner to try a taste of one of Almanzo’s favorite treats.
  • Give Almanzo’s Moms Doughnuts a try to start off your day.
  • Next, pancakes are an important part of a hungry growing boys breakfast in both this book and The Long Winter as well, make Farmer Boy Pancakes.

FARMER BOY SCIENCE

  • A must do activity is the Popcorn and Milk Experiment from the book.
  • However, if you are going to do the popcorn and milk experiment, you have to also try this Dancing Corn.
  • Furthermore, choose an animal or two from Farm Anatomy or another book to study.
  • Learn about farming with my How to Create Homeschool Farming Curriculum and Adorable Clothespin Sheep Craft.
  • Further, farmer Boy talks about how ice was stored in the days before refrigeration, this Ice Insulation Experiment gives your child a little more understanding how that works.
  • Add my Free Horse Unit Study for Your Horse Loving Kids.
  • Learn how to make soap.
  • I thought this How to Test Soil Ph would make a great experiment if you are doing gardening alongside your study as well.
  •  Make Butter 

FARMER BOY GEOGRAPHY/HISTORY

  • Find Malone, New York on a map where Almanzo was born and raised.
  • The book covers approximately one year in Almanzo’s life, have your child create a timeline to learn the basics of a timeline.
  • And then, take a step back in time and watch this video on the Wilder Homestead, see the layout, furniture, and more details of life as a pioneer.

LANGUAGE ARTS

  • Vocabulary. Find a full set of vocabulary flashcards for the whole book here to use online, print, as well as in several online activities to practice.
  • Have your child write a letter to Manzo from the future to try and explain life in present times.
  • Use excerpts from the book for copywork to develop handwriting skills.
Farmer Boy Unit Study and Make a Fun Hand Loom Craft

FARMER CRAFTS

  • Make a Clove Apple like Ma Ingalls to preserve it and scent the house.
  • Create these adorable Pine Cone Farm Animals
  • Pioneer Living and Cloth Dyeing
  • Fun Pioneer Peg Dolls

Farmer Boy Manzo won an award for his milk fed pumpkin, creating this Book Page Pumpkin using an old book

Books for Studying Little House on the Prairie Series

Little House on the Prairie Unit Study Resources

Add some of these fun resources to ignite a love for learning about the Little House on the Prairie.

The Little House (9 Volumes Set)

The nine books in the timeless Little House series tell the story of Laura’s real childhood as an American pioneer, and are cherished by readers of all generations. They offer a unique glimpse into life on the American frontier, and tell the heartwarming, unforgettable story of a loving family.

Pioneer Girl: The Story of Laura Ingalls Wilder

Readers around the world know and love Laura, the little girl born in the Big Woods of Wisconsin and raised in covered wagons and on wide open prairies. Now Little House fans can learn more about the remarkable story of the pioneer girl who would one day immortalize her adventures in the beloved Little House books in this, the first picture book biography book of Laura Ingalls Wilder.

A Little Prairie House (Little House Picture Book)

With the My First Little House picture book series, the youngest readers can share in the joy of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House books in these illustrated adaptations of the beloved series! 

Laura, Pa, Ma, Mary, and baby Carrie have traveled from the Big Woods to the prairie in their covered wagon, driving through tall grass until they found just the right spot for their new home. With the help of their kind neighbor, Mr. Edwards, Pa builds a snug little house for the family in the middle of the wide-open prairie.

Farmer Boy (Little House, 2)

The second book in the treasured Little House series, Farmer Boy is Laura Ingalls Wilder’s beloved story of how her husband, Almanzo, grew up as a farmer boy far from the little house where Laura lived. This edition features the classic black-and-white artwork from Garth Williams. 

The nine Little House books have been cherished by generations of readers as both a unique glimpse into America’s frontier history and as heartwarming, unforgettable stories. The Little House series has captivated millions of readers with its depiction of life on the American frontier.

While Laura Ingalls grows up on the prairie, Almanzo Wilder is living on a big farm in New York State. Here Almanzo and his brother and sisters help with the summer planting and fall harvest. In winter there is wood to be chopped and great slabs of ice to be cut from the river and stored. Time for fun comes when the jolly tin peddler visits, or best of all, when the fair comes to town.

Almanzo wishes for just one thing—his very own horse—and he must prove that he is ready for such a big responsibility.

The Little House Cookbook

With this cookbook, you can learn how to make classic frontier dishes like corn dodgers, mincemeat pie, cracklings, and pulled molasses candy. The book also includes excerpts from the Little House books, fascinating and thoroughly researched historical context, and details about the cooking methods that pioneers like Ma Ingalls used, as well as illustrations by beloved artist Garth Williams.

Who Was Laura Ingalls Wilder?

Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House books, based on her own childhood and later life, are still beloved classics almost a century after she began writing them. Now young readers will see just how similar Laura's true-life story was to her books. Born in 1867 in the "Big Woods" in Wisconsin, Laura experienced both the hardship and the adventure of living on the frontier. Her life and times are captured in engaging text and 80 black-and-white illustrations.

Laura Ingalls Dress Up

  • Three Piece Set: Kid girls colonial dress, attached apron and bonnet.

