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Apple Counting to Ten Math Center

August 10, 2021 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

It’s back to school time!

In our area, students return in late summer so it’s still hot outside. But in many places, back to school time coincides perfectly with fall.

Which is why apples are still such a perfect back to school theme, especially in early grades.

Get some fun counting to ten practice and welcome kindergarten students to class with this hands-on apple counting to ten math center!

Fun Kindergarten Apple Counting to Ten Math Center

This resource is absolutely loaded with apple counting fun – in both English and Spanish!

Plus, it is versatile enough for use in small groups, at math centers, for independent work, or for take-home assignments.

Read on to see how to get your copy.

And, for more ways to practice counting with early grades, take a look at our collection of counting puzzles for kids!

This apple counting to ten math center for kindergarten is an excellent way to welcome students back to school with fun counting practice!

Apple Count to Ten! Apple Counting to Ten Math Center

To use this kindergarten counting to ten math center, you’ll need the following: (Affiliate links are given below. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Apple Themed Kindergarten Counting to Ten Math Center

Inside this kindergarten counting resource, you’ll find printable counting to ten puzzles and English and Spanish counting to ten learning cards.

There are also counting practice worksheets, a spin and color game, and a counting cut and paste sorting activity.

Fall Counting to Ten Math Center for Kids

There’s a blackline version of each activity included, if you need to save ink.

Apple Counting English and Spanish Practice

And all of the worksheets have answer keys for grading!

How to Use the Apple Counting to Ten Math Center with Kindergarten Students

There are several ways to use this counting math center with your students.

You can begin by introducing counting from zero to ten. Have the entire class count out loud with you.

Apple Counting to Ten Clip Cards in English and Spanish

Afterwards, show them how to count from zero to ten in Spanish and have them repeat each number word with you.

Then it’s time to head to the centers!

Divide the kids into small groups and let each group work on a different hands-on activity.

You can use the apple counting puzzles at one group, the apple count and clip cards with another, the apple number word matching cards at a third, and so on.

Here’s a tip: laminate the English and Spanish number word labels and attach hook and loop sticky dots to the back.

Voila! A reusable center activity!

Apple Themed Counting to Ten Puzzles for Kindergarten

By the way, the apple counting to ten puzzles are available as a standalone product as well.

Easy Apple Counting to Ten Math Center for Kindergarten

I like to cover my spinner games with clear laminate. That way, students can use dry erase crayons to complete them.

Then I can just wipe the game clean and start over with a new group.

Apple Counting Worksheets for Kindergarten

Finally, use the included worksheets for independent practice.

These are great for in-class work or for assignments the students can take home.

Apple Counting to Ten Math Center Activities

Of course, you could also laminate these and use them in small groups over and over again.

See an overview of this comprehensive counting resource in the video below!

Scroll down to get your copy of this Apple Counting to Ten Math Center!

Check out some of these other early math activities for kindergartners!

These apple seek shape sorting worksheets are such a fun way to help early learners practice shape recognition!

These shark themed counting to ten puzzles are wonderful for use at early math centers!

Pick up the printable or digital version of these ladybug number word puzzles to teach early counting skills!

To get your copy of this kindergarten apple-themed counting math center, click the image or the link below to get it from my Teachers Pay Teachers store!

>>> Apple Counting to Ten Center <<<

3D Paper Barn Craft for Kids

August 5, 2021 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

I absolutely adore using farms as a theme for early grades. They’re a great way to weave in some favorite kids’ themes – animals, community, occupations, nature – all in one unit!

Any time we do an early learning unit, we try to include at least one craft.

If you’re using a farm unit with early grades this year, this 3D paper barn craft is a cute kid-friendly project to add!

This is such a great craft project, because kids can complete it on their own and they get some good fine motor skill practice along the way.

You don’t need any special supplies either, which is always a big help.

Get the full project instructions and the printable template below. Plus, read on to get a free fall themed activity calendar for early learners!

And, for more ways to learn about farms, take a look at our list of fun farm books for kids to read!

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

Easy 3D Paper Barn Craft for Kids Supplies

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

The great thing about this farm themed craft is that it’s so simple to make.

Kids only need to know how to use scissors, glue, and fold paper to make it!

Since some of the pieces are smaller, you may want to assist in cutting out the small template pieces or making the smaller folds. But children can largely complete this project on their own.

How to Make a Barn Craft with Kids

After you’ve printed the paper barn printable template, you’ll be ready to get started with your paper barn craft!

Begin by using scissors to cut the template pieces out. Then use a pencil to trace the templates onto colored craft paper.

Kids can cut those out and then start assembling the barn.

The template pieces have lines that show where to make creases. Help students follow the guide and make their folds accordingly.

Spread glue on the end of the barn template marked “1”.

Then fold that piece over to join the other end and press it down to glue the sides together.

