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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

1 CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: Alaska, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, literature, STEM, unit studies, unit study, winter crafts, winter season

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.

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

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

Winter Is Coming

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

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

Hanna's Cold Winter

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

Over and Under the Snow

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

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

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

The Snow Day

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

Animals in Winter

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

Miss Maple's Seeds

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

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

Breadcrumbs

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

Brave Irene: A Picture Book

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

Icefall

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

Poetree

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

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

Moominland Midwinter

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

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

Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow

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

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

If Polar Bears Disappeared

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

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

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

The Very, Very Far North

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

The Longest Night

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wolf in the Snow

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

The Snowflake Sisters

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

Mr. Popper's Penguins

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

One Snowy Night (Percy the Park Keeper)

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

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

Dog Driven

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

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

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

Stranger in the Woods: A Photographic Fantasy (Nature)

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

Owl Moon

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

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

Here Comes Jack Frost

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

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

Twelve Kinds of Ice

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

Blizzard

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

Grandmother Winter

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

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

Wild Child

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

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

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

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  • Free Homeschool Geology Unit Study And Easy DIY Eggshell Geode
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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

Fun Facts About the Phantom of the Opera & Styles of Music Unit Study

September 30, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have some fun facts about the Phantom of the Opera and a styles of music unit study. Also, grab more ideas on my Best Homeschool Unit Studies page and Homeschool Music Curriculum.

Music is defined as vocal or instrumental sounds, or a combination of both, combined in such a way as to produce beauty of form, harmony, and expression of emotion.

Fun Facts About the Phantom of the Opera & Styles of Music Unit Study

Some of the things that make different genres of music are the instruments used, tempo, song structure, timbre, rhythm, song structure, cultural influence, and phrasing.

Your child probably already has music preferences but listening to different genres has a lot of benefits beyond musical appreciation.

First, look at some of these facts about some of our favorite music which comes from the Phantom of the Opera.

More Homeschool Music Curriculum Resources

  • Relax! How to Easily Add Art and Music to Your Homeschool Day
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  • Fun Facts About the Phantom of the Opera & Styles of Music Unit Study
  • Music Appreciation – Beethoven Chiming Bells Minibook

7 Facts About Phantom of The Opera

  1. The Phantom of the Opera is based on a 1910 novel of the same name, the songs were written for the stage adaptation by Andrew Lloyd Weber.
  2.  This opera has won over 70 major theater awards, including 3 Olivier Awards, 7 Tony Awards- including Best Musical, 7 Drama Desk Awards, and 5 Outer Critic Circle Awards.
  3. The Phantom’s make-up takes 2 hours to put on and 30 minutes to take off.  First, the face is moisturized and shaved, prosthetics are attached, and then wigs, microphones, and contact lenses are added.
  4. Each performance requires- 130 cast, crew, and orchestra members, 230 costumes, 120 automated cues, 22 scene changes, 281 candles, 551 pounds of dry ice, 10 fog and smoke machines.
  5. It has been played in 15 different languages- English, French, German, Japanese, Danish, Polish, Swedish, Castilian, Hungarian, Dutch, Korean, Portuguese, Mexican Spanish, Estonian and Russian.
  6.  It first opened in London’s West End in 1986 and then on Broadway in New York in 1988.
  7. It is the longest-running Broadway show of all time (In the US), 35 years, the curtain closed on this beautiful work for the last time on April 16, 2023.

Also, look at some more facts that can be used to turn the Phantom of the Opera into a music unit study.

Phantom of the Opera Unit Study Ideas

Begin with understanding some background information about the book.

The Phantom of the Opera, by Gaston Leroux, was first published in 1911.

And the book was brought to life by a musical with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Learn About the Main Characters

Next. introduce some of the characters.

  • Christine, a beautiful young singer from Norway
  • Raoul, a rich, handsome young Frenchman
  • La Carlotta, a famous Spanish opera singer
  • Madame Giry, a woman who looks after the boxes in the Opera House
  • The Persian, a strange man who watches the phantom
  • Monsieur Firmin, a director of the Opera House

Also, learn about the famous Opera House in Paris in 1880. The Phantom of the Opera occurs within the Le Relais Paris Opéra or the Paris Opera House.

Understand the History of the Le Relais Paris Opera

Because the novel features mystery and horror, learn about why the Opera House was chosen.