Little House Coloring Book: Coloring Book for Adults and Kids

A beautifully designed coloring book featuring classic artwork by Garth Williams and quotes from all nine original Little House books. Perfect for at-home creative time—return to the world of Little House with your kids...or enjoy on your own!

Join Laura Ingalls, her Ma and Pa, and her sisters, Mary, Carrie, and Grace, on their travels across the frontier as you color in your favorite pioneer characters and scenes and revisit this beloved series.

This 96-page coloring book offers hours of relaxing, stress-reducing pleasure.

More Best Homeschool Unit Studies

  • Fun Chocolate Unit Study and DIY Chocolate Candy Bar Activity
  • Fun Renaissance Unit Study Ideas for Kids and Lapbook Renaissance
  • Free Homeschool Geology Unit Study And Easy DIY Eggshell Geode
  • Free Swiss Family Robinson Unit Study And Easy DIY Water Filter
  • Free Peregrine Falcon Lapbook And Fun Unit Study Ideas
  • Dandelion Flower Unit Study and Easy Tea Recipe & Notebooking Pages
  • France Unit Study and Make Easy French Bread
  • Free Horse Unit Study for Your Horse Loving Kids
  • Free Greek Mythology Unit Study and Greece Lapbook & Fun Hands on LEGO Zeus
  • How Do Sharks Float STEM Activity Free Shark Unit Study & Notebooking Pages
  • Free Homeschool Chicken Unit Study and Anatomy of an Egg Felt Activity & Worksheet
  • How to Incorporate Subjects into a Fun Homeschool Cooking Unit Study
  • Volcano Unit Study and Fun Apple Volcano
  • Solar System Unit Study and Hands-on Planets Activity
  • Charlotte’s Web Homeschool Unit Study and Fun Hands-on Ideas
  • Homeschool Unit Study Ideas | Lewis and Clark Exploration Lapbook
  • Mushroom Unit Study and Kids Learning Activities
  • Little House on The Prairie Unit Study and Fun Punched Tin Lantern
Farmer Boy Unit Study and Make a Fun Hand Loom Craft

Finally, look at this fun hand loom craft.

Farmer Boy Unit Study Hand Loom Craft

However, before your children begin with this craft have them learn about chores or activities that would be done seasonally.

After reading the book, look at some of the chores. I have divided them by seaons.

WINTER

SPRING

  • weaving cloth on a loomm
  • hauling timber
  • sledding
  • filling the ice house
  • threshing grain
  • plowing the fields
  • dyeing woold
  • shearing the sheep
  • gathering the eggs
  • making maple syrup
  • planting crops

SUMMER

FALL

  • making ice cream
  • haying
  • trout fishing
  • berry picking
  • butter making
  • mending fences
  • candle making
  • winterizing house and barns
  • soap making
  • butchering livestock

Now, let’s make this fun hand loom craft.

You will need:

  • 8 jumbo craft/popsicle sticks
  • Several colors of yarn
  • Twine
  • Scissors
  • Hot glue gun/sticks
  • Twine
Farmer Boy Unit Study and Make a Fun Hand Loom Craft

First, hot glue 4 craft sticks corner to corner to form a square frame, allowing glue to harden.

Farmer Boy Unit Study and Make a Fun Hand Loom Craft

Glue twine to the bottom corner of the frame and wrap it tightly all the way around ½” apart, glue into place at the end, cut off excess.

Farmer Boy Unit Study and Make a Fun Hand Loom Craft

Run a thick line of glue across the top and bottom to hold the lines in place from one side all the way to the other.

Farmer Boy Unit Study and Make a Fun Hand Loom Craft

Press another craft stick on top of the glue on top and bottom.

Farmer Boy Unit Study and Make a Fun Hand Loom Craft

Cut the angled strings on the backside off the frame to leave a clean easy to use loom.

Farmer Boy Unit Study and Make a Fun Hand Loom Craft

Pre-cut piles of yarn 10” long.

Farmer Boy Unit Study and Make a Fun Hand Loom Craft

If your child wants to create a pattern for their loom, lay out the threads flat in the order they will be placing them.

Farmer Boy Unit Study and Make a Fun Hand Loom Craft

Demonstrate how to weave over and under from one side to the other.

For younger children it may help to take another craft stick and thread it over and under to keep the alternating lines easier for them to identify. It slides easily up the lines as they fill it in.

Farmer Boy Unit Study and Make a Fun Hand Loom Craft

For the next yarn switch to the opposite-under and then over.

Repeat continuing up the loom, every so often pushing the rows down so that it ends up full.

Farmer Boy Unit Study and Make a Fun Hand Loom Craft

Once the loom is full, cut the ends off of each side just short of the edges of the frame.

Farmer Boy Unit Study and Make a Fun Hand Loom Craft

Run a generous line of hot glue along a craft stick and press it down onto the cut yarn edges on both sides.

Farmer Boy Unit Study and Make a Fun Hand Loom Craft

Create a hanging loop by knotting off a loop of yarn and hot glue onto the back of the frame.

Farmer Boy Unit Study and Make a Fun Hand Loom Craft

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: american history, farmer boy, farming, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, history, history resources, unit studies, unit study

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