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Over 20 Books about Recycling for Kids to Read

February 1, 2022 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Earth Day is a major early elementary theme for classrooms during spring.

And, of course, one of the most important concepts we teach students in this unit is how to recycle.

If your students are new to the idea of recycling and reusing materials, this list of over 20 books about recycling for kids is a great way to get them started!

Over 20 Recycling Books for Kids to Read

In this list of children’s books, you’ll find fiction and non-fiction selections.

There are books that talk about why recycling is important, how to recycle materials at home, and people who have made a difference in their communities by recycling.

Keep reading to see the full list.

And, for more ways to introduce recycling, check out this list of easy recycled crafts for kids to make too!

Teach students how to care for the planet with these books about recycling for kids to read!

Over 20 Books about Recycling for Kids

Some of the books in this list are particularly good for pre-readers and early childhood classrooms.

The lift-the-flap books and board books, such as “Find Out About: Saving Our Planet”, are geared toward toddlers and preschoolers.

Recyling Books for Kids to Read

On the other hand, if you have early elementary students in your class, the stories “Nico’s New Necklace” and “This Class Can Save the World” are great for talking about the impact recycling can have on our planet.

How to Introduce Recycling Books to Early Learners

If you’re using these books with early learners, you might start by asking the class:

  • Has anyone ever heard of recycling?
  • What do you think recycling means?
  • Does anyone know why recycling is important?
Books about Recycling for Kids

As students talk about this topic, you can find out what they know and then help them fill in any gaps with selected books from this list.

Be sure to encourage them to find materials they can recycle at home.

You might even ask them to bring in a few to make some recycled crafts!

Get a look at the full booklist below.

Over 20 Books about Recycling for Kids to Read

This list of books about recycling for kids features picture book selections that are perfect for early elementary students.

Use these as part of an Earth Day unit or to introduce recycling in the classroom!

Note: Affiliate links are used in this list. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.

1

I Can Save the Earth!: One Little Monster Learns to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (Little Green Books)

Photo Credit: Amazon
2

Where Do Recyclable Materials Go? Read, Think, Recycle (Garbology Kids)

Photo Credit: Amazon
3

I Am Earth: An Earth Day Book for Kids (I Am Learning: Educational Series for Kids)

Photo Credit: Amazon
4

Recycling! (Helping Hands Series)

Photo Credit: Amazon
5

Recycling Is Fun (My Little Planet) by Charles Ghigna

Photo Credit: Amazon
6

This Class Can Save the Planet by Stacy Tornio

Photo Credit: Amazon
7

Fly Guy Presents: Garbage and Recycling by Tedd Arnold

Photo Credit: Amazon
8

The Plastic Problem: 60 Small Ways to Reduce Waste and Help Save the Earth

Photo Credit: Amazon
9

Nico's New Necklace: Nico and the Pollution Problem

Photo Credit: Amazon
10

Milk and Juice: A Recycling Romance

Photo Credit: Amazon
11

The Three R's: Reuse, Reduce, Recycle by Núria Roca

Photo Credit: Amazon
12

Why Should I Recycle? (Why Should I? Books)

Photo Credit: Amazon
13

What Does It Mean to Be Green?: A Picture Book about Making Eco Friendly Choices and Saving the Planet! by Rana DiOrio

Photo Credit: Amazon
14

One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia by Miranda Paul

Photo Credit: Amazon
15

What a Waste: Trash, Recycling, and Protecting our Planet by Jess French

Photo Credit: Amazon
16

Recycle!: A Handbook for Kids by Gail Gibbons

Photo Credit: Amazon
17

Don't Throw That Away!: A Lift-the-Flap Book about Recycling and Reusing

Photo Credit: Amazon
18

The Last Straw: Kids vs. Plastics

Photo Credit: Amazon
19

Stuff!: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle by Steven Kroll

Photo Credit: Amazon
20

Find Out About: Saving Our Planet

Photo Credit: Amazon
21

Let's Recycle! (Bullfrog Books: Kids Living Green)

Photo Credit: Amazon
22

Michael Recycle by Ellie Bethel

Photo Credit: Amazon

Take a look at these other collections of children’s books!

Share this list of 50 spring books for kids with early readers!
Share some of these books about pets for kids with young readers!
Share some of these lovely beach books for kids this summer!

Filed Under: Book Lists, Reading Tagged With: books, books for kids

Easy Toilet Paper Roll Ladybug Craft for Kids

January 27, 2022 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

I’ll be honest.

I’m not the biggest fan of insects.

And I live in the South, where every spring and summer is basically an insect family reunion, so those months are a little bit of a struggle for me.

But I do like ladybugs. They’re so adorable that I’ll even pick them up to show the kids.

So I wanted to share a super cute (and easy!) toilet paper roll ladybug craft that will be perfect for a spring or insect unit with early learners!

Easy Toilet Paper Roll Ladybug Craft

This project only requires a few crafting supplies that you likely already have.

And it’s so cute too!

How to Make a Ladybug with a Paper Roll

Keep reading to get the full instructions and the printable template.

And, for more spring learning ideas in early grades, take a look at our All About Flowers Early Elementary Unit!

Make a fun spring animal craft with this easy toilet paper roll ladybug craft with wings that move!

Easy Toilet Paper Roll Ladybug Craft for Kids

This simple ladybug is a great spring craft for kids to make.

You can walk students through each step and let them add their own ideas as they go along.

They’d be perfect for a spring class display or for parent night!

