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winter crafts

Frozen Nature Ice Sun Catcher for Preschool Play and Fun

November 15, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Create a beautiful nature-filled ice sun catcher with your preschooler by taking a nature walk in the woods, a local park, or even your backyard. Also, look at this Simple and Easy Instant Ice Kids Activity Homeschool Science Experiments post and my page How to Homeschool Preschool.

It is a fun way to explore the outdoors and finish up with a neat nature-filled ice sun catcher to remember it (at least as long as the ice lasts).

Frozen Nature Ice Sun Catcher for Preschool Play and Fun

Fill it with colorful flowers, berries, small pinecones, interesting pebbles or twigs, and leaves.

You can use your ice sun catcher to learn about the objects that they find but also as a different science lesson talking about ice and why and how it melts.

The best part about this activity is that it can be repeated over and over with different results each time.

For example, add food coloring, different items, and different types of water and explore the various results with your preschooler.

Books About Winter

While exploring nature, don’t forget to take along a favorite resource book like Nature Anatomy and see if you can spot any of your finds in the pages.

Preschoolers really love looking through books with good illustrations to compare to.

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.

Also, look at these other fun sun catchers to do in winter.

6 Fun Sun Catchers to Do in Winter

While you may not think of sun catchers for winter there are plenty of engaging and pretty ideas for indoors and out and I have 6 more for you to check out

  1. I just love this Arctic Animal Sun Catcher Craft to go along with studying snowy animals like polar bears and penguins.
  2. These pretty Snowflake Sun Catchers are a great way to highlight how unique snowflakes are.
  3. Here is a completely different take on a sun catcher, using beads to reflect the light with this Pinecone Sun Catcher Craft.
  4. Mitten Sun catchers can launch a good discussion about what kind of clothing is needed for winter and how to protect ourselves from extreme temperatures.
  5. Make a Winter Tree Suncatcher using tear art for a lovely nature-themed craft.
  6. Snowman Sun Catcher is just too sweet and makes a simple but pretty craft to decorate your windows.
Frozen Nature Ice Sun Catcher for Preschool Play and Fun

Frozen Nature Ice Sun Catcher

You will need:

  • Nature items:  leaves, twigs, bark, pinecones, flowers, etc.
  • Shallow container
  • Water
  • Ribbon
Frozen Nature Ice Sun Catcher for Preschool Play and Fun

First, add a length of ribbon or rope to the top to hang it from.

Frozen Nature Ice Sun Catcher for Preschool Play and Fun

After gathering plenty of items for your ice sun catcher let your child lay them out however they like in your shallow container, you could even make multiple small ones by using a muffin tin.

Frozen Nature Ice Sun Catcher for Preschool Play and Fun

Once it is full of nature it is ready for the next step.

Frozen Nature Ice Sun Catcher for Preschool Play and Fun

Let your preschooler carefully fill with water.

Frozen Nature Ice Sun Catcher for Preschool Play and Fun

Place in the freezer overnight.

Carefully remove it from the container, you may need to flip it over and run warm water over the back for a minute or two to loosen it.

Frozen Nature Ice Sun Catcher for Preschool Play and Fun

Carry it outside.

Frozen Nature Ice Sun Catcher for Preschool Play and Fun

Hang from a tree and enjoy if the weather stays cold enough to keep it frozen!

Go back outside often as it melts and watch the changes.

Ask your preschooler how long does it take?

And ask your child questions like “Do you think the sun makes it melt faster?” to encourage critical thinking.

Here is how the backside looks with the sun shining through it.

Tip- for super clear ice use filtered water instead of tap water.

Frozen Nature Ice Sun Catcher for Preschool Play and Fun

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschoolinginwinter, ice, nature, nature study, preschool, seasons, winter crafts, winter season

12 Middle School Winter Crafts & 5 Facts About Icicles | Beautiful Icicle Swag Craft

November 12, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

While crafts for young children are plentiful it can be harder to find middle school winter craft ideas. Also, look at my page How to Successfully Homeschool Middle School and more ideas for winter fun on my page Winter Season Unit Study.

So, I have found 12 fantastic winter-themed crafts and activities that your middleschooler will love.

