Look! We're Learning!

Early Learning. Happy Teaching.

  • Shop
  • Printables
  • Homeschool
  • Crafts
  • Parenting
  • Blog

Easy Polar Bear Paper Bag Puppet

November 2, 2021 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Looking for a quick and fun winter craft for young kids to make?

This easy polar bear paper bag puppet is a perfect easy winter animal craft you can make with early learners!

It only takes a few basic craft supplies. Even better, it only takes a few minutes to assemble.

Easy Polar Bear Paper Bag Puppet

This would make a wonderful addition to an Arctic or winter theme in a preschool or kindergarten classroom!

DIY Polar Bear Paper Bag Puppet

Read on to see how to make this easy polar bear craft and to grab the free printable template.

And, for more snowy crafting fun, take a look at our list of 50 winter crafts for kids!

This easy polar bear paper bag puppet is a fun winter craft to make with kids!

What Do You Need to Make a Polar Bear Paper Bag Puppet?

You’ll only need a few items to make this paper bag animal puppet.

Simple Polar Bear Paper Bag Puppet for Kids

And I’m pretty sure you already have most of them in your craft closet.

Disclosure: Affiliate links are listed below. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.

  • Colored craft paper
  • Paper bag
  • Glue stick
  • Scissors
  • Washable marker
  • Printable polar bear paper bag puppet template
Polar Bear Paper Bag Puppet Supplies

Once you’ve download the printable puppet template, print it and cut out the pieces.

Polar Bear Paper Bag Puppet Template Pieces

You can either use the template pieces themselves to make the puppet or trace the pieces onto colored paper.

Then you’d just cut those out and get started.

How to Make a Polar Bear Paper Bag Puppet

To make this polar bear out of paper, start by assembling the pieces.

Use glue to attach the inner ears to the outer ears. Then glue the nose onto the center of the head.

Making a Polar Bear Puppet

Attach the feet at the bottom of the body and the tail on the lower left side of the body.

How to Make a Polar Bear Puppet

Now, glue the ears onto the top corners of the head.

Attach the grey belly by gluing it onto the lower third of the body piece.

Simple Polar Bear Paper Puppet

Time to break out the paper bag!

How to Make a Paper Bag Polar Bear

Turn the bag upside down with the flap facing up. Flip the flap up and glue the body onto the paper bag.

The flap should come down over the top of the body.

Use markers and crayons to add eyes, a nose, and cheeks to the polar bear’s head, if you want.

Fun Polar Bear Craft for Kids

Finally, glue the head onto the bag flap.

And that’s all!

Cute Polar Bear Paper Craft for Kids

Isn’t that a simply adorable polar bear puppet?

Easy Polar Bear Craft for Kids

Try some of these other winter craft ideas for kids to make!

This adorable pinecone snowman craft for kids is a perfect winter art activity for little ones!
Make some of these easy winter crafts for kids with your family this year!
Make this easy and cute coffee filter penguin craft with the kids this winter!

Filed Under: Crafts Tagged With: paper bag puppet, winter crafts

3 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Adopting a Rescue Dog

October 28, 2021 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

My mother was a professional dog groomer. I grew up with a family dog in the house.

When I was a teenager, I worked part-time in a veterinary clinic.

So it was a no-brainer to me to get a family dog for my kids. I had been wanting to do it for years and the time was finally right.

Right?

Eh. Kind of.

3 Things I Wish I Knew Before Adopting a Rescue Dog

I always planned to adopt a rescue and I’m glad I went through with that.

But there are some things I would like to have known in advance before I did.

Here are three things I wish I had known before adopting a rescue dog. If you’re considering getting a rescue, this might save you from some of the same mistakes.

Before you adopt a rescue dog, read the three things I wish I knew before adopting a rescue!

3 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Adopting a Rescue Dog

1. Shelter owners are not required to do any due diligence before offering animals for adoption.

The owner I contacted had listed the dog as a four-month-old dachshund mix. His picture was adorable. 

When I drove out to meet him, he was adorable. So sweet and quiet I almost couldn’t believe he was alive. 

He came right up to me, let me pick up, and then just laid in my arms like a baby. 

It was a total set up.

When I took him to the vet a few days later, I discovered that he was sick with an upper respiratory infection. Which explained his quiet disposition and docile behavior.

As he started to recover, he became a bit less quiet and a bit less docile. Actually, more than a bit.

The woman who ran the animal shelter had at least 20 animals in her care and I have no doubt that she could tell he was ill. But they have no legal obligation to disclose that to you.

So, if you meet a shelter animal and you can’t believe how sweet and quiet it is, it might be sick. 

Just so you know.