Paper Roll Ladybug Craft

To make this spring craft, you’ll need the following: (Affiliate links are used below. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

  • Empty toilet paper roll
  • Printer (with ink)
  • Printer paper
  • Pencil
  • Scissors
  • Construction paper
  • Plastic wire – or – brass paper fastener
  • Wiggly eyes
  • Glue stick
  • Printable ladybug template (Blackline or color)
Making a Toilet Paper Roll Ladybug Craft

Once you’ve printed the template, you can get started by tracing the pieces onto construction paper.

If you plan to cut the pieces out yourself, regular scissors will do. But if you want your students to complete that step, be sure to use child-safe scissors.

A note: If you use the blackline template, you can have your students color the pieces in too!

How to Make a Paper Roll Ladybug

Now we’re ready to get started.

How to Make a Toilet Paper Roll Ladybug

Begin by wrapping the black body piece around the empty toilet roll.

Use glue to secure the ends.

Making a Toilet Roll Ladybug

Take a sharpened pencil or the point of a pair of scissors and make a small hole about 1/3 of the way from the top of the toilet roll.

This step should only be completed by an adult.

You may want to prepare the rolls to this step in advance before you have the kids get involved.

Easy Toilet Roll Ladybug Craft for Kids

Cut a piece of plastic wire and bend it into a narrow semi-circle. You’ll use this to attach the bug’s “wings”.

Lay the two wing pieces on top of each other so that the points of the wings overlap.

Easy Toilet Roll Insect Craft

Press the open ends of the wire together to close the loop.

Then poke both ends through the overlapping wings.

Making a Paper Roll Ladybug

Use glue to attach the ladybug’s spots to both of the wings.

How to Make a Ladybug from a Toilet Paper Roll

Now it’s time to attach the wings!

Press the closed wire loop through the hole in the toilet roll. The wings should appear on top.

Toilet Paper Roll Ladybug Craft for Kids

Use glue to attach the antenna inside the front edge of the toilet roll.

You’ll want them to appear towards the front.

Smiling Ladybug Craft with a Toilet Paper Roll

All that’s left to do now is to add the face!

The templates include paper eyes, so you can have students use those. Or you can stick a pair of wiggly eyes on instead.

Simple Paper Roll Ladybug for Kids

Then cut out a small smile.

Glue it on and we’re all done!

Making a Simple Ladybug from a Paper Roll

Ta-da! Let students make their bugs fly by moving the wings out and in.

See the printable toilet paper roll ladybug craft project instructions below!

Easy Toilet Paper Roll Ladybug Craft for Kids

Easy Paper Roll Ladybug Craft

Make up a quick spring animal craft with this fun toilet paper roll ladybug craft! The wings actually move!

Prep Time 5 minutes
Active Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Difficulty Easy

Materials

  • Empty toilet paper roll
  • Construction paper
  • Printer paper
  • Wiggly eyes
  • Plastic wire

Tools

  • Printer
  • Scissors
  • Glue stick

Instructions

  1. Start by printing the Blackline Ladybug Craft Template or the Color Ladybug Craft Template. (If you use the blackline version, have students color the pieces before proceeding.)
  2. Trace the template pieces onto construction paper and cut them out.
  3. Wrap the body piece around the empty toilet paper roll. Use glue to secure the ends.
  4. Use a sharp point to poke a hole in the top 1/3 of the toilet paper roll. (Only adults should complete this step.)
  5. Cut a piece of plastic wire and bend it into a narrow semicircle.
  6. Overlap the ladybug's wings and poke a small hole through both of them.
  7. Press the open ends of the wire together and push the closed ends through the hole in both wings.
  8. Glue the ladybug's spots onto each of the wings.
  9. Press the closed end of the wire (with the wings) through the hole in the paper roll. The wings should appear on the front.
  10. Glue the antenna onto the inside front edge of the paper roll.
  11. Add wiggly eyes.
  12. Cut out a small smile and glue it under the eyes.

Notes

Make an entire family of ladybugs! Try letting students choose different colors or make different facial expressions.

© Selena Robinson
Project Type: Paper Crafts / Category: Crafts

Try some of these other spring animal crafts for kids too!

Make this easy toilet paper roll chick craft with kids this spring!
This simple paper bee craft is a fun way to make an easy spring or summer craft with kids!
Share an easy summer craft with the kids and make this easy paper ladybug craft! So fun for little hands!

Filed Under: Crafts Tagged With: crafts, crafts for kids, toilet roll crafts for kids

Over 25 Easy Recycled Craft Ideas for Kids to Make

January 25, 2022 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

We all want to do what we can to make our planet safer for future generations.

And one of the easiest things we can do now is to recycle materials we no longer need. Every time we reuse something, we save it from the landfill for a bit longer.

And that’s always a good thing.

Today I’m sharing over 25 easy recycled craft ideas for kids to make!

Over 25 Recycled Crafts for Kids

These are fantastic for in-class projects or parents who want to make crafts with their kids at home!

And they all make use of materials that can be reused, so they’re a wonderful introduction to the idea of recycling and repurposing too.

Read on to see the full list.

And be sure to take a look at our Coffee Filter Earth Craft if you’re looking for more Earth Day ideas!

Make the most of your recyclables with this list of fun recycled crafts for kids to create!

What You Need to Try These Easy Recycled Craft Ideas for Kids

Most of these crafts use materials you likely already have, such as paper towel and tissue paper rolls.

Here are some other recycled materials that are good for making recycled crafts:

  • Empty plastic bottles
  • Cardboard (whole or scrap)
  • Compact discs
  • Shoeboxes

In most cases, as long as the recycled material is clean, you can use it as a base for a craft project.