Fun Facts About the Phantom of the Opera & Styles of Music Unit Study

Look at the Paris Opera House history and this site even has a virtual tour.

Explore the Places of Entertainment in 19th Century Paris

This site offers images of the building and shows examples how the Paris Opera House has appeared in French art.

Opera v Operetta

Next, learn about the basics of a Opera.

Do you know the difference between an opera and an operetta?

Use these free guidebooks on the site Opera Colorado’s Opera for Beginners to understand.

Listening to Different Music Styles

Just listening to music has so many benefits.

Music is known to reduce anxiety, blood pressure, and pain as well as improve sleep quality, mood, mental alertness, and memory.

These are all great benefits for a homeschooler.

But they also gain appreciation for and learn to identify different genres of music through listening to different styles of music.

This is not a comprehensive list but covers the most popular music styles.

One of the simplest ways to study each is to create a playlist using your favorite music streaming service like iTunes and add a few songs for each of the categories you wish to cover.

Then, as your child is listening, have them rate each style of music, encourage them to pay attention to the instruments, speed, and lyrics, and then make observations. They can also rate each on a scale of 1-10.

Music Styles

  1. Classical- This refers to Western art music composed during the Classical period (1750-1820) and beyond that.  It is known for its complexity and orchestration.
  2. Opera- A form of Western Classical music. Originally, operas were entirely sung, but nowadays they also include spoken dialogue. It tells a story through music and singing.
  3. Country- Has its roots in the folk traditions of the southern United States. It features acoustic guitars, fiddles, and storytelling lyrics about rural lifestyles, love, and heartbreak. Artists: Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, and Dwight Yokum
  4. Jazz- Jazz includes styles such as swing, bebop, and fusion. It has harmonies, improvisations, and syncopated rhythms. Artists: Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, John Coltrane.
  5. Rock-Known for its use of electric guitars, drums, and strong vocal performances. It also includes sub-genres like classic rock, alternative rock, and heavy metal.
  6. Pop- Generally tends to be catchy and melodic. It has simple song structures, and electronic elements, and focuses on themes of love and relationships. Artists: Lady GaGa, Katy Perry, and Justin Bieber
  7. Reggae– Originated in Jamaica and is characterized by its off-beat rhythms, syncopation, and lyrics are often social and politically based.  Artists: Bob Marley and Jimmy Cliff
  8. Dance/Electronic – Produced using electronic instruments, such as synthesizers and drum machines. It includes sub-genres like techno, house, and trance, known for their repetitive beats and electronic soundscapes.
  9. Hip Hop/rap – This style emerged out of African-American communities and incorporates elements of rap, beats, and sampling. It often addresses political as well as social issues.
  10. R&B-R&B (Rhythm and Blues): R&B combines elements of jazz, gospel, and blues. The emphasis is on soulful singing and smooth melodies, it can often focus on romantic relationships and personal experiences.

Finally, look at some of these resources to help you build a study of music.

8 Books and Resources for a Music Unit Study

There are many concepts to cover for a music unit study and one of them is to learn about styles of music.

The Phantom of the Opera (SeaWolf Press Illustrated Classic)

The Phantom of the Opera was first published as a serialization in Le Gaulois in 1909. The novel is partly inspired by historical events at the Paris Opera during the nineteenth century and an apocryphal tale concerning the use of a former ballet pupil's skeleton in Carl Maria von Weber's 1841 production of Der Freischütz. The setting of The Phantom of the Opera came from an actual Paris opera house, Palais Garnier, that Leroux had heard the rumors about from the time the opera house was finished. Act one of the opera Helle had just finished when a fire in the roof of the opera house had melted through a wire holding a counterweight for the chandelier, causing a crash that injured several and killed one. Using this accident paired with rumors of a ghost in that same opera house, Leroux wrote Le Fantôme de l'Opéra and published it in 1910

BendyFigs Phantom of The Opera

  • Bend and pose into different positions.
  • Perfect for Play or Display. Includes a detachable display base.
  • Phantom of The Opera - Journey to The Lair - Musical Figurine

    A beautiful keepsake if you have serious lovers of the music like I do. Plays the Tune: "Music of the Night", 18 note movement