12 Middle School Winter Crafts & 5 Facts About Icicles | Beautiful Icicle Swag Craft

From snowmen to winter trees and snowflakes I covered the gamut of winter themes.

Whether you want to use them as a fun activity to go along with a unit study or just as a fun craft, I have ideas.

Even if you do not live in a snow-filled icy region they are still fun.

Too, they can be educational when part of a full winter study.

Your child can learn about the weather in different parts of the country, or world.

In addition, crafts can be used to teach its effect on the environment and people and vice versa.

I also have a tutorial for a beautiful icicle swag craft that will be a gorgeous winter decoration in your home that counts as art and builds fine motor skills, which are still important in middle school.

Use it in conjunction with facts about icicles and you have incorporated science as well.

Next, look at some facts about icicles.

5 Facts About Icicles

  1. Icicles are formed when the outdoor air temperature is below freezing and heat from sunlight melts the snow or ice on anything sloped, like roofs. 
  2. The droplets of water falling freeze as they lose their heat to the cold air, as the water continues to drip down the outside of the icicle, the tip freezes faster than its base, which gives icicles the carrot shape that we know.
  3. There is debate over the length of the longest recorded icicle, but claims range from 28-45 feet.
  4. Icicles got their name from the Old English word for icicle-gicel. The Latin term stiria was translated to “ises gicel”, or “icicle made of ice”. “Ises gicel” was gradually formed to the word icicle.
  5. Icicles in nature are not smooth, impurities like salt and minerals dissolved in the water drop and create bumps. Icicles made with purified water are smooth like an ice cube.
12 Middle School Winter Crafts & 5 Facts About Icicles | Beautiful Icicle Swag Craft

Next, add some winter books and resources to your day.

I always lean toward living books and then add in reference books.

13 Snow, Snowman, Animals, and Winter Books

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

Winter Cottage

Immerse Yourself in This Story of Love and Companionship Amidst Deprivation

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

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

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

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

2. Sneezy the Snowman

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

3. Snowmen at Night

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

4. The Biggest Snowman Ever

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

5. Over and Under the Snow

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

A Hat for Minerva Louise

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

6. How to Catch a Snowman

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

The Big Snow

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

7. Curious About Snow (Smithsonian)

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

8. Animals in Winter

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

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

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

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

See the world in a whole new way! Acclaimed illustrator Julia Rothman combines art and science in this exciting and educational guide to the structure, function, and personality of the natural world. Explore the anatomy of a jellyfish, the inside of a volcano, monarch butterfly migration, how sunsets work, and much more. Rothman’s whimsical illustrations are paired with interactive activities that encourage curiosity and inspire you to look more closely at the world all around you.

Next, here are some middle school winter crafts.

12 Middle School Winter Crafts

  1. Easy DIY Fun Salt Winter Watercolor Art Project for Kids.
  2. While this activity is often directed at younger children I think that middle schooled kids will still love to learn How to Make Borax Crystals – Icicle Ornament for Kids.
  3. These Winter Luminaries: Snowy Pinecone Candle Jars make a beautiful addition to walkways, porches, and kitchen tables.
  4. Perfect for winter sniffles and the flu, these Winter Shower Melts are a work of art.
  5. Cardinal Birds in Winter and Birch Trees Easy Watercolor Kids Activity.
  6. Make an Easy DIY Snowman Wreath to deck your doors with winter whimsy.
  7. Simple Rustic Snowflakes Ornaments DIY.
  8. I am always up for a trip to Dollar Tree because they have amazing items for crafts, use pizza pans, hats, and mittens to create a Pizza Pan Snowman.
  9. Winter Craft Ideas How to Make Fun Pinecone Flowers.
  10. Maybe it’s not a craft but these Edible Chocolate Pinecones are a beautiful art piece as well as a delicious snack.
  11. Learn How to Make a DIY Winter Checkers Game that is not only beautiful but creates a great way to pass long winter days.
  12. Friendship bracelets have made a huge comeback in the middle school set,  learn How To Make Winter Friendship Bracelet Craft For Tweens.
12 Middle School Winter Crafts & 5 Facts About Icicles | Beautiful Icicle Swag Craft

Finally, look how to make this beautiful icicle winter swag.