Fun Recycled Crafts for Kids to Make

How to Use Recycled Craft Ideas with Students

Many of these recycled crafts feature animals, so they’d make a great project for a science unit such as zoo animals, the forest, or winter.

You can also use any of these as a craft project for an Earth Day or a recycling unit. Invite your students to save recyclables from home and bring them in to participate!

Recycled Crafts Books for Kids

Would you like even more ways to make use of recycled materials with young learners?

Here are a few books with plenty of kids’ crafts that use recyclables too! (Affiliate links are listed below. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

  • Cardboard Creations: Open-Ended Exploration with Recycled Materials
  • Fun and Easy Crafting with Recycled Materials: 60 Cool Projects that Reimagine Paper Rolls, Egg Cartons, Jars and More
  • Low-Mess Crafts for Kids: 72 Projects to Create Your Own Magical Worlds
  • Cardboard Creations for Kids: 50 Fun and Inventive Crafts Using Recycled Materials

Get a look at the full list of easy recycled crafts below!

Over 25 Easy Recycled Craft Ideas for Kids to Make

Try some of these easy recycled craft ideas for kids to make! There are crafts here that work for all seasons and for kids of all ages!

1

Easy Toilet Paper Roll Ladybug Craft for Kids

Make up a quick spring animal craft with this fun toilet paper roll ladybug craft! The wings actually move!

2

Watercolor & Recycled Newspaper Flower Craft

Photo Credit: whereimaginationgrows.com

Gather up pieces of newspaper and watercolor paints to create these paper flowers!

3

DIY Recycled Plastic Bottle Poppy Craft

Photo Credit: www.muminthemadhouse.com

Turn bottles into flowers with this plastic bottle poppy craft!

4

Earth Day Recyclable Necklace Craft

Photo Credit: littlebinsforlittlehands.com

This earth-themed necklace craft is perfect for Earth Day!

5

Kids Craft: Recycled Tin Can Windsocks

Photo Credit: www.happinessishomemade.net

Hang these recycled tin can windsocks on the front porch!

6

Recycled Bubble Wrap Tree Craft

Photo Credit: raisinglittlesuperheroes.com

Use the bubble wrap from your packages to make this tree craft!

7

Easy Fall Snow Globe Craft for Kids

Have an old baby food jar lying around? Turn it into a fall snow globe!

8

Moving Windmill Recycled Craft

Photo Credit: emmaowl.com

Use plastic cups to make these windmills that actually turn!

9

Easy Paper Bag Fox Craft for Kids

Make a paper bag fox (and forest friends)!

10

Recycled Cardboard Rainbow Craft

Photo Credit: www.stillplayingschool.com

Use old cardboard to make a recycled rainbow!

11

Easy Paper Roll Rocket Craft for Kids

Make a set of rockets out of paper towel rolls!

12

Recycled CD Flamingo Kids Craft

Photo Credit: www.iheartartsncrafts.com

Use an old CD to create a flamingo with kids!

13

Easy Toilet Paper Roll Snowman Craft for Kids

Empty paper rolls make perfect winter snowmen (and snowwomen)!

14

Recycled Apple Craft

Photo Credit: www.notimeforflashcards.com

Make a simple apple craft with cardboard and paint!

15

Easy Toilet Paper Roll Fox Craft for Kids

Make an adorable fox out of an empty toilet paper roll!

16

Weaving for Kids- a Recycled Plastic Bottle Craft

Photo Credit: www.kitchentableclassroom.com

Ever heard of t-shirt yarn? Cut up a few old shirts to make this yarn-woven craft!

17

Easy Toilet Paper Roll Owl Craft for Kids

Use old toilet paper rolls to make a family of cute owls!

18

Colorful Butterfly Craft

Photo Credit: theresjustonemommy.com

Magazine pages make perfect butterfly wings in this recycled craft!

19

Easy Lion Toilet Paper Roll Craft for Kids

This toilet paper roll lion craft is so cute for a zoo unit!

20

Farm Shoebox Diorama Craft

Head down to the farm with this easy shoebox farm diorama!

21

Engineering 201: DIY Recycled Suspension Bridge

Photo Credit: leftbraincraftbrain.com

Take spare cardboard and turn it into a STEM activity with this recycled suspension bridge project!

22

Easy Toilet Roll Butterfly Craft for Kids

Colorful coffee filters and empty paper rolls are all you need for these cute butterflies!

23

Easy Toilet Paper Roll Chick Craft for Kids

Make up this simple toilet paper roll chick craft for a spring or farm animal craft with young learners!

24

Bumble Bee Craft for Kids Using Recycled Materials

Photo Credit: buggyandbuddy.com

Make adorable bumblebees with just a few recycled materials!

25

Super Cute Printable Farm Paper Bag Puppets

Make a set of barnyard animals from brown paper bags!

26

Beach Shoebox Diorama Craft

Take a trip to the beach with this easy recycled shoebox beach diorama craft!

Try these simple craft ideas for kids too!

Get some early math practice with little ones and make this simple shape train craft!
Make this fun and easy origami pig bookmark craft as a fall art project!
This fun paper pirate ship craft is a perfect activity for a pirate unit!

Filed Under: Crafts Tagged With: crafts, crafts for kids

Easy Shape Train Craft for Kids

January 20, 2022 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Shapes are one of my very favorite concepts to cover with preschoolers and kindergarteners.

They’re all around us, so it’s fun to show students the circle in the clock on the wall or the square in the window.

Transportation is another of my favorite themes for preschool.

Which makes this easy shape train craft a perfect way to teach both at the same time!

Easy Shape Train Craft for Kids

If you’re looking for a simple, hands-on way to talk about shapes or transportation, this is it!

