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Over 25 Fun Shape Books for Kids to Read

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Introducing shapes is one of my favorite early learning concepts.

They’re so fun to teach because they’re all around us! And that makes it a great lesson for getting kids involved and applying what they learn in real life.

You can also talk about shapes during read-aloud time. These fun shape books for kids to read are a great place to start!

Over 25 Fun Shape Books for Kids to Read

This list is filled with beautiful picture books that talk about shapes in real life and in stories.

Read on to see all of the selections.

And, if you’re looking for a way to practice recognizing shapes with students, take a look at our Shape Sorting Activity Mats too!

Teach kids about shapes with these fun shape books for kids to read!

Over 25 Fun Shape Books for Kids to Read

This list of shape-themed children’s books is such a fun way to combine math and reading in early grades.

Each of the selections features either a fictional story involving shapes or a colorful non-fiction lesson about identifying each one.

Over 25 Books about Shapes for Kids

As you look through the list, try to find three or four that might resonate with your students in particular.

For example, if your school is close to a metropolis, the book “City Shapes” might be an especially good fit. Or, if you’ll be studying spiders soon, try the book “Walter’s Wonderful Web”.

How to Share These Books with Early Learners

A simple way to use these is to talk about the shapes your students already know.

Ask:

  • What shapes can you see around the classroom?
  • This shape has three sides. What is its name?
  • Can you think of a shape that has no sides?
Over 25 Shape Books for Kids

As you discuss this topic with your class, look for answers you can call back to as you read the books together.

See the list of shape books for kids below!

Over 25 Fun Shape Books for Kids to Read

Introduce early learners to all kinds of shapes with these lovely children's picture books about shapes!

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

1

Mouse Shapes by Ellen Stoll Walsh

Photo Credit: Amazon
2

Big Box of Shapes (Basic Concepts)

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3

Walter's Wonderful Web: A First Book About Shapes

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4

City Shapes by Diana Murray

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5

I spy with my little eye... SHAPES by Maria Yiangou

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6

The Book of Cute Shapes

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7

National Geographic Kids Look and Learn: Shapes!

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8

Round Is a Tortilla: A Book of Shapes by Roseanne Thong

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9

When a Line Bends . . . A Shape Begins by Rhonda Gowler Greene

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10

Books That Drive Kids CRAZY!: This Is a Ball by Beck & Matt Stanton

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11

My First Shapes with Frank Lloyd Wright

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12

My Shape is Sam by Amanda Jackson

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13

Snippets: A Story about Paper Shapes by Diane Alber

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14

Circus Shapes by Stuart J. Murphy

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15

My Turn To Learn Shapes by Natalie Marshall

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16

Tangled: A Story About Shapes by Anne Miranda

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17

This Is a Book of Shapes by Kenneth Kraegel

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18

My Very First Book of Shapes by Eric Carle

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19

Shapes by John J. Reiss

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20

Shape by Shape by Use McDonald

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21

Wild About Shapes by Jeremie Fischer

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22

Paris: A Book of Shapes by Ashley Evanson

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23

Shapes in the Sky: A Book About Clouds by Josepha Sherman

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24

Captain Invincible and the Space Shapes by Stuart J. Murphy

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25

Brown Rabbit's Shapes by Alan Baker

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26

Zac the Robot: A Book About Shapes by Stephanie Lanier

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Take a look at these other ideas for teaching about shapes!

Get some early math practice with little ones and make this simple shape train craft!
Use these fun and simple farm themed shape mats to help early learners practice forming eight different shapes!
These apple seek shape sorting worksheets are such a fun way to help early learners practice shape recognition!

Printable Plant Growing Journal for Kids

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Do you remember growing your first plant?

I do. We did a plant growing experiment when I was in elementary school and all of us grew sprouts from beans.

Then we planted the sprouts in dirt-filled styrofoam cups and watched them grow next to the windowsill.

I had that experiment in mind when I decided to make this printable mini plant growing journal!

Fun Mini Plant Growing Journal for Kids

If you’re working on a spring or plant unit, this is a great (and simple) resource to add.

And it complements a plant growing experiment perfectly!

Plant Growing Journal for Early Learners

Keep reading to see how to get your copy – free!

And, for more about how plants grow, take a look at our list of children’s books about flowers!

Use this printable plant growing journal to help early learners document the ways plants grow at home or in the classroom!

Mini Plant Growing Journal for Kids

To use this mini picture journal, you’ll need the following: (Affiliate links are listed below. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Printable Mini Plant Journal

This printable is a foldable four-page journal for early elementary students to document how their plants grow.

On each page, they can draw what the plant looks like after two, three, and four weeks.

Printable Plant Coloring Journal for Kids

Both color and blackline versions are included.

How to Use the Plant Growing Journal with Early Learners

A simple way to use this is ask the class some of these questions:

  • Does anyone know how a plant grows?
  • Do any of you have plants at home?
  • What do you think a plant needs to grow?
Printable Plant Growing Journal for Kids

As you discuss the questions with your class, talk about how plants begin as seeds and then gradually grow over time – thanks to water, sunlight, and good soil.

How to Grow Plants with Early Learners

If you decide to do a plant-growing experiment in the classroom, you can hand the journals out on the first day.

Then have the students report on their plant’s progress each week afterwards.

Scroll down to get your copy of this mini growing journal – free!

Try some of these other spring teaching ideas!

Share this list of 50 spring books for kids with early readers!
Make this easy toilet paper roll chick craft with kids this spring!
These spring sight words learning cards are great for building reading skills!
Printable Mini Plant Journal for Kids

To get your copy of this printable Plant Growing Journal, click the image or the link below to have it sent directly to your inbox!