Beautiful Icicle Swag Craft

You will need:

  • White buttons, various sizes
  • ⅛” white or cream ribbon
  • Hot glue
  • White or cream yarn
12 Middle School Winter Crafts & 5 Facts About Icicles | Beautiful Icicle Swag Craft

First, cut a piece of yarn the length you would like your swag to be.

You might first determine where you want to hang it- on the mantle or across a window to decide on its length.

Cut ribbon into various 6”- 10” lengths, cut as many as you would like to have for your swag.

If you lay them out on the yarn you can determine how far apart you would like them.

And how many you need.

12 Middle School Winter Crafts & 5 Facts About Icicles | Beautiful Icicle Swag Craft

Lay out your ribbons, leaving enough room for each to place your buttons between them.

12 Middle School Winter Crafts & 5 Facts About Icicles | Beautiful Icicle Swag Craft

Set buttons out in the order you would like, large to small until you are satisfied. Leave about ¾” at the top without buttons.

12 Middle School Winter Crafts & 5 Facts About Icicles | Beautiful Icicle Swag Craft

If you are using very small buttons, you may want to taper your ribbons at the end so they are hidden behind the buttons.

Once you like your layout, run hot glue along half of the ribbon and transfer buttons from beside it directly to the glue on the ribbons.

12 Middle School Winter Crafts & 5 Facts About Icicles | Beautiful Icicle Swag Craft

Allow the glue to harden completely.

Flip each button icicle over and fold back the piece at the top to hot glue into a place where you would like it on the yarn length.

You want the folded-over piece to be shorter than the top button so trim it if needed so that it doesn’t show.

12 Middle School Winter Crafts & 5 Facts About Icicles | Beautiful Icicle Swag Craft

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: crafts, hands-on, hands-on activities, homeschoolinginwinter, 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

10 Toilet Paper Roll Winter Crafts | Make An Adorable Toilet Roll Winter Village

November 9, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Toilet paper roll winter crafts are a fantastic way to add a little fun to your winter-themed lessons. Be sure you grab more ideas for winter fun on my page Winter Season Unit Study.

They are fun for themes like snow, snowflakes, animals in winter, or any other topic.

Besides, we are creating a unique winter village that one child can make or the whole family can join in giving you unique colors and styles for your decoration.

10 Toilet Paper Roll Winter Crafts | Make An Adorable Toilet Roll Winter Village

Additionally, I have another 10 cute toilet paper roll winter crafts, interesting winter weather facts, and resources to make your winter study fun and exciting.

In addition, winter provides a perfect opportunity to engage your homeschoolers’ creativity, keep them entertained, and explore the wonders of the season.

Besides, incorporating craft activities into your homeschool routine not only enhances your child’s motor skills but also promotes imagination and expression.

7 Winter Weather Facts

  1. Winter solstice, which usually occurs around December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere, marks the shortest day and longest night of the year.
  2. Aomori in Japan is considered one of the snowiest cities in the world.
  3. The Northern Hemisphere experiences winter during the months of December, January, and February
  4. The Northern and Southern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis and Aurora Australis, are more visible during winter due to the longer periods of darkness.
  5. The Earth is closest to the Sun in winter, in January the Earth reaches the point in its orbit that’s nearest to the Sun.
  6. It can take a snowflake up to two hours to fall to the ground from a cloud.
  7. The North Pole is warmer than the South Pole.
10 Toilet Paper Roll Winter Crafts | Make An Adorable Toilet Roll Winter Village

Also, include some of these fun books about winter.

I lean toward living books for all subjects and add in non-fiction books too.

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.

10 Toilet Paper Roll Winter Crafts

  1. You will love my tutorial How to Make an Adorable Toilet Roll Snowman for Winter Crafts too.
  2. You won’t have to worry about this little Cardboard Roll Gingerbread Man Craft running away as fast as he can, Isn’t he just too cute?
  3. The Glittery Birds on Snowy Log Favor Boxes would be a great art challenge for older kids.
  4. Cute waddling penguins make a great winter study, at least when studying the 4 that live in arctic climates- emperors, gentoos, chinstraps, and Adélies. Make these Toilet Paper Roll Penguins Easy Winter crafts for Kids.
  5. If you are studying the tundra, Alaska, or Canada here is a cute Toilet Roll Reindeer craft.
  6. Winter Toilet Paper Roll Animals.
  7. Make this wintery Adorable Toilet Paper Roll Owl Craft for fun or to give your winter owl study a little depth.
  8. Arctic animals are a topic that you definitely want to cover in your winter study, this Cardboard Tube Polar Bear goes along perfectly with that.
  9. Winter Windsocks Craft.
  10. Last, can you imagine your living room filled with gorgeous glittering snowflakes you made during a lesson on how snowflakes are formed? Learn How to Make Paper Roll Snowflakes.
10 Toilet Paper Roll Winter Crafts | Make An Adorable Toilet Roll Winter Village