It’s simple enough for young learners to complete on their own.

But it also provides a good way to talk about real world math with students, even in preschool.

Simple Shape Train Craft for Kids

Get the full instructions and the printable template below!

Need more ways to talk about shapes in early grades? Take a look at our hands-on Shape Sorting Mats!

Get some early math practice with little ones and make this simple shape train craft!

Easy Shape Train Craft for Kids

This simple shape craft is a perfect low-prep activity for a shape or transportation unit with preschoolers or kindergarteners.

Once you’ve cut out the template pieces, students can assemble the craft with just a few directions.

Making a Math Craft with Kids

To make this easy shape train craft, you’ll need the following: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

  • Printer (with ink)
  • Printer paper
  • Scissors (if you plan for students to cut out the pieces themselves, use child-safe scissors)
  • Construction paper
  • Glue stick
  • Pencil
  • Ruler
  • Printable Train Craft Template
Easy Shape Train Craft Supplies

Get started by printing the craft template.

Then use a pencil to trace the shape pieces onto colored construction paper and cut them out.

Making a Shape Train Craft

I find it best to use different colors for each piece. That way, it’s easy to point out each geometric shape without confusing the students.

The finished project includes three rectangles, one triangle, two squares, and two circles.

How to Make a Shape Train Math Craft

Now it’s time to assemble our train!

How to Make a Shape Transportation Craft

Use a piece of construction paper as your background.

Start by gluing the large rectangle down towards the right edge of the paper.

How to Make a Train Out of Shapes

Glue the triangle on the left side of the rectangle. The two pieces should touch.

Make sure students rotate the triangle so that the longest edge is facing up and out. This will be the front of the train.

Making a Paper Train Craft with Kids

Complete the body by adding the thinner rectangle vertically along the right side of the large rectangle.

Place it so that it covers the right edge of the large rectangle. This will form the back of the train.

How to Build a Train Out of Shapes

The two circles go in the bottom center of the train, forming the wheels.

An easy way to direct students is to have them glue the circles on the bottom of the large rectangle only.

Making a Simple Shape Train Math Craft with Kids

Add the final small rectangle by gluing it onto the top of the thin vertical rectangle.

Make a Train Out of Shapes

Add the two squares (windows) by gluing them towards the top of the center rectangle.

If you like, you can have students draw perpendicular lines to form windowpanes.

Finished Shape Train Craft

And we’re all finished!

Shape Train Math Craft for Kids

These would make an excellent class project for parents’ night!

Let the students try different colors of paper and add their own touches afterwards: a plume of smoke coming from the smokestack, a conductor in the window, tracks under the train – whatever they can think of!

See the full project directions below!

Easy Shape Train Craft for Kids

Shape Train Math Craft for Kids

This simple shape train craft is a perfect way to teach early learners about geometry and transportation. Plus, they'll get some fine motor skills practice too!

Prep Time 5 minutes
Active Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Difficulty Easy

Materials

  • Construction paper
  • Pencil
  • Printer paper

Tools

  • Printer
  • Ruler
  • Child-safe scissors
  • Glue stick

Instructions

  1. Print the shape train craft template.
  2. Cut out the template pieces and then use a pencil to trace each shape onto colored construction paper.
  3. Cut out the paper pieces.
  4. Glue the large rectangle down onto a piece of white construction paper.
  5. Glue the triangle onto the front of the rectangle, forming the front of the train.
  6. Glue the thin rectangle vertically along the back edge of the large rectangle, forming the back of the train.
  7. Glue the small thin rectangle horiztonally along the top edge of the thin rectangle.
  8. Glue the two circles onto the bottom of the large rectangle, forming the wheels.
  9. Glue the two squares onto the top section of the large rectangle, forming the windows.

Notes

  • Encourage your students to add details, such as: tracks under the train, smoke coming from the smokestack, a railroad crossing sign, or a conductor in the window.
  • Have students use different colors for each train and make a group of trains for a class display.
  • Talk about each shape before adding it to the picture. Ask students: "What shape is this?" or "How many sides does this shape have?"
  • For shapes that are similar, such as the rectangles, talk about how each one is different. Ask: "How is this rectangle different from that rectangle?" Encourage students to examine the differences in height, width, and orientation.
  • If you need to save time, print the template pieces and cut out shapes ahead of time. Then students can simply assemble the craft as you provide instructions.

© Selena Robinson
Project Type: Paper Crafts / Category: Crafts

Take a look at these other shapes activities for early learners!

Help early learners practice recognizing shapes with these printable shape identification flashcards!
Make up this quick and easy shape car craft with the kids! Great for math and art in one simple activity!
Teach early learners to recognize shapes all around them with this preschool shape sorting activity! Great for reusing at centers or in morning tubs!

Filed Under: Crafts, Preschool Tagged With: crafts for kids, shapes

Elementary Frederick Douglass History Lesson for Kids

January 18, 2022 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Frederick Douglass was one of the most vocal and eloquent anti-slavery activists in American history.

His own life story is fascinating, but what he went on to accomplish is even more impressive.

Use this elementary Frederick Douglass history lesson to teach your students about this American activist!

Frederick Douglass History Lesson for Elementary Grades

This resource is a perfect fit for Black History Month. But it’s also excellent for teaching American history all throughout the year.

And it comes in a digital or printable format!

Frederick Douglass Mini History Lesson for Kids

Read on to see how to get your copy of this elementary Black history resource.

And, for more about African-American history, take a look at our list of Black history books to share with kids!