Use the roof template to make creases along the roof piece.

Spread glue along the underside of the roof and attach it to the walls of the paper barn craft.

Now it’s time to add the window and door!

Glue the white strip pieces around each side of the door.

Go back and add two more strips in an “X” shape to complete the door.

Add four smaller strips around the edge of the window. Use glue to attach all of the strips to the door and window.

Now – add glue to the back of the door and window and attach them to the front of the barn.

Glue the end of the chimney to the back of the barn roof at an angle.

Your 3D paper barn craft is all done!

If you like, you can let kids cut out some green jagged pieces of paper to add shrubs around the barn – as you see in the picture.

Fall Themed Preschool Activity Calendar

Want to share even more fall learning ideas with preschoolers?

Pick up this free fall themed activity calendar!

Preschool Fall Themed Calendar for Teachers

It features 12 planned fall early childhood themes (one for each week), along with web-linked activities and ideas to share each day, including the paper barn craft.

There’s a non-linked version you can print out and check off as you complete too!

Fall Themed Ideas for Preschool Students

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

This Sunday, you’ll also get our email newsletter!

>>> Fall Early Learning Activity Calendar <<<

Don’t miss these other farm themed activities for kids!

These adorable farm animal paper bag puppets are such a fun way to learn about barnyard animals with the kids!

These no prep fall counting worksheets for preschoolers feature a fun farm theme! Use them for classwork or at math centers!

Apple Trace and Write! Apple Shape Tracing Worksheets

August 3, 2021 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Are you still looking for easy and fun apple themed early learning ideas? I’ve got you covered!

I could seriously create apple themed resources all year long.

But we’re heading into fall and that means I’ll be moving on to other themes soon, like leaves, acorns, and farms.

Those are fun themes too, though, so yay!

I still had another apple learning activity to share with all of you this year: these printable apple shape tracing worksheets!

Apple Shape Trace and Write Worksheets for Kids

This is a fun early geometry lesson for students who are learning to recognize and build plane shapes!

And it would also make a great addition to an early math center or a morning tub.

Read on to see how to get your set! And, don’t miss our Apple CVC Word Building Activity for early literacy skills too!

These apple shape tracing worksheets are so fun for helping students learn to build plane shapes!

Apple Trace and Write! Apple Shape Tracing Worksheets

To use these printable apple shape tracing worksheets, you’ll need the following: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Printer (with ink)
Printer paper
Colored pencils or crayons
Dry erase crayons or dry erase markers (optional)
Laminator (optional)

Apple Shape Tracing Worksheets for Kindergarten

This product includes shape tracing worksheets for 12 distinct shapes, such as:

Square
Rectangle
Circle
Hexagon
Star
Oval
and more!

Each page shows an apple-themed shape with tracing shapes and a label for each shape name.

Show students how to recognize each shape by using their fingers to outline the apple shape. If there are vertices and sides, count them together.

Apple Themed Shape Tracing Worksheets for Kids

Then they can practice spelling and writing the shape name after using a crayon or colored pencil to trace the shapes on the page.

Each page is also available in a line art version if you need to save on color ink.

Kindergarten Apple Shape Tracing Worksheets

If you want to turn these into a reusable activity, laminate each page. Then let students use them with dry erase crayons or dry erase markers.

Since morning tub resources tend to be smaller, you may want to print these at half-size if you want to place them in a tub.

You can even punch a hole in the corner of each printable and place them on a ring to keep the pages together.

Apple Shape Tracing Learning Cards

This product also includes a set of apple shape tracing learning cards!

Using Shape Tracing Cards and Worksheets

These are awesome for adding to morning tubs and math centers.

And, since they pair with the shape tracing worksheets, they’re perfect for reinforcement after the lesson.

Here’s a suggestion: Laminate the cards and place them on a ring.

Then students can work with a dry or wet erase marker to trace the shapes and the shape words.

Apple Shape Tracing Cards and Worksheets

When they’re done, just wipe them clean and they’re good to go again!

Get a look at this resource in action in the video below!

Scroll down to get your copy of these Apple Shape Tracing Worksheets!

Try some of these other apple early learning ideas!

Work on early literacy skills with this fun fall apple CVC word literacy activity!

This printable apple same and different lesson is a fun way to help early learners practice visual discrimination skills!

Learn how to compare numbers up to ten with this fun digital apple picking activity!

To get your set of printable Apple Shape Tracing worksheets, click the image or the link below to visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store!

Using Apple Shape Tracing Cards and Worksheets

>>> Apple Shape Tracing Worksheets <<<

Back to School Noun Practice for Second Grade

July 29, 2021 by Selena Robinson 12 Comments

Early elementary grades are some of the most critical times for developing language arts skills.

Kids are learning how to read fluently, how to identify parts of speech, and how to create clear sentences on their own.