    Music Appreciation for the Elementary Grades: Book 1

    Music Appreciation for the Elementary Grades: Book 1 will introduce children to seven different composers, dating from 1685 to 1828 (Bach, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Paganini and Schubert). Each composer's childhood and adult life are vividly described in individual biographies. Every important incident is mentioned and every detail of the stories is true. Each book contains written music and delightful pictures throughout. It is more than the human side of these books that will make them live, for in the music the great masters breathe. This book includes a variety of hands-on activities such as: geography lessons, history lessons, recipes, instrument studies, music vocabulary, hand writing, musical facts of the Classical period, timelines, character trait studies, and so much more. Geared for a variety of learners-auditory, kinesthetic, visual, and just plain "active"-the Student Activity Book is an excellent companion to your reading experience. * Exceeds all of the national standards required for music appreciation (kindergarten - sixth grade.) * User- friendly for multi-age groups * Geared for a variety of learners- visual, auditory and kinesthetic * Incorporates activities from across the curriculum.

    The Music Appreciation: Middle Ages Thru Classical Era Course

    The Music Appreciation: Middle Ages Thru Classical Era course consists of 36 lessons about the music, genres, styles, and composers of Western Music from 450-1800. You'll learn about Gregorian Chant, the beginnings of musical notation, organum, Medieval church modes, Hildegard von Bingen, Guido d'Arezzo, Josquin des Prez, madrigals, motets, the beginnings of opera, music of the Reformation, Buxtehude, Vivaldi, Bach, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, hymn writers, Beethoven, and many more!

    A History of Musical Style (Dover Books On Music: History)

    Style — the distinctive manner of presentation, construction, and execution in any art — is a topic of primary importance in music history. This highly regarded text by noted musicologist Richard Crocker (University of California, Berkeley) takes a much-needed fresh look at the subject and attempts to reshape some basic ideas in the light of modern research. Seeking the reasons for stylistic change within the history of style itself (rather than in the history of men or of ideas), this enlightening account shows how music, growing out of its own past, has shaped its own development.Professor Crocker's exceptionally clear and systematic presentation enables students to easily follow the evolution of Western musical style from Gregorian Chant (ca. 750) to the atonal music of the mid-20th century. The book stresses the continuity of basic musical principles over long periods of history, while it explores in detail moments of high stylistic achievement and the composers who exemplified them.

    What Is Rock and Roll? (What Was?)

    Rock and roll sprang from a combination of African-American genres, Western swing, and country music that exploded in post World War II America. Jim O'Connor explains what constitutes rock music, follows its history and sub-genres through famous musicians and groups, and shows how rock became so much more than just a style of music influencing fashion, language, and lifestyle.

    Photo Credit: learn.musicinourhomeschool.com

    Music in Our Homeschool

    Self-paced online music appreciation courses especially suited for homeschoolers either at home or at a homeschool co-op.

    Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: music, musicappreciation, unit studies, unit study

    How to Make a Hobbit Door Craft and Fun The Hobbit Unit Study

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

    I have a fun The Hobbit unit study and a hobbit door craft. Also, grab more ideas on my Best Homeschool Unit Studies page.

    Besides Hobbit Day is September 22nd, and I rounded up the best resources to create a hobbit unit study to celebrate.

    I love all of Tolkien’s book series and the movies as well.

    How to Make a Hobbit Door Craft and Fun The Hobbit Unit Study

    Too, they lend themselves very well to becoming a unit study.

    From character analysis to vocabulary, and research to artwork I have enough to fill a day or a few weeks.

    I am also showing you how to create this cute little hobbit door that makes for a great decoration for your celebration as well as to adorn your shelf or table.

    The Hobbit Unit Study Resources

    Of course, you will want to begin your study with the book itself or maybe the whole series.

    The Hobbit Resources

    Add some of these books and fun resources to celebrate Hobbit Day or do a fun unit study.

    The Hobbit: Illustrated Edition

    In The Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins enjoys a comfortable, unambitious life, rarely traveling farther than the pantry of his hobbit-hole in Bag End. But his contentment is disturbed when the wizard Gandalf and a company of thirteen dwarves arrive on his doorstep to whisk him away on a journey to raid the treasure hoard of Smaug the Magnificent, a large and very dangerous dragon....

    “A glorious account of a magnificent adventure, filled with suspense and seasoned with a quiet humor that is irresistible.