Learn about the life and legacy of Frederick Douglass with this printable elementary Frederick Douglass history lesson!

Elementary Frederick Douglass History Lesson for Kids

To use this Frederick Douglass lesson, you’ll need the following: (Affiliate links are used below. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

  • Printer (with ink)
  • Printer paper
  • Pencils
  • Colored pencils (optional)
Studying Frederick Douglass with Elementary Students

Inside this resource is a two-page biography of Frederick Douglass’ life.

It’s written in age-appropriate language for students to comprehend.

Elementary Frederick Douglass History Activity for Kids

There’s also a blackline version of the biography included.

Elementary Frederick Douglass Mini History Lesson

Along with the life story, there are three comprehension and review activities for students to complete.

An answer key is included for each activity.

And a teaching script is inside too!

How to Use this Frederick Douglass History Lesson with Students

When you’re ready to introduce this Black American to your students, start by reading the biography together.

Be sure to stop frequently to check for student understanding as you go.

Printable Elementary Frederick Douglass History Lesson

If you choose, you can print the blackline version of the biography. Then students can color the pictures as you read through his life story.

Frederick Douglass Elementary Lesson for Kids

The review activities include:

  • A fill in the blank activity (based on the biography)
  • A timeline sequencing activity (based on the biography)
  • And a word unscramble activity (using words taken from Frederick’s life and career)
Learning about Frederick Douglass with Elementary Students

You might choose to complete one or two in class and send the rest with students as homework.

The answer key makes it easy to grade student submissions!

Digital Frederick Douglass History Activity

This resource is also available as a digital product for use with Google Slides!

All of the activities are included and students can either type on the slides to answer the questions or drag and drop their responses.

Get a look at the printable resource in the video below!

Scroll down to get your copy of this Frederick Douglass Elementary Lesson!

Add more Black history teaching ideas to your lesson plan with these activities!

Try these easy ways to teach black history in early grades to teach your primary students about notable Black Americans!
These Black history matching puzzles are a fun way to teach elementary students about notable Black Americans!
20 Fascinating Books about Black Inventors and Scientists for Kids to Read - Perfect for Black History Month!
Digital Frederick Douglass History Activity

To get the digital version of this Frederick Douglass elementary history lesson, visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store! You can also get the digital and printable version as a bundle!

Frederick Douglass Elementary History Activity

To get your copy of the printable elementary Frederick Douglass history lesson, visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store or check it out below!

Filed Under: Black History, Teaching Printables Tagged With: black history, black history for kids

20 Fun Books about Pets for Kids to Read

January 14, 2022 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Just a few months ago, we decided to make a huge change in our family.

We got a pet.

Our rescue dog has been….a bit of a challenge, but we love him to pieces already.

Which started me to thinking about how to talk about pets with young learners. And I thought I’d share a fun list of books about pets for kids to read!

20 Pet Books for Kids to Read

These picture books (some of which I own) are wonderful for talking about pets in early grades.

So if you’re planning a pet unit or if you’re thinking of adopting a pet for your family or classroom, these are excellent for helping kids learn more about caring for different kinds of pets.

Read on to see the full list of pet books for kids.

And, for more fun with animal learning in early grades, take a look at our Zoo Animal Learning Cards!

Share some of these books about pets for kids with young readers!

20 Books about Pets for Kids

This list of books includes both fiction and non-fiction selections.

All of them feature plenty of pictures, so they’re best suited to preschool and early elementary students.

20 Books about Pets for Kids to Read

Some of them even talk about pets from a historical perspective – from pets that lived in prehistoric epochs to pets that have lived in the White House!

How to Use These Books about Pets with Students

Of course, a natural way to use these books to share a few of the selections during read-aloud time.

But you can also introduce them with an appropriate craft.

For example, the book “Can I Be Your Dog?”, which is on the list (and a personal favorite of mine) goes perfectly with a Coffee Filter Dog Craft.

Or you might read one of the books together in class. Then ask your students to go home and return with one fact they’ve learned about a pet in the book.

Some of the books about different types of pets are great for this.

See the full list of books about pets below!

20 Fun Books about Pets for Kids to Read

These picture books are excellent for talking about pets with young learners!

Some are non-fiction books about pets, which feature facts for students to learn. Others are fiction storybooks with beautiful pictures that are great for keeping young readers engaged!

Note: This list contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.

1

Just Me and My Puppy (A Little Critter Book) by Mercer Mayer

Photo Credit: Amazon
2

The Perfect Pet by Margie Palatini

Photo Credit: Amazon
3

National Geographic Kids Look & Learn: Pets

Photo Credit: Amazon
4

What Pet Should I Get? by Dr. Seuss

Photo Credit: Amazon
5

Pete the Cat: A Pet for Pete (My First I Can Read) by James Dean

Photo Credit: Amazon
6

Can I Be Your Dog? by Troy Cummings

Photo Credit: Amazon
7

Franklin Wants a Pet by Paulette Bourgeois

Photo Credit: Amazon
8

Lola Gets a Cat (Lola Reads) by Anna McQuinn

Photo Credit: Amazon
9

What to Know Before You Get Your Dog by Margrit Strohmaier

Photo Credit: Amazon
10

Otter: What Pet Is Best? (My First I Can Read) by Sam Garton

Photo Credit: Amazon
11

National Geographic Kids Everything Pets: Furry facts, photos, and fun-unleashed!