2. Read the adoption agreement carefully.

I was completely enamored with my new puppy. So when the shelter owner was reviewing the adoption agreement, I barely paid attention. 

She held up the paper and said “This is just the agreement showing the amount of the adoption fee and stating that, if you decide you can’t keep the dog, you have to bring him back to me.” 

I nodded blindly, rocking my new furry friend in my arms. 

Later, after the vet told me some things that the shelter owner did not, I went back and read the agreement I’d signed.

The adoption fee was on there, plus the promise to return him to the shelter if I decided to rehome him for any reason.

But the agreement also included a few items I’d missed. Specifically – the shelter was not liable if the breed, age, and health of the animal turned out to be different than they’d told me.

So – when all three of these turned out to be incorrect, the shelter was not responsible.

Awesome.

3. Prepare for the unexpected – right away.

Now I had a dog who was most definitely not a dachshund mix and who was most definitely not going to remain small. I also had a dog who was significantly younger than I was told.

Which meant that I’d be housebreaking and teaching him not to bite, all of which I fully expected to be completed, because I was supposed to be adopting an older puppy.

I spent weeks getting up multiple times a night to take him outside and basically keeping him away from my kids so they wouldn’t get bitten while he was teething.

I’ve also had to take him to the vet to get some of the vaccines I was told he’d already had. (I was even given paperwork that said so.) Turned out he was too young to get them, so that was probably not accurate either.

It’s been…an experience.

Now I don’t mean to imply that I regret getting my dog. I don’t.

Even though he’s not quite what I was expecting, he’s still a sweet pup and he’s part of our family. And now that he’s been with us for a month, he’s settled in and is doing much better.

He sleeps through the night, he listens and responds when I say “no”, and his teething has improved.

But if I ever decide to do this again, I won’t make the same mistakes. Hopefully you won’t either!

Filed Under: Family Life Tagged With: dogs, pets

Easy Marshmallow Edible Playdough Recipe

October 26, 2021 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

When I think of an easy sensory activity, the first thing that comes to my mind is making playdough.

It doesn’t take long, it’s a quiet play material, and you can usually find a playdough recipe that smells good. It’s a total win.

Personally, though, it’s even better if the recipe is edible, because my kids always wanted to taste the dough they made.

(In fact, I remember tasting commercial playdough as a kid. Not a good experience.)

So this easy marshmallow edible playdough recipe hits all the right notes!

Easy Marshmallow Edible Playdough Recipe

This homemade playdough recipe smells good, is safe to taste, and only needs a few ingredients. Perfect!

Read on to see how to make it and to get the printable recipe.

And, for more sensory ideas, take a look at our list of 20 edible playdough recipes you can make at home!

Have some sweet sensory fun with this easy marshmallow edible playdough recipe for kids!

What Ingredients Do You Need to Make Marshmallow Edible Playdough?

I said this was an easy recipe and I wasn’t bluffing.

This recipe only needs four ingredients. Four.

We totally got this.

Playing with Edible Playdough

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Mini marshmallows
  • Coconut oil
  • Powdered sugar
  • Sprinkles
Marshmallow Edible Playdough Recipe Ingredients

You probably have all of these in your house already.

And, if you don’t keep mini marshmallows in your pantry, you are seriously missing out on a simple sweet tooth fix.

Handfuls of mini marshmallows and chocolate chips are what get me through some days.

Adding Sprinkles to Marshmallow Edible Playdough

You can add food coloring if you want to color this dough.

But I love the contrast of the colorful sprinkles and the white dough, so I like to leave it as is.

How to Make Marshmallow Edible Playdough

Now to make up our batch of marshmallow playdough…

Marshmallow Edible Playdough Supplies

Start by microwaving the mini marshmallows to soften them.

Pour in the coconut oil.

Making Marshmallow Edible Playdough

Stir the oil and marshmallows together to combine them.

This is the base of the dough, but we’ll need the powdered sugar to “bind” everything together.

Simple Marshmallow Edible Playdough Recipe

When you add the powdered sugar, do it slowly. Try a few tablespoons at a time and then stir it up to check the consistency.

You want the dough to be soft but not too sticky.

How to Mix Marshmallow Edible Playdough

If it sticks to your hand and it’s hard to form it into a ball, you’ll know you need to add a bit more sugar.

How to Mix Marshmallow Playdough

Once you can form a ball that holds its shape, your dough is done!

Playing with Marshmallow Edible Playdough

All that’s left now is to add the colorful sprinkles!

Fun Marshmallow Edible Playdough Recipe for Kids

If you have a child helping you make up the playdough, let them roll the dough ball in sprinkles and then use their hands to work them in thoroughly.