Next, add in some resources and activities for winter.

More Winter Crafts to Do at Home

  • Here are Snow and Snowflake Facts for Kids and a Fun Hands-on Exploding Snowman activity.
  • Winter Craft Ideas for Kids Animals in Winter Fun Snow Slime.
  • Crafts for Winter An Easy and Fun Polar Bear Fork Painting.
  • Let me show you How to Make an Adorable Toilet Roll Snowman for Winter Crafts.
  • Two Fun Candy Cane Hands-on Science Winter Experiments.
  • Cardinal Birds in Winter and Birch Trees Easy Watercolor Kids Activity.
  • These Cute and Simple Snowman Story Stones Winter Art Activities For Preschoolers are a great tool for open-ended play but also can encourage your child to develop their imagination and storytelling skills.
  • Julie of the Wolves Free Hands-on Arctic Unit Study.
  • Winter Craft Ideas How to Make Fun Pinecone Flowers.
  • Easy and Fun Pine Cone Snowy Owl Winter Craft for Kindergarten.
  • Fun Selfie Salt Dough Gingerbread Kids Activity for Long Winter Nights.
  • Easy DIY Fun Salt Winter Watercolor Art Project for Kids.

Finally, look how to make this adorable toilet paper winter village.

Make An Adorable Toilet Roll Winter Village

You will need:

  • Empty toilet paper rolls.
  • Craft paint
  • Card stock
  • Paint brushes
  • Paint pens or markers 
  • Glue gun/glue sticks
  • scissors
10 Toilet Paper Roll Winter Crafts | Make An Adorable Toilet Roll Winter Village

Pinch the top of each of your empty toilet paper rolls together and hot glue them all the way across.

10 Toilet Paper Roll Winter Crafts | Make An Adorable Toilet Roll Winter Village

Use a paper plate to make a pallet for all the paint colors that you want to use.

10 Toilet Paper Roll Winter Crafts | Make An Adorable Toilet Roll Winter Village

Also, once the glue has set completely, paint the exterior of the toilet paper rolls in whatever color(s) you like.

10 Toilet Paper Roll Winter Crafts | Make An Adorable Toilet Roll Winter Village

In addition, while you’re waiting for the paint to dry cut enough pieces of a neutral card stock into 2” x 3” rectangles, find the middle and bend it.

This will be the peak of your roof.

Use markers or paint pens to make shingles lines and whatever other textures you like on the roofs, make each unique.

10 Toilet Paper Roll Winter Crafts | Make An Adorable Toilet Roll Winter Village

Then, once the paint on the rolls has dried completely use markers or paint pens to decorate the houses.

Too, add windows, doors, and bushes outside the house, etc.

10 Toilet Paper Roll Winter Crafts | Make An Adorable Toilet Roll Winter Village

Add details like light in the windows, doorknobs and even a little snowman outside.

10 Toilet Paper Roll Winter Crafts | Make An Adorable Toilet Roll Winter Village

Add snow to your roofs by drizzling white paint straight from the bottle along the ridge line and letting it naturally drip or you can use a paintbrush to spread it as you like.

10 Toilet Paper Roll Winter Crafts | Make An Adorable Toilet Roll Winter Village

Lastly, once your roof is dried, you can hot glue it to the top of the house.

Use a small paintbrush to create icicles, drifts of snow on the ground, around the windows, and anywhere else you like to enhance the wintery scene.

Keep on creating an entire village and use them to decorate your tables or put them in a window to enjoy.