Photo Credit: Amazon
12

I Want A Bearded Dragon: Best Pets For Kids

Photo Credit: Amazon
13

Prehistoric Pets by Dr. Dean Lomax

Photo Credit: Amazon
14

I Want to Be a Veterinarian (I Can Read Level 1) by Laura Driscoll

Photo Credit: Amazon
15

Presidential Pets: The Weird, Wacky, Little, Big, Scary, Strange Animals That Have Lived In The White House by Julia Moberg

Photo Credit: Amazon
16

National Geographic Readers: Squeak! (L3): 100 Fun Facts About Hamsters, Mice, Guinea Pigs, and More

Photo Credit: Amazon
17

I Found a Kitty! by Troy Cummings

Photo Credit: Amazon
18

Biscuit Feeds the Pets (My First I Can Read) by Alyssa Satin Capucilli

Photo Credit: Amazon
19

Arthur's Pet Business (An Arthur Adventure) by Marc Brown

Photo Credit: Amazon
20

The Everything Book of Cats and Kittens (Everything About Pets)

Photo Credit: Amazon

Take a look at some of these other ways to teach early learners about animals!

Teach early students how to recognize animals with different sleeping habits with this hands-on diurnal and nocturnal animals sorting activity!
These Spanish Arctic Animal learning cards are perfect for early literacy and science centers and ELL students!
Help early learners recognize animals with these printable zoo animal flashcards!

Filed Under: Book Lists, Reading Tagged With: books for kids, picture books for kids

Elementary George Washington Carver History Lesson for Kids

January 11, 2022 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

As Black History Month becomes more popular, kids are learning about more and more notable Black Americans in history.

That’s a great thing!

One of my favorite Black Americans to study is George Washington Carver. He’s best known for his scientific work with peanuts, but his early life is truly inspiring.

This elementary George Washington Carver history lesson for kids is a great way to introduce students to this American scientist!

George Washington Carver History Lesson for Kids

This is a fantastic resource for Black History Month, but it’s an excellent American history lesson for any time of year. Especially if you’re talking about STEM and scientists through the years.

George Washington Carver Lesson for Elementary Students

Read on to see how to get your copy. And check out the digital version too!

Be sure to take a look at our list of 20 children’s books about Black scientists and inventors while you’re here!

Teach elementary students about one of the most accomplished scientists in history with this George Washington Carver history lesson for kids!

George Washington Carver Elementary Black History Lesson

To use this George Washington Carver Black history lesson, you’ll need the following: (Affiliate links are used below. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

  • Printer (with ink)
  • Printer paper
  • Pencils
  • Colored pencils (optional)
Learning about George Washington Carver with Kids

This elementary Black history resource includes a two-page biography of George’s life and career – both color and blackline versions.

George Washington Carver History Lesson for Elementary

There are also three review and comprehension exercises for students to complete afterwards.

Learning about George Washington Carver

And an answer key is included for each activity!

How to Use This Elementary George Washington Carver History Lesson with Students

When you’re ready to use this resource, there’s a teaching script included to make introducing this topic easier.

Elementary George Washington Carver History Lesson

Read through the biography with your students.

Pause throughout the reading to check for understanding. At the end, discuss the “What can you learn from George Washington Carver?” question with your class.

Studying George Washington Carver with Elementary Students

If you will be using this as a take-home lesson, print the blackline version and let students color it in.

George Washington Carver Elementary History Lesson

All of the activities’ answers can be found in the biography.

You may wish to complete the “Fill in the Blanks” activity in class and send the word unscramble and timeline activities along as homework.

Elementary George Washington Carver Lesson

Use the answer key for easy grading!

George Washington Carver History Lesson

If you complete the fill in the blank activity in class, walk students through the questions and help them find the answers as needed.

Digital Elementary George Washington Carver History Lesson

This history activity is also available in a digital version for use with Google Slides!

The biography is included, as well as all three review activities. Students can simply drag and drop or type in the fields to complete the exercises.

Get a look at this Black history resource in the video below!

Scroll down to get your copy of this George Washington Carver lesson!

Try some of these other ideas for teaching Black history to elementary students!

Try these easy ways to teach black history in early grades to teach your primary students about notable Black Americans!
These black history coloring pages are a fun way to introduce students to notable Black Americans in history!
20 Fascinating Books about Black Inventors and Scientists for Kids to Read - Perfect for Black History Month!
Digital George Washington Carver History Lesson

To get the digital version of this George Washington Carver lesson for elementary students, pick it up from my Teachers Pay Teachers store! You can also get the printable and digital version as a Black history lesson bundle!

George Washington Carver History Lesson for Elementary Students

To get your copy of the printable George Washington Carver Elementary History Lesson, visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store or check it out below!

Filed Under: Black History, Teaching Printables Tagged With: black history, black history for kids

Easy Toilet Paper Roll Snowman Craft for Kids

January 6, 2022 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Who doesn’t love an easy toilet paper roll craft?

They’re always fun and simple for kids to make. And we already have most of the supplies, so we’re ahead of the game.

If you’re looking for a simple winter craft to share with kids, this easy toilet paper roll snowman craft is just perfect!

Fun Toilet Paper Roll Snowman Craft

There’s a printable template that makes this snowman craft a snap! And it’s simple enough for young learners to make too.

Easy Paper Roll Snowman Craft

Read on to get the full project instructions and a link to the template.

Looking for more early grades winter fun? Try this easy paper bag polar bear craft too!

Make this fun and easy toilet paper roll snowman craft with little ones!

Easy Toilet Paper Roll Snowman Craft for Kids

To make this toilet paper roll snowman craft, you’ll need the following: (Affiliate links are used below. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

  • Empty toilet paper roll
  • Printer (with ink)
  • Printer paper
  • Child-safe scissors
  • Washable markers or Colored pencils (optional)
  • Glue stick
  • A copy of the toilet paper roll snowman craft template
Printable Toilet Paper Roll Snowman Craft Template

To get started, download the printable Snowman Craft Template.