How to Use Marshmallow Edible Playdough for Learning

So we have a batch of marshmallow playdough. What exactly do we do with it?

The answer is: Lots of things! Playdough is a wonderful fine motor skills builder.

Edible Playdough Made with Marshmallows

Here are some simple playdough fine motor skills activities:

  • Use a play hammer to smash the dough flat
  • Use a rolling pin to roll the dough out
  • Use plastic knives to cut and slice the dough into small pieces
  • Roll the dough into ropes and use child-safe scissors to cut them into sections
Edible Playdough with Sprinkles

You can also use playdough to form shapes, letters, and numbers, such as with literacy mats.

These winter literacy mats are a perfect fit for this wintry-looking playdough!

Scroll down to get the printable marshmallow edible playdough recipe!

See more sensory and fine motor skills activities below!

Make up a batch of this apple pie playdough to have a fun fall sensory activity with your little ones! So fun for little hands!
Pick up these printable rainbow playdough mats for some colorful fine motor fun with early learners!
Make up a batch of this scented pumpkin pie playdough to have some fall sensory fun with the kids! You only need a few household ingredients!
Yield: 1 batch

Easy Marshmallow Edible Playdough Recipe

Fun Marshmallow Edible Playdough Recipe for Kids

This fun and sweet marshmallow edible playdough makes a wonderful sensory activity for little hands!

Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups mini marshmallows
  • 3 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar, divided
  • Sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Pour the marshmallows into a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Microwave the marshmallows on HIGH for 40 seconds.
  3. Pour the coconut oil into the bowl and stir well.
  4. Slowly add in the powdered sugar by stirring in a few tablespoons at a time.
  5. After you have added one cup of powdered sugar, check the consistency of the dough. If it feels too sticky, add up to another 1/2 cup of powdered sugar.
  6. Mix in the sprinkles by hand.

Notes

  • This dough is good for one play session. Discard after the initial use.
  • Since this dough is made from food ingredients, it is safe to eat. Due to the high sugar content, parents may want to exercise care as to the amount children consume.

© Selena Robinson
Category: Sensory Activities

Filed Under: Sensory Activities Tagged With: edible playdough

Oak Tree Life Cycle Sequencing Activity

October 19, 2021 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

It’s autumn and leaves are falling everywhere we look.

We live in a neighborhood that has a ton of oak trees. Okay, not a literal ton, but you get the idea.

So every fall, there are acorns as far as the eye can see.

Which gave me the idea to create a new life cycle activity: this Oak Tree Life Cycle Sequencing Activity set!

Fun Oak Tree Life Cycle Sequencing Activity for Kids

Oak trees are excellent topics for science with primary grade students. Depending on where you live, you can actually see steps in this process with your class in real life!

Read on to see how to use this hands-on life cycle lesson with students.

And, for more ways to learn about plant life cycles, don’t miss our Apple Life Cycle Activity!

This hands-on oak tree life cycle sequencing activity makes learning about fall plant science fun for early grades!

Oak Tree Life Cycle Sequencing Activity for Kids

To use this printable oak tree life cycle sequencing activity, you’ll need the following: (Affiliate links are given below. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

  • Printer (with ink)
  • Printer paper or cardstock
  • Child-safe scissors
  • Glue sticks
  • Hook and loop sticky dots (optional)
  • Laminator (optional)
  • Dry erase markers (optional)
Hands On Oak Tree Life Cycle Sequencing Activity for Kids

This plant science resource includes a completed life cycle mat, which you can use to review the steps in the sequence with the class.

Then there’s a blank mat for students to complete with labeled or unlabeled picture sequence circles.

Oak Tree Label the Life Cycle Activity

There’s also a version of the activity mat that includes space for students to label the steps for themselves.

Oak Tree Coloring Life Cycle Activity

And a blackline version is included too!

How to Teach the Oak Tree Life Cycle Sequence

To start discussing this topic with your class, review the completed life cycle and walk the students through each step.

If you can get acorns or oak tree leaves, they’d make great visual aids or sensory objects at centers too.

Oak Tree Life Cycle Activity Mat

Once you review the sequence, you can talk about the names for each stage in the growth process.

This will be very helpful if you plan to use the labeling activity mat.

Oak Tree Life Cycle Cut and Paste Activity

If you have pre-readers or ELL students in your class, swap out the labeled circles for the unlabeled picture circles.

Use the differences in each picture to help them remember the process without worrying about spell or pronouncing each stage.

Acorn Life Cycle Sequencing Activity

My personal favorite way to use this resource is as a reusable center activity.

I prep it once and it can be used over and over again.

But it works well as a one-time cut and paste activity for each student too.