10 Toilet Paper Roll Winter Crafts | Make An Adorable Toilet Roll Winter Village

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: crafts, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, homeschoolinginwinter, toilet paper roll, winter crafts, winter season

DIY Adorable Salt Dough Gingerbread House To Make With Kids

November 8, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Instead of using a box kit, look at this easy salt dough gingerbread house which you can keep year after year. Be sure you grab more ideas for winter fun on my page Winter Season Unit Study with free lapbook.

This salt dough version of a gingerbread house is far easier to make and assemble than the “edible” version which let’s face it isn’t edible at all.

Too, hot glue is much faster to work with than icing.

We are going to make our houses in the style of those lovely old-fashioned cinnamon ornaments.

DIY Adorable Salt Dough Gingerbread House To Make With Kids

Not only do they smell wonderful, but cinnamon will naturally give your gingerbread house its rich warm brown color. 

You can also add more cinnamon essential oil every so often to boost the scent, it will soak right in.

Younger children can make a salt dough gingerbread house with help.

But your middle and highschooler will be able to make their whimsical creation on their own from start to finish.

However, while you are working on your gingerbread house why not turn it into a fun mini-lesson complete with trivia, edible versions, books, and a few more hands-on activities to make it even better?

6 Facts About Gingerbread

  1. National Gingerbread Cookie Day is celebrated annually on November 21st.
  2. Historians say that the first known recipe for gingerbread came from Greece in 2400 BC.
  3. The largest gingerbread house ever built was made in Bryan, Texas. It stood a whopping 60 feet long, 42 feet wide, and 10.1 feet tall. 
  4. The initial popularity of gingerbread houses in Europe was because of the Grimm story Hansel and Gretel.
  5. The word gingerbread is from the old French word ‘ gingerbras’ which means preserved ginger.
  6. It is believed that the concept of the gingerbread man was first proposed by Queen Elizabeth I, gingerbread animals were already popular, but she wanted to give little edible caricatures to nobility. 

DIY Adorable Salt Dough Gingerbread House To Make With Kids

Add a living book to this fun hands-on activity.

8 Books and Resources Studying About Gingerbread

Add some of these books and resources for a gun Gingerbread theme.

The Plan for the Gingerbread House: A STEM Engineering Story

The gingerbread man and woman need a new home! A team of kids struggle to create the perfect gingerbread house. The project guidelines are clear: the winning house must stand upright on its own and a gingerbread boy and girl must fit inside.Sounds easy?But creating is hard. Cookie burn, the icing it too thin, the house caves-in, someone is eating the candy decorations, and—Oh!—they forgot about putting the gingerbread boy and girl inside the house. Engineering is a creative process. That means you must learn to

  • overcome problems
  • and persevere.

Inspire budding engineers to think about the classic gingerbread house in new ways.

Gingerbread House Cookie Cutter Set

SAFE AND HEALTHY FOR YOUR FAMILY - The simple stainless steel Gingerbread House Cookie Cutter Set design is easy to clean, the folded edges are kind to hands, and the welded seam won’t come unstuck

The Gingerbread Man Padded

"Run, run as fast as you can. You can't catch me, I'm the gingerbread man!" Follow the gingerbread man as he runs from the old woman, the old man, pig, cow, and horse, and meets a sly fox. This padded storybook of the classic fairy tale features engaging text and delightful, colorful illustrations by Gail Yerrill. Designed to encourage vocabulary development and help children read aloud, this story uses large font types and vibrant, contemporary illustrations to help early learning skills. It's a perfect addition to any children's library.

The Gingerbread Boy (Paul Galdone Nursery Classic)

The classic tale of the old couple, with no children of their own, who bake a gingerbread boy to keep them company. Just as the little old woman is about to take him from the oven, he slips away and runs out the door past a cow, a horse, a group of threshers, mowers, etc. All follow in hot pursuit until the gingerbread boy meets up with a wily fox, and ‘at last and at last he went the way of every single gingerbread boy that ever came out of an oven . . . He was all gone!’ A wonderfully frenetic cross-country chase is depicted in Galdone’s broadly humorous color wash drawings.

Gingerbread Baby

Fairy tale about the Gingerbread Baby. Full-color illustrations.