You’ll see the project instructions inside, along with two versions of the craft.

Easy Color Paper Roll Snowman Craft Template

There’s a blackline version for students to color themselves and a color version, if you’d like to skip the coloring step.

Toilet Roll Snowman Craft Template

Each of the template pieces is clearly marked, so you’ll know which part to add at each step of the project.

Using a Paper Roll Snowman Template

Once students have colored and cut out the template pieces, it’s time to get to crafting!

How to Make a Toilet Paper Roll Snowman Craft

A tip here: If you’re making this project with a group of young learners, you might use the color template pieces. Cut them out in advance and have them ready to go.

That way, students can get to work immediately. This is especially useful if you’re short on time.

Paper Roll Snowman Craft Supplies

The first step is to glue the background around the toilet paper roll. Simply wrap it around and use glue to seal the ends closed.

Putting a Paper Snowman Together with Kids

Now we’ll put our snowman together.

Place the head at the top of the body and glue the pieces to form the snowman.

Assembling a Paper Roll Snowman

Now it’s time to add our clothing!

Glue the hatband onto the lower section of the hat and glue it onto the top of the head. Then glue the scarf onto the “neck” of the snowman.

I just used the place where the two body pieces meet as a guide.

Drawing a Snowman Face

Glue the carrot nose onto the center of the head. Then use a pen or marker to draw eyes and a smile.

I decided to make my snowman a “snow-woman” by drawing closed eyes with lashes and adding rosy cheeks, but students can really draw any kind of facial features they want.

Toilet Roll Snowman Craft for Kids to Make

Glue the snowman’s body onto the front of the wrapped toilet paper roll. Then flip it over, so that the back is facing up.

Glue each of the arms onto the back of the toilet paper roll. Try to glue just the very ends, so that the arms stick out on the sides.

Simple Toilet Paper Roll Snowman Craft

Like so!

Making Toilet Paper Roll Snowman Crafts with Kids

You can even use different clothing colors and faces to make a snowman family!

Making a Toilet Paper Roll Snowman

See this toilet paper roll snowman craft in action below!

Try some of these other fun winter craft ideas!

Make this easy paper snowflake craft with the kids this winter!
This fun 3D cereal box polar bear craft is an awesome winter art project for kids to make!
This easy polar bear paper bag puppet is a fun winter craft to make with kids!

Looking for more snowman-themed fun? Take a look at our Snowman Shapes Plane Shape Tracing Activity!

Filed Under: Crafts Tagged With: crafts, toilet roll craft

5 Easy Ways to Teach Black History in Early Grades

January 4, 2022 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Black History Month is celebrated every February.

And there’s a good reason for it. The accomplishments of Black Americans are certainly worth studying, particularly in early grades.

Some educators, though, might feel a bit unsure how to introduce this topic to primary students. Especially if they’re not very familiar with this subject themselves.

The good news is that there are several easy ways to teach Black history in early grades and I’m sharing five you can try today!

Easy Ways to Teach Black History

Learning about Black history should be a fun, engaging activity.

The more we know about this subject as educators, the easier it will be to convey the inclusive, welcoming attitude we want our students to reflect as they learn.

Read on to check out these five tips – and to see some helpful resources that making teaching this subject a breeze!

Try these easy ways to teach black history in early grades to teach your primary students about notable Black Americans!

Why Teach Black History in Early Grades?

Images c/o: Wavebreakmedia & weedezign / Deposit Photos

Before we get into the easy ways to teach Black history with early elementary learners, we should answer the question: Why is teaching Black history important in the first place?

Historically, the work and accomplishments of Black and Brown Americans have not been included in American history lessons.

Using Art to Teach Black History in Early Grades

There has been some progress in this area in the last decade or so, but many curriculum providers and school districts are still highlighting just a couple of figures each year (Dr. King, Rosa Parks, etc.) and not talking about many, many other Black people who have contributed to our society.

Black History Month, while valuable, is often viewed as the only time when it is “necessary” to talk about these individuals. Which is unfair to them and to our students.

Learning about Black history all year would really be the best way to combat this. And, as educators, the way we cover this topic can help to either broaden or narrow our students’ perspectives.

5 Easy Ways to Teach Black History in Early Grades

Now that we know why Black history is an important subject for our learners, even our primary students, how can we teach it? Try these five simple ideas!

Add an art twist.

Anytime I want my students to remember something new, I try to add an art component.

We can keep talking about the topic as they color, draw, or make a craft. But the act of creating does wonders for our memory.

So, if you add an art aspect to your Black history lessons, your students are more likely to remember and enjoy what they learn.

Learning about Black History with Coloring Pages

These Living Color History! Black History Coloring Pages are perfect for this. Check them out for yourself!

Embrace digital resources.

Digital resources have transformed the way we teach, particularly since so many schools have begun using distance learning as needed.

There are some excellent digital Black history resources available, even for primary grades.

Using these can make it simple to incorporate hands-on activities in a Black history lesson, without the need for physical supplies. And they’re simple to grade too!

Ruby Bridges Digital History Lesson

Take a look at our digital Ruby Bridges mini lesson for an example!

Read engaging, factual picture books.

I am a total and complete book nerd. Anytime I can use a book in a primary grades lesson, I’m going to do it.

Another easy way to teach Black history with young students is to include some factual picture books you can read with the class.

I want to add a note here: It is essential that the book is factual.