    J.R.R. Tolkien 4-Book Boxed Set: The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings

    When Thorin Oakenshield and his band of dwarves embark upon a dangerous quest to reclaim the hoard of gold stolen from them by the evil dragon Smaug, Gandalf suggests an unlikely accomplice: Bilbo Baggins, an unassuming Hobbit dwelling in peaceful Hobbiton.Along the way, the company faces trolls, goblins, giant spiders, and worse. But as they journey from the wonders of Rivendell to the terrors of Mirkwood and beyond, Bilbo will find that there is more to him than anyone—himself included—ever dreamed. Unexpected qualities of courage and cunning, and a love of adventure, propel Bilbo toward his great destiny . . . a destiny that waits in the dark caverns beneath the Misty Mountains, where a twisted creature known as Gollum jealously guards a precious ring.

    Who Was J. R. R. Tolkien?

    Best known for his epic Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit, J.R.R. Tolkien was born in British-occupied South Africa. His early life was full of action and adventure. Tolkien spent his childhood roaming the British countryside with his family and could read and write by age four. He was naturally gifted with languages and used this skill as a signals officer in World War I as well as in his fantasy writing. By creating alternate universes and inventing languages in his work he demonstrated that imaginary realms were not just for children. Fondly remembered as the “Father of High Fantasy,” Tolkien’s books have inspired blockbuster movies and legions of fans.

    An Unexpected Cookbook: The Unofficial Book of Hobbit Cookery

    When a second generation geek with multiple degrees in history grows up to be a professional cookbook writer, it s no surprise you end up with a lovingly researched book of Hobbit cookery.Inside these pages you ll find one chapter for each traditional Hobbit meal. In addition to being based on historic recipes revised to fit Tolkien's specific vision of the Shire, the dishes have the following themes.- Breakfast - hot, fast, traditional morning food - Second Breakfast - cold, sturdy pies full of meat, veg and fruit to fuel a small adventure- Elevenses - a hearty selection of breads to tide you over until Luncheon- Luncheon - lighter fare appropriate for a pub- Afternoon Tea - sweet biscuits, cakes and buns to accompany a caffeinated pick-me-up- Supper - a hot meal of meat, veg, and mushrooms with a sweet finish- Dinner - slow cooked roasts and puddings that take hours to make, but are well worth the wait.

    Little People Collector the Lord of the Rings: Hobbits

    Includes Frodo Baggins with the One Ring around his neck and holding Sting, Samwise Gamgee and his frying pan, Peregrin “Pippin” Took and Meriadoc “Merry” Brandybuck with their swords

    LEGO The Lord of The Rings: Rivendell Building Kit Construct and Display a Middle-Earth Valley

    While it's in the higher price range the Rivendell LEGO Set is going to appeal to both the LEGO lover and the Hobbit fan. As you know LEGO is fantastic for fine motor skills, direction following, hand eye coordination, problem solving, planning and attention span.

    Next, look at these hands-on activities for your The Hobbit unit study.

    Hands-on Activities for the Hobbit Unit Study

    Be sure to enjoy breakfast, second breakfast, elevensies, luncheon, afternoon tea, dinner, and supper. Make Lembas Bread and wrap it up with this recipe and free template for the leaves.

    How to Make a Hobbit Door Craft and Fun The Hobbit Unit Study

    Create a Lord of The Rings Welcome Mat. This is a great art project for older fans like teens.

    Use these free pages of Hobbit themed copywork to practice handwriting, focus, and even spelling.

    Make these tiny clay door charms to show off your love of the Shire.

    Welcome to the study with a chalk drawing or a painting on canvas like I did here for our celebration.

    How to Make a Hobbit Door Craft and Fun The Hobbit Unit Study

    Add in ideas about dragons on my Fun Dragon Unit Study Ideas and Salt Dough Dragon Craft.

    And make fun dragon eggs.

    In addition, create a map based on Thror’s Map.

    You could also challenge your child to create it on their own, using the tutorial from Chalk Pastels The Hobbit Art Lesson – You ARE an ARTiST!

    You could also take your creativity outdoors and make a Hobbit Hole Fairy Garden  in a container.

    Literature Analysis

    And literature analysis should start in middle school although your child can be introduced to these concepts prior to middle school.

    First, explain what is literature analysis.

    It means understanding what the techniques are, then identify the techniques in the books your child reads and then doling a brief essay explaining what he identified.

    Look at these easy helps for literature analysis to help your child understand that every book has these elements.

    • Theme
    • Plot
    • Setting
    • Character
    • Point of View
    • Mood

    Each person has their reasons for loving the story. Try to draw out the reasons your child loves it.