You’ll also get our weekly newsletter this Sunday!

Click here to subscribe

>>> Mini Grow A Plant Journal for Kids <<<

Easy Toilet Paper Roll Chick Craft for Kids

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The air is still cold, but spring is right around the corner!

Before we know it, we’ll be seeing birds migrate back. And it won’t be long after that before we hear the chirps of baby birds.

Which is why I wanted to share this simple spring animal craft – a toilet paper roll chick craft for kids to make!

Simple Toilet Paper Roll Chick Craft

This is a super easy spring kids’ craft that only takes a few supplies you already have.

Always a plus in my book.

It would make an excellent addition to a spring unit or a farm unit (in either spring or fall) as well!

Making a Toilet Paper Roll Chick Craft

Read on to get the instructions and the free printable craft template.

Need more fun early learning ideas for spring? Take a look at our printable Farm Dot Shape Mats too!

Make this easy toilet paper roll chick craft with kids this spring!

Easy Toilet Paper Roll Chick Craft for Kids

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

How to Make a Toilet Roll Chick Craft

Once you’ve printed out the color or the black/white chick craft template, use scissors to cut out each piece.

Easy Toilet Roll Baby Chick for KIds to Make

You’ll notice that there are eyes included on the template. So you can cut those out and simply glue them on the finished chick.

Or you can use wiggly eyes instead.

How to Make a Toilet Paper Roll Chick Craft

Now that you have all of the craft template pieces cut out, you can trace them onto craft paper. Then cut them out and you’re ready to get started!

Making a Paper Baby Chick Craft with Kids

Begin by gluing the beak and chest pieces onto the center of the body piece.

You’ll want to glue the chest on first, then add the beak so that it overlaps.

How to Make a Baby Chick Craft

Fold each of the wing’s flat edges up. They’ll be used to attach the wings onto each side of the chick’s body.

Easy Paper Baby Chick Craft for Kids

Wrap the body piece around the empty toilet paper roll and secure it with glue in the back.

Then glue the flat wing edges against each side of the body so that one wing is on the left and the other on the right.

We’re almost done!

Making a Paper Roll Chick

Attach the “comb” (the crest at the top) by gluing it inside the top of the toilet paper roll.

Easy Paper Roll Baby Chick Craft

Then add the wiggly eyes! Or you can add the eye template pieces if you cut those out instead.

How to Make a Baby Chick Out of a Toilet Paper Roll

Ta-da! We’re finished!

How to Make a Toilet Roll Baby Chick Craft

If you decide to use the black and white version of the template, kids can color each piece before they put the chick together.

This is a perfect spring craft for parents’ night! Your class can make an entire brood of chicks!

See the printable instructions for this toilet paper roll chick craft below.

Easy Toilet Paper Roll Chick Craft for Kids

Easy Toilet Roll Baby Chick for KIds to Make

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

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

Materials

  • Toilet paper roll
  • Empty toilet paper roll
  • Colored craft paper
  • Craft glue
  • Washable markers (optional)
  • Wiggly eyes (optional)
  • Printable Toilet Paper Roll Chick Template (color)
  • Printable Toilet Paper Roll Chick Template (black/white)
  • Printer paper

Tools

  • Child-safe scissors
  • Printer (with ink)

Instructions

  1. Print out each the color chick craft template or the black and white chick craft template.
  2. Cut out each template piece using scissors. (If you are using the black and white template, you may want to color the pieces before cutting them out.)
  3. Trace each template piece onto colored craft paper and cut them out.
  4. Glue the chest onto the center of the body piece.
  5. Glue the beak so that it directly overlaps the chest.
  6. Wrap the body piece around the empty toilet paper roll and glue the edges down in the back.
  7. Fold the flat edge of each wing piece at a right angle.
  8. Attach each wing to the left and right side of the body by gluing the folded edges to the body.
  9. Glue the crest inside the top of the paper roll.
  10. Add wiggly eyes or glue the eye templates onto the face.
© Selena Robinson
Project Type: Paper Crafts / Category: Crafts

Try some of these other spring craft projects for kids!

Add some crafting fun to your farm unit with this fun 3D paper barn craft for kids!
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!

Over 20 Books about Recycling for Kids to Read

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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)

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3

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

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4

Recycling! (Helping Hands Series)

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5

Recycling Is Fun (My Little Planet) by Charles Ghigna

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6

This Class Can Save the Planet by Stacy Tornio

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7

Fly Guy Presents: Garbage and Recycling by Tedd Arnold

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8

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

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9

Nico's New Necklace: Nico and the Pollution Problem

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10

Milk and Juice: A Recycling Romance

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11

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

Photo Credit: Amazon
12

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

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13

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

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14

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

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15

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

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16

Recycle!: A Handbook for Kids by Gail Gibbons

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17

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

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18

The Last Straw: Kids vs. Plastics

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19

Stuff!: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle by Steven Kroll

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20

Find Out About: Saving Our Planet

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21

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

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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!

Easy Toilet Paper Roll Ladybug Craft for Kids

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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.)

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!

Over 25 Easy Recycled Craft Ideas for Kids to Make

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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.)

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!

Easy Shape Train Craft for Kids

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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.)

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!

Elementary Frederick Douglass History Lesson for Kids

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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.)

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!

20 Fun Books about Pets for Kids to Read

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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!

Elementary George Washington Carver History Lesson for Kids

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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.)

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!