All information about Black Americans is not accurate, even if it’s complimentary. We need to complete our due diligence as educators to make sure that what we are sharing is correct.

Fascinating Books about Black Inventors and Scientists for Kids

Over the years, we’ve read some excellent picture books about Black Americans. Take a look at our booklist to read about some of the greatest Black scientists and inventors in history!

Try some hands-on history ideas.

Another way to teach Black history in primary grades is to turn it into a hands-on activity.

Simple DIY Harlem Renaissance Costume

Let your students dress up in period clothes and do a living “wax museum”. Each one can represent a specific Black American and prepare a one or two-sentence statement about what they did in history.

A timeline activity is another great way to help students remember important events in each person’s life and career.

You can also have them memorize a quote or two and recite them. These quotes are readily available online. (Again: Do your due diligence to make sure the quote is correctly attributed.)

Invite parental involvement.

The best way to help kids learn about Black history in primary grades is to involve their parents.

Educators can teach children about Black Americans all year long (and they should!), but if they’re hearing or seeing negative portrayals of Black culture in the home, it’s difficult to counteract that.

Many parents aren’t actively discouraging these conversations. They simply don’t know how to talk about race with their children.

Cheat Sheet for Talking about Race with Kids

This parents’ cheat sheet for talking about race is an excellent resource for helping parents have these kinds of conversations with their children.

Topics such as racial differences, civil rights, racial protests, and Black history are included with sample questions and responses.

Having a Conversation about Race with Kids

These responses may also be helpful for answering student questions when you teach about Black history in early grades.

To get your copy of this resource free, click the image or the link below to have it sent to your inbox! You’ll also get our weekly newsletter – coming this Sunday!

**IMPORTANT** If you have a pop-up blocker enabled in your web browser, you will need to disable it to complete the email address window.

Click here to subscribe

>>> Cheat Sheet for Talking about Race <<<

With these fun and simple ways to teach Black history in early grades, you can enlighten your primary learners about the Black Americans who contributed to our society!

Looking for more Black history resources for primary students? Take a look at these!

These Black history matching puzzles are a fun way to teach elementary students about notable Black Americans!
These black history coloring pages are a fun way to introduce students to notable Black Americans in history!
We Got Jazz Elementary Digital and Print Unit for Kids

Filed Under: Black History, History Tagged With: black history, black history for kids

Easy Paper Snowflake Craft for Kids

December 7, 2021 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Making paper snowflakes is one of the winter craft projects I remember the most as a child.

My classmates and I would see who could make the most complicated design. Then we’d fold in half, cut it out, and open it up. Sometimes we’d try cutting out phrases or faces.

And the teacher would hang them on the window afterwards. Good times.

Easy Paper Snowflake Craft for Kids

If you’re looking to make a traditional paper snowflake craft with kids this winter, this colorful one with a printable template is a neat twist!

Kids Paper Snowflake Craft

These are simple to make too. And there are three different template designs to choose from!

Read on to grab the printable template and to read the full instructions.

And, take a look at our All About Snowflakes unit for more ways to create a snowflake theme with primary grade students!

Make this easy paper snowflake craft with the kids this winter!

Easy Paper Snowflake Craft for Kids

To make this paper snowflake craft, you’ll need the following: (Affiliate links are listed below. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

  • White printer paper (cut into squares)
  • Colored cardstock (cut into squares)
  • Child-safe scissors
  • Craft glue
  • Hole punch
  • Printable Paper Snowflake Craft Template (download this to use as a tracing guide, if desired)
How to Make a Paper Snowflake

You’ll start with a square-sized piece of white printer paper.

You could also use coffee filters, craft paper, or drawing paper.

Colorful Paper Snowflake Craft for Kids

Then you’ll download the printable paper snowflake craft template.

On the template, there are three different designs: in a large size and a small size.

How to Make Paper Snowflakes with Kids

The templates are optional, so if you have a design in mind, you may not need them.

But if you’re making this for the first time with kids, the templates can help them make a snowflake design.

How to Make a Paper Snowflake Craft

To get started, fold the square of white paper in half diagonally.

The corners should be lined up so that the paper forms a triangle.

Folding a Paper Snowflake Craft

Next, fold the triangle in half. Now you should have a double-layered smaller triangle.

What we’re doing is folding the paper into four layers. This way, we only have to cut the snowflake design once to create all four sides.

Making a Paper Snowflake with Kids

Now, print the snowflake template and choose which design (and size) you’d like to use.

Use a pencil to trace the chosen design onto one side of the folded paper triangle.

Tracing the Paper Snowflake Template

Let kids use child-safe scissors to cut along the tracing lines.

For the circle in the center, it’s easiest to use a hole punch.

How to Cut a Paper Snowflake

Now, help them unfold the triangle. They’ll see a finished snowflake!

Making a Paper Snowflake Craft

All that’s left to do now is to glue the finished snowflakes onto the squares of colored cardstock.

Simple Paper Snowflakes for Kids to Make

These are adorable for hanging from a garland!

Making an Easy Paper Snowflake Craft

They’d also make sweet cards to send to family members and friends.

Simply fold a separate piece of cardstock in half. Write a thoughtful note inside and glue the paper snowflake craft on the front!

Simple Paper Snowflake Craft

However you decide to use them, these simple snowflake crafts are fun for kids to craft during winter!

Try some of these other winter activities for kids!

This fun 3D cereal box polar bear craft is an awesome winter art project for kids to make!
Share some of these fun snow books for kids with little ones this winter!
This easy polar bear paper bag puppet is a fun winter craft to make with kids!

Filed Under: Crafts Tagged With: crafts, crafts for kids

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