Label the Oak Tree Growth Cycle Activity

Another way to reuse this resource is to laminate the labeling mat. Students can write in the correct stage names with dry erase markers.

Then just wipe it clean to use it again.

See this resource in action below!

Scroll down to get your copy of this Oak Tree Life Cycle Activity!

Take a look at these other science ideas for early grades!

Try some of these simple 15 minute science experiments for a quick at-home science lesson with kids!
This printable apple life cycle sequencing activity is perfect for helping students learn how apples grow! Use it at science centers or in morning tubs!
These fun weather STEM activities for kids are excellent for simple spring science experiments! Simple enough for home or the classroom!

To get your copy of the Oak Tree Life Cycle Resource, visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store or check it out below!

Filed Under: Homeschooling Printables, Teaching Printables Tagged With: life cycle, printables, science

A Simple Homes Unit for Preschool

October 12, 2021 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Types of homes are one of the most popular themes in early childhood education.

We all live in different types of homes with different types of families. Learning about those differences is a key way to broaden a child’s knowledge of the world.

This simple homes unit preschool learners will enjoy is an easy way to introduce this topic!

Simple Homes Unit for Preschool

In this easy preschool unit, you’ll find a video discussion, books, and printable coloring pages about homes.

Printable House Coloring Pages for Kids

And the coloring pages are free!

Read on to get the full details. Be sure to take a look at our list of community helpers books for kids too!

Use this simple homes unit for preschool to teach early learners about types of homes!

A Simple Homes Unit Preschool Students Will Enjoy

This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.

Talking about types of homes is a great way to get early learners to open up in class.

When we ask questions about the home each child lives in, we give them a chance to tell us something they know.

And, they get to hear how their classmates live every day too.

Take a look at the video below for a fun introduction to different types of homes!

After you watch the video together, ask your students the following questions:

What are some kinds of homes? Answer: One-family homes, apartment houses, houseboats, igloos

Where would people live in igloos? Answer: In places where it’s cold and snowy

Where would people live in houseboats? Answer: On the water

Who lives in a barn? Answer: Farm animals

Need a simple house craft for preschoolers? Try this easy one from The Crafting Chicks!

Books about Types of Homes for Kids

15 Great Books for a Homes Unit Preschool Kids Will Love

When it’s time to share a story about houses, choose one from this list of excellent children’s books about types of homes.

In this list, you’ll find stories about homes around the world, different types of families, life after moving, and what makes a family.

These selections are perfect for students from different kinds of backgrounds.

15 Great Books about Homes for Kids

Learn about different types of homes, how homes are built, and what makes a home with these lovely children's books!

These make excellent additions to an early learning unit about homes or family.

1

If I Built a House by Chris Van Dusen

2

The Berenstain Bears' Moving Day by Stan & Jan Berenstain

3

How Does My Home Work? by Chris Butterworth

4

Moving to the Neighborhood (Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood) by Alexandra Cassel

5

A Place Called Home: Look Inside Houses Around the World (Lonely Planet Kids)

6

Two Homes by Claire Masurel

7

How a House Is Built by Gail Gibbons

8

New House, Same Underwear: by Brenda Li (Pig In Jeans)

9

Tani's New Home: A Refugee Finds Hope and Kindness in America by Tanitoluwa Adewumi

10

Where's My House?: Sierra National Forest by Susie A. Harder

11

Home by Carson Ellis

12

A Home Again by Colleen Rowan Kosinski

13

If You Lived Here: Houses of the World by Giles Laroche

14

Home For a While by Lauren Kerstein

15

Murphy's Three Homes: A Story for Children in Foster Care by Jan Levinson Gilman

Printable House Coloring Pages for Kids

Add to your preschool homes unit with these printable house coloring pages!

House Coloring Pages for Preschoolers

Each page features a different looking house for children to color.

Types of Homes Coloring Pages for Kids

You can use them as in-class art activities.

Or send them with students as take-home assignments!

House Coloring Pages for Kids

To get your set of printable House Coloring Pages, click the image or the link below to have them sent to your inbox!

Our weekly newsletter will be coming this Sunday too!

Click here to get your printable resource

>>> Printable House Coloring Pages <<<

I hope you love using this simple homes unit for preschool with your students!

Looking for more early learning resources? Take a look at these!

Share some of these fun snow books for kids with little ones this winter!
Use these printable farm animal flashcards to help early learners recognize barnyard animals!
This printable ice cream lesson plan for preschool is a perfect way to plan an ice cream theme!

Filed Under: Preschool, Unit Studies Tagged With: preschool, preschool unit, thematic units

Build A House STEM Challenge Cards

October 7, 2021 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

STEM education can feel a little overwhelming at times.

Especially if you’re an English major (like myself).