    For example, we love it because not only is it strong fantasy, but it has elements of fairy tale and even a medieval time period feel.

    List of Characters in the Hobbit Novel

    Additionally, look at a list of the characters in the novel.

    Your child can focus on writing about each one or comparing character traits.

    • Bilbo Baggins
    • Thorin Oakenshield
    • Gandalf
    • Gollum
    • Smaug
    • Bard

    About J.R.R.Tolkien

    Also, look at these few facts about J.R.R. Tolkien if you want to do an author study.

    • He was born John Ronald Reuel Tolkien.
    • In addition, he was born on January 3rd 1892 in Bloemfontein, England.
    • Too, he was recognized as one of the finest philologists (study of literature) in the world.
    • However, he is best known as the creator of Middle-earth.

    Then, although Tolkien created Middle Earth, his stories draw from myths, fables, and fairy tales.

    For example, look at some of these elements and ask your child if some of these same concepts are developed in other literature.

    • dwarves, elves, and trolls
    • talking animals
    • riddles and runes. Runes were old letters originally used for cutting or scratching on wood
    • dragon
    • the treasure trove
    How to Make a Hobbit Door Craft and Fun The Hobbit Unit Study

    (Although this Rivendell LEGO Set is set is expensive, it is a beautiful keepsake and gift to treasure for years. Just had to let you know)

    Too, look at some of these other best homeschool unit studies.

    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
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    • Free World War II Unit Study Ideas and Fun Lapbook
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    • Free Peregrine Falcon Lapbook And Fun Unit Study Ideas
    • Fun Kids Dandelion Flower Unit Study and Easy Tea Recipe & Notebooking Pages
    • Free Lapbook Maya and Fun Hands-on Meso-America Unit Study Ideas
    • Free Quick France Unit Study and Make Easy French Bread
    • Free Greek Mythology Unit Study and Greece Lapbook & Fun Hands on LEGO Zeus
    • Free South America Printable Lapbook and Fun Hands-on Unit Study Ideas
    • Toddler to Teen 100 Popular Free Homeschool Unit Study Resources
    How to Make a Hobbit Door Craft and Fun The Hobbit Unit Study

    Finally, make this hobbit door craft.

    Hobbit Door Craft

    You will need:

    • Thin balsa wood round
    • Cardboard
    • Green craft paint
    • gold/yellow craft paint
    • Brick red craft paint
    • Small wood bead
    • Artificial greenery
    • Small artificial flowers
    • Black Sharpie
    • 2 Jenga blocks or other thick pieces of wood
    • White paint pen
    • Paintbrush
    • Unfinished mushrooms
    • ruler
    How to Make a Hobbit Door Craft and Fun The Hobbit Unit Study

    First, paint the wood round as well as the jenga blocks a deep green and set aside to dry.

    You can paint one or both sides.

    How to Make a Hobbit Door Craft and Fun The Hobbit Unit Study

    Once dry use a ruler and permanent marker to make lines in the round to look as if it is made of planks.

     Add a few lines and knots to give it more of a wood look.

    How to Make a Hobbit Door Craft and Fun The Hobbit Unit Study

    Paint your unfinished mushrooms however you like, or you could use small pre-decorated ones.

    How to Make a Hobbit Door Craft and Fun The Hobbit Unit Study

    Cut a round of cardboard 1” to 1 ½” larger than the wooden round. Paint brick red and allow it to dry.

    Once dry use a white chalk marker to make lines all the way around, a few inches in from the edge.

    How to Make a Hobbit Door Craft and Fun The Hobbit Unit Study

    Glue the green wood round into place in the center of the brick red circle.

    Paint the small wooden bead gold or yellow and attach to the center of the round.

    Hot glue a layer of greenery and moss around the outside edge.

    How to Make a Hobbit Door Craft and Fun The Hobbit Unit Study

    Continue layering on flowers, mushrooms, and more greenery as you like.

    How to Make a Hobbit Door Craft and Fun The Hobbit Unit Study

    Finally, hot glue the two painted Jenga blocks along the back to stabilize and hold the door upright.

    You will want to hold it in place until the glue is cold and set.

    How to Make a Hobbit Door Craft and Fun The Hobbit Unit Study

    Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: fantasy, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, middle school, middleschool, unit studies, unit study, unit study approach

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