12PCS Measuring Cups, Little Cook Colorful Measuring Cups and Spoons Set

The 12 different spoon sizes in this measuring cup set make it versatile for measuring a wide range of ingredients. The measuring spoons range from 1/8 tsp teaspoon up to 1 cup tablespoon, allowing you to measure small or large quantities with ease. This makes the measuring spoons set perfect for home cooks and professional chefs alike, as it can be used for a variety of recipes, from baking to cooking and more.

Gingerbread Man Cookie Cutter Set (Gingerbread Man 3 Piece)

Gingerbread Man 3 Piece

How to Catch a Gingerbread Man

Do you have what it takes to catch the Gingerbread Man? The famous storybook character has magically come to life and leapt from the pages during story time! Follow along as the Gingerbread Man runs loose in a bookstore with the help of Robin Hood, Sherlock Holmes, Peter Rabbit, nursery rhyme characters, and more! If you set the right traps, you might…just might be able to catch this wily cookie and finish the fairy tale!

Then here are more ideas for a gingerbread house.

More Gingerbread House Ideas

For a little variety here are a few more ways to celebrate National Gingerbread Cookie Day or any day.

  • If you want to go edible here are some easy but precious Graham Cracker Gingerbread Houses to make as well.
  • For younger children, this Gingerbread House Paper Bag craft is perfect and uses easy supplies you already have on hand.
  • Popsicle sticks are always a fabulous craft Popsicle Stick Gingerbread House
  • You could make this Gingerbread House Craft For Kids half-size, make a bunch, and create a fun garland with an entire neighborhood of gingerbread houses.
DIY Adorable Salt Dough Gingerbread House To Make With Kids

Finally, look how to make this fun gingerbread house.

How to Make a Kids Salt Dough Gingerbread House

You will need:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup table salt
  • ¾ cups cinnamon
  • 1 Tablespoon cloves
  • 1 Tablespoon ginger
  • ¾ cup water
  • Rolling pin
  • Hot glue gun/sticks
  • Craft paint
  • Cardstock
DIY Adorable Salt Dough Gingerbread House To Make With Kids

The first thing you want to do is decide how large you want your gingerbread house or decide how many you want to make.

The recipe above creates one house that is roughly 4 1”2 inches long on each side and 5” tall.

Choose your size and then shape, cut the 4 walls and 2 roof pieces out of cardstock making sure that facing walls and roof pieces are symmetrical.

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Combine all dry ingredients until well-mixed.

DIY Adorable Salt Dough Gingerbread House To Make With Kids

Add water and stir until combined, you want to add water until mixture sticks together but not sticky.

DIY Adorable Salt Dough Gingerbread House To Make With Kids

If it’s too wet add more flour, too dry add water.

DIY Adorable Salt Dough Gingerbread House To Make With Kids

Lay a silicone liner or parchment paper on a large baking sheet.

DIY Adorable Salt Dough Gingerbread House To Make With Kids

I find it’s easiest to roll the dough and cut it right on the cooking surface because moving it tends to stretch and distort the shape.

Roll your dough out pretty thin about 1/8” to 1/4” thick is good.

DIY Adorable Salt Dough Gingerbread House To Make With Kids

Lay your cardstock templates on top of the dough and cut around them using a sharp knife.

DIY Adorable Salt Dough Gingerbread House To Make With Kids

Remove excess dough from between the pieces and discard or you can use them to make extra little decor items.

DIY Adorable Salt Dough Gingerbread House To Make With Kids

Bake for 3 hours, flipping the pieces halfway through. If at the end there still seems to be moisture in the dough let them sit a bit longer in the warm oven until completely dried.

Remove it from the oven and let cool.

Now, you can either assemble and then decorate with paint or do most of your painting.

Let it dry, and then glue it together, adding additional paint to cover up your joints.

I like to paint the basics before assembling.

DIY Adorable Salt Dough Gingerbread House To Make With Kids

Hot glue one joint at a time and hold it into place until the glue sets.

Use white craft paint and a small brush or white puffy paint to add on your snowy icing.

Add a thicker amount to the peak of the roof by squeezing it right out of the bottle to cover the roof joint and make it look as if snow has piled up.

Once all the paint is dry your gingerbread house is ready to go on display.

DIY Adorable Salt Dough Gingerbread House To Make With Kids

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: crafts, gingerbread, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, winter crafts, winter season

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