But STEM is really just about applying science, technology, math, and engineering into a hands-on concept.

Which means designing structures, three-dimensional shapes, and so on by using scientific principles, math concepts, and construction techniques.

Put simply – it’s building things with math, science, and technology skills.

So we can totally do this. And these printable Build A House STEM challenge cards are a fun way to get started!

Printable Build a House STEM Challenge Cards

Think of STEM as designing a solution to a real-world problem.

When we help students imagine ways to solve common problems, we encourage them to think creatively, develop plans, and collaborate – all very useful skills.

Build A House STEM Challenge for Kids

Read on to see how to get your set of these STEM challenge cards for free!

And, be sure to check out our list of weather STEM learning ideas while you’re here!

Make engineering fun with this printable Build A House STEM Challenge Cards for kids!

Build A House STEM Challenge Cards for Kids

To use these Build A House STEM challenge cards, you’ll need the following: (Affiliate links are listed below. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

  • Printer (with ink)
  • Cardstock
  • Scissors
  • Laminator (optional)
  • Building materials: index cards, toilet paper rolls, construction paper, etc.
Elementary STEM Building Challenge Cards

This set of STEM activity cards features 16 different design challenges for students.

They’re given eight ideas for building a house with specific materials and eight ideas for building a house with specific features.

Building a House STEM Challenge for Elementary

A blackline version of the cards is included too!

How to Use These Build A House STEM Challenge Cards with Students

It’s important to help students remember that they are not required to use only the building material on the card.

But the item listed should be the primary material.

For example, if they are working on the card that says “Build a house using construction paper”, they’re welcome to use fasteners, such as glue, tape, paper fasteners, etc.

Simple Engineering STEM Challenge Cards for Kids

If you have students who are new to STEM, they may feel overwhelmed and not sure where to begin.

Stimulate their creativity by asking questions such as: “If I wanted to build a house with index cards, how could I get started?” “Should I begin by forming the walls or the roof?” “How do you think we can get the house to stand up?”

Fun House Building STEM Challenge Cards

One of my favorite techniques is to suggest something ridiculous that would never work.

The kids can’t wait to correct my idea with something better!

Design a House STEM Challenge Cards for Kids

You may want to start by having students choose one of the “Build a house using…” cards.

This will give them some time to practice designing and building a 3D structure.

Simple STEM Challenge Cards for Building a House

Then introduce the “Build a house with…” cards to challenge them to add new features, such as a working door, a swimming pool, and more.

Design a House STEM Challenge

Scroll down to get your set of these Build A House STEM Challenge Cards – free!

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

These fun weather STEM activities for kids are excellent for simple spring science experiments! Simple enough for home or the classroom!
Help students measure and compare objects with these printable weight STEM challenge cards!
This list of 20 STEM activities for distance learning are fun and easy to help students practice STEM concepts at home!This list of 20 STEM activities for distance learning are fun and easy to help students practice STEM concepts at home!
Printable STEM Challenge Cards for Kids to Build a House

To get your set of these Build A House STEM Challenge Cards, click the image or the link below to have them sent directly to your inbox!

You’ll also get our weekly newsletter this Sunday!

Click here to get your printable resource

>>> Build A House STEM Challenge Cards <<<

Filed Under: STEM for Homeschoolers, Teaching Printables Tagged With: stem

Easy Toilet Paper Roll Fox Craft for Kids

October 5, 2021 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

I just adore foxes.

I saw the Disney movie Robin Hood when I was a child more times than I can remember. (You know, the one with the foxes?)

So, when I think of woodland animals, foxes always have a special place in my heart.

Which is why I thought this tissue paper roll fox craft would be a fun fall animal craft to share with kids!

Easy Toilet Paper Roll Fox Craft

Kids of all ages can help to make this easy woodland animal craft. And it goes well with a forest unit too!

Read on to get the full instructions and to pick up the printable template you’ll need.

Want more ideas for fall crafting? Don’t miss our Paper Bag Fox Craft too!

This adorable toilet paper roll fox craft is perfect for a woodland animals unit with kids!

Easy Toilet Paper Roll Fox Craft for Kids

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

  • Empty toilet paper roll
  • Colored craft paper or printer paper
  • Pencil
  • Child-safe scissors
  • Ruler
  • Glue stick
  • Washable markers
  • Printable fox craft template (or blackline version)
Toilet Paper Roll Fox Craft Supplies

To get started, print either the color or the blackline fox craft printable template.

If you’re using the blackline version, you can print directly on colored craft paper. If you’re using the color version, print on regular printer paper.

Fox Craft Printable Template Pieces

Use scissors to cut out the individual fox craft pieces.

Gather your supplies and you’re ready to get started!

Fun On the Farm Bundle TPT Ad

How to Make a Toilet Paper Roll Fox Craft

To make this paper fox craft for kids, start by wrapping the body piece around the empty toilet paper roll.

Glue the ends down to secure it.

How to Make a Paper Fox Craft

Now, press the center of the top of the toilet paper roll down. Press the corners up to form the fox’s ears.

Easy Fox Craft for Kids

Glue the fox’s chest to the bottom center of the toilet paper roll.

Simple Woodland Animal Craft for Kids

For the eyes, you can use the included eye template pieces.

But if kids find those too small to cut, you can simply use the eye outlines and let them draw the eyes on with markers.

Making a Fox Out of a Toilet Paper Roll

Glue the eyes onto the top of the fox – just under the ears.

How to Make a Kids Fox Craft

Find the point where the eyes meet in the center and glue the fox’s nose there.

Making a Fox Craft for Kids

Now it’s time to add the legs and tail!

Start by gluing the brown feet onto the bottom of the leg pieces. Then glue the tufted tail onto the end of the tail piece.

Making a Paper Fox with Kids

Place one of the fox’s legs on either side of the chest. Glue them in place.

Make sure the brown feet are pointing downward.

Fun Paper Fox Craft to Make with Kids

Finally, use the glue stick to add the tail to the bottom of the fox.

Make sure to glue it on the backside and angle it upward so that the tail points up when seen from the front.

Easy Toilet Paper Roll Animal Craft for Kids

And we’re done!

Making a Toilet Paper Roll Fox Craft

Try a few other colors to make a family of foxes!

Toilet Paper Roll Fox Craft for Fall

If this paper roll fox craft is a hit, be sure to try some of these other easy animal crafts for kids!

Make a fun and simple fall animal craft with this toilet paper roll owl craft kids can make!
Make this fun and easy origami pig bookmark craft as a fall art project!
This simple paper cone lion craft is a perfect crafting project for little ones!

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

Pumpkin Same or Different Worksheets: Pumpkin Pairs!

September 28, 2021 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

I love working on visual discrimination practice with young students.

After all, helping preschoolers and kindergartners learn to recognize objects that are the same and objects that are different is the foundation of literacy.

Recognizing differences in objects helps kids recognize differences in letters and numbers – both of which are necessary to learn how to read and count.

During fall, there are a lot of fun ways to practice this skill. These pumpkin same or different worksheets are another resource to try!

Simple Pumpkin Same and Different Worksheets for Kids

These are simple and, depending on how you want to use them, can even be no-prep. Perfect for last-minute lesson planning!

Keep reading to see how to get your copy.

And, be sure to check out our easy Coffee Filter Pumpkin Craft for kids to make too!

These pumpkin same and different worksheets are such a simple way to practice visual discrimination during autumn!

Pumpkin Pairs! Pumpkin Same or Different Worksheets

To use this pumpkin-themed same and different activity, you’ll need the following: (Affiliate links are listed below. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

  • Printer (with ink)
  • Printer paper or cardstock
  • Laminator (optional)
  • Dry erase markers (optional)
  • Colored pencils (optional)
Fall Themed Visual Discrimination for Early Learners

This resource includes:

  • Four pages of pumpkin same and different worksheets (Blackline version included)
  • A full answer key
  • A teaching script
  • And photo suggestions for use
Fall Themed Same and Different Activity

Two of the pages focus on finding pumpkins that are the same.

Two of the pages ask students to find the pumpkin that is different in each row.

Printable Pumpkin Themed Visual Discrimination Activity

If you use the blackline version, you can even let the students color in the pumpkins for themselves.

How to Use Same or Different Worksheets with Students

Of course, if you want to use these, you can simply print them and hand them out as an in-class activity.

But there are other ways to use these worksheets as well.

Pumpkin Same and Different Worksheets for Early Learners

You can print them half-sized and add them to busy bags or morning tubs.

Pumpkin Same and Different Worksheets for Math Centers

You can print the worksheets on cardstock and cut the rows apart.

Then punch a hole in the rows and place them on a ring for use at centers.

Printable Fall Themed Visual Discrimination Activity

This also works well if you want to turn the worksheets into a self-checking activity.

Just include the answer key for students to check their work.

Pumpkin Themed Visual Discrimination Practice

Since there are four rows of pumpkins on each worksheet and only four pumpkins in each row, early learners won’t get overwhelmed by the choices.

But there is still enough variety in the patterns to challenge them.

Get a look at this resource in action below!

Scroll down to get your copy of these Pumpkin Same or Different Worksheets!

Try some of these other fall-themed learning ideas for early grades!

Use these printable farm animal flashcards to help early learners recognize barnyard animals!
Use this printable preschool fall activity calendar to plan an entire season of ideas for early learners!
Use these fun and simple farm themed shape mats to help early learners practice forming eight different shapes!

To get your copy of this Pumpkin Pairs! Visual Discrimination Activity, click the image or the link below to visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store!

Pumpkin Visual Discrimination Activity for Kids

>>> Pumpkin Pairs! Same and Different Worksheets <<<

Farm Fun Bundle TPT Quote Box Ad

Filed Under: Homeschooling Printables, Teaching Printables Tagged With: same or different worksheets

Space Themed Kindergarten Early Skills Unit – Out of This World!

September 23, 2021 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Learning basic concepts in preschool and kindergarten is the foundation of a good early elementary education.

By the time students leave kindergarten, we want them to have mastered learning colors, shapes, numbers, and letters.

This space-themed kindergarten early skills unit can help!

Fun Space Kindergarten Center for Early Learners

Educators often introduce these skills during preschool, but it’s in kindergarten when children really get a grasp of each area.

This unit is a great all-in-one when you’re welcoming students to a new school year. You can use it to test for mastery and to support kids who need a bit more practice before moving on to new concepts.

Read on to see how to pick up this early learning center for your class!

And, for more early math practice, take a look at our Apple Counting to Ten Center!

Learn basic concepts about shapes, counting, letter sounds, and colors with this fun space themed kindergarten center!

What’s In the Space Themed Kindergarten Early Skills Unit?

This kindergarten skills unit is packed with activities for learning four different skills:

  • Printable color matching activity cards (+ a digital version)
  • Printable shape matching activity cards (+ a digital version)
  • Printable beginning sound matching activity cards (+ a digital version)
  • and Printable counting to ten activity cards (+ a digital version)

Each of the materials in the resource is available in both color and blackline. Which can be a huge help if you need to save on ink.

Blackline Color Clip Cards for Kids

Each of the materials also includes a set of instructions and detailed suggestions for use, including photos and a teaching script.

Digital Space Counting Kindergarten Activity

Each digital activity includes colorful movable slides for use with Google Slides.

Space Themed Digital Counting Activity for Kids

There’s also an answer key file for each activity, which makes grading a snap.

How to Use This Kindergarten Early Skills Unit with Kids

To use this space themed kindergarten early skills unit, you’ll need the following: (Affiliate links are given below. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

  • Printer (with ink)
  • Printer paper or cardstock
  • Laminator (optional)
  • Scissors
  • Clothespins
  • Dry erase crayons (optional)
  • Google Chromebooks or iPads (for the digital version)
Beginning Letter Sound Activity Cards

I like to laminate the activity cards, so they’ll stand up to frequent use. But if you don’t laminate them, you might find it best to print them on cardstock.

Using Space Counting Activity Cards at Centers

Simply cut the activity cards apart and let students work with them to find the matching number, letter sound, shape, and color.

You can use the activity cards as clip cards by adding clothespins.

Or you can laminate the cards and let students use dry erase crayons to color the correct number, letter, shape, or color.

Blackline Space Kindergarten Center Shape Activity

If you use a blackline version, you can even let the kids color in the cards before working with them.

Space Themed Counting Activity Cards

My personal favorite is using them at centers or in busy bags.

I like to put the cards on separate rings (by concept) and then I can hand them out all at once.

Using a Digital Space Counting Activity with Kids

Using the digital version of each activity is simple.

Just use the link in the resource to create a copy of each activity for use in Google Slides.

Space Shape Sorting Digital Activity

Students can move the yellow checkmark to mark the correct shape, color, letter sound, or number on each slide.

Digital Space Themed Color Matching Activity

There’s also an answer key for each activity. So you can grade each student’s work without having to navigate away from the assignment.

Digital Beginning Sounds Matching Activity

Get a look at one of the activities in use below!

Scroll down to get this space themed kindergarten early skills unit for your students!

Try some of these other early learning ideas!

This apple counting to ten math center for kindergarten is an excellent way to welcome students back to school with fun counting practice!
Learn the Spanish ABCs with this fun Spanish alphabet literacy center for early learners!
These shark themed counting to ten puzzles are wonderful for use at early math centers!

To get your copy of this Out of This World! Space Themed Early Learning Unit, click the image or the link below to visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store!

Space Early Learning Bundle

>>> Out of This World! Kindergarten Bundle <<<

Filed Under: Homeschooling Printables, Teaching Printables Tagged With: kindergarten, kindergarten centers, math centers

Easy Toilet Paper Roll Owl Craft for Kids

September 21, 2021 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Making animal crafts during fall is such a fun way to welcome autumn with early learners.

But when you’re working with preschoolers or kindergartners, you don’t usually have much time to get a craft completed.

This toilet paper roll owl craft is just the activity for the job!

Easy Toilet Paper Roll Owl Craft

When my kids were younger, we went to the zoo often. And one of our favorite animals was the Great Horned Owl.

We don’t have owls in our neighborhood, so that was the first time we got to see one in real life. It was gorgeous.

I wanted to hear it hoot, but owls are nocturnal animals, and they spend most of the day sleeping. Oh well.

Fun Paper Owl Craft to Make with Kids

If you make a group of these paper roll owls with your class, though, I’m sure they’ll be happy to supply the hoots!

Read on to see how to make this craft and to get the printable owl craft template.

And, for more fun with owls, take a look at our list of engaging owl books for kids to read!

Make a fun and simple fall animal craft with this toilet paper roll owl craft kids can make!

What Do You Need to Make a Toilet Paper Roll Owl Craft?

What I like about this easy owl craft is that you only need a few supplies.

So you won’t have to find any unusual items or keep a lot of materials on hand to make it.

How to Make a Paper Roll Owl with Kids

Here’s a list of what you’ll need to make the toilet paper roll owl craft. (Affiliate links are listed below. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

  • Toilet paper roll (Try having students bring them in from home)
  • Colored craft paper
  • Pencil
  • Ruler
  • Child-safe scissors
  • Glue stick
  • Washable markers
  • Printable Toilet Paper Roll Owl Craft template
Tissue Paper Roll Owl Craft Supplies

Once you’ve printed the paper roll owl craft template, cut out the individual pieces. (Try printing the template on cardstock to make the tracing pieces more durable.)

Trace the pieces onto craft paper and cut them out before beginning the project.

Depending on the age of your students, you may want to cut the pieces out in advance. Older elementary students can cut them out on their own.

Apple Puzzles Quote Box Ad

How to Make a Toilet Paper Roll Owl Craft

Start by wrapping the square piece around the toilet paper roll. Make sure the paper wraps all the way around. Use glue to secure it.

Making a Paper Roll Owl

Begin adding the owl’s “feathers”.

Glue the individual feather pieces onto the bottom half of the toilet paper roll.

Easy Tissue Paper Roll Owl Craft

Layer them so that the edges overlap at the sides. After you complete the first row, move down and begin adding the two lower rows.

Paper Roll Owl Craft for Kids

Glue them underneath the first row and continue overlapping the sides to make your owl’s feathers appear layered.

Fun Paper Owl Craft for Kids

Glue the wing pieces onto the owl’s body. Be sure to place one on each side.

How to Make a Paper Roll Owl

Use glue to add the owl’s beak right in the center above the feathers.

Now press the top of the toilet paper roll in the center to form the owl’s ears.

Try to fold the front and back of the roll down, but have the kids form the sides into points.

Cute Toilet Paper Roll Owl Craft

Have students color in the eyes and then glue them at the top of the owl’s face.

Simple Paper Roll Owl Craft

Finished!

Use different colors of craft paper to make an owl family! It would make an adorable display for parent night.

Making Paper Roll Owl Crafts with Kids

If you decide to make this paper owl craft with your students, I’d love to know how they liked it!

Farm Fun Bundle TPT Quote Box Ad

Fall Early Learning Activity Calendar

This paper owl craft for kids is a perfect addition to an owl theme for early grades.

And that’s one of the fall preschool themes on our printable Fall Early Learning Activity Calendar!

Easy Fall Themed Activity Calendar for Preschool

This handy printable has 12 different themes for you to use with your students during autumn.

Preschool Fall Themed Calendar for Teachers

Plus, there are web-linked activities you can complete each day of the week with your students!

To get your copy of this free printable fall preschool activity calendar, click the image or the link below to have it sent directly to your inbox!

You’ll also get our weekly newsletter – coming this Sunday!

Click here to get your free printable

>>> Fall Preschool Activity Calendar <<<

Try some of these other fun fall crafting ideas for kids!

Make this fun and easy origami pig bookmark craft as a fall art project!
Make this easy paper scarecrow craft with kids during harvest time!
Add some crafting fun to your farm unit with this fun 3D paper barn craft for kids!

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

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • …
  • 98
  • Next Page »
Hi! I'm Selena, a teacher and a veteran homeschool mom to four. I'm so glad you're here!
About Me Contact Terms of Use Privacy Policy Places I Share
Facebook Twitter Pinterest Instagram
Homeschool Printables Unit Studies Shop the Store
Copyright ©2022, Look! We're Learning!. All Rights Reserved. Design by Pixel Me Designs