As part of second grade language arts standards, children often learn how to form and use both singular and plural nouns.

And that’s why I wanted to share a simple language arts lesson: a printable noun practice for second grade activity with a fun back-to-school theme!

Fun Back to School Noun Sorting Activity for Kids

This simple cut and paste activity is perfect for early grades.

And you can work on the singular and plural nouns and then add in collective nouns when your students are ready.

Read on to see how to get your copy.

And don’t miss our complete ELA lesson Construction Contractions for even more early grades language arts learning!

Printed back to school themed noun sorting worksheets with scissors and a pencil

Back to School Noun Practice for Second Grade Activity

To use this singular and plural noun practice for second grade activity, you’ll need the following: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Singular and Plural Noun Sorting Activity

This noun sorting practice lesson is a cut and paste activity featuring singular nouns, plural nouns, and collective nouns.

Collective nouns are nouns that look like singular nouns but refer to a group, such as “team”, “group”, “class”, etc.

Learning to distinguish between these types of nouns is a critical language arts skill for second grade.

Learning about Singular and Plural Nouns

Once kids decide which picture goes with which noun, they glue them into the box below.

Use the noun writing worksheets for reinforcement after the hands-on activity.

Singular and Plural Noun Sorting Activity for Kids

These also give students a chance to practice writing and spelling plural nouns and collective nouns correctly.

You can also send these writing activities home as an independent practice activity.

Get a look at this resource in action below!

Scroll down to get your copy of our Back to School Noun Practice for Second Grade activity!

Don’t miss these other ELA resources for early grades!

Learn the Spanish ABCs with this fun Spanish alphabet literacy center for early learners!

This fun pizza themed adjective sorting activity is a perfect hands-on lesson for ELA!

Want more early grade back to school learning fun? Get a look at these resources from my fellow bloggers!

Melting Crayons Science Experiment from Creative Family Fun

Free Addition Facts Game from Life Over C’s

Number Ordering Activity 0-999 from Sallie Borrink Learning

Interest Based Learning Project from Still Playing School

What I Love About School Art Project from Planet Smarty Pants

All About Me Flag Project from School Time Snippets

{Free!} Getting to Know You Back to School Game from Preschool Powol Packets

FREE All About Me Worksheets (Lego style) from 123 Homeschool 4 Me

Me Llamo – Simple Spanish Game from Rainy Day Mum

Setting up a homework station from Crafty kids at home

Singular and Plural Noun Practice for Second Grade

To get your copy of this Back to School Singular and Plural Noun Sorting Activity, check out the details below!

Apple Time! First Grade Telling Time Math Center

July 20, 2021 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Learning to tell time is still an important concept for early elementary students.

Our devices show us the time on demand, but kids still need to understand length of time, elapsed time, and how to count the way time passes.

Which means learning to relate analog time to digital clock numbers is still necessary.

So I’m sharing an apple-themed telling time math center that makes teaching this concept fun and hands-on for first graders!

Fun Apple Telling Time Math Center for First Grade

This math center is loaded with active ways to reinforce understanding of both analog and digital time!

Read on to see how to get your copy.

For more apple-themed math practice, take a look at our Apple Shapes Early Geometry Lesson too!

Teach first graders how to tell time to the hour and half hour with this apple themed telling time math center!

Apple Time! Telling Time Math Center for First Grade

To use this first grade telling time math center with your students, you’ll need the following: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Printer (with ink)
Printer paper
Cardstock (useful for the learning cards and clip cards)
Transparent spinners
Hook and loop sticky dots
Clothespins
Laminator (optional)

This 55-page early elementary math center features several hands-on telling time activities for first grade.

Apple Spin and Color Telling Time Activity

The two-page spin and color analog clock activity is awesome for practicing telling time to the hour and half hour.

The circle the digital time activity helps students relate analog time to digital clock numbers.

The two-page write the digital time activity gives them a chance to practice writing time correctly.

Apple Analog and Digital Telling Time Math Center

A full line art version of each activity is included.

Use the enclosed answer key to make grading a snap!

Along with the reinforcement activities, this center includes telling time clip cards.

These allow students to practice matching the correct digital clock to the given analog clock time.

There’s also a set of time to the hour and time to the half hour flashcards.

And a set of learning cards that allow students to look at the given analog time and find the correct digital time card to match!

How to Use a Telling Time Math Center with Students

Once you have this telling time center printed, it’s time to start using it with students!

For the spin and color activity, simply hand out each page to the students and let them use spinners and crayons to mark off each time they find.

Since one worksheet features time to the hour and the second time to the half hour, you can save the half-hour activity until your students are ready to practice that concept.

Get a look at this activity in the video below!

When you’re ready to use the clip cards, print them (on cardstock, if possible) and then cut them out. You may want to laminate them for durability as well.

These are perfect for use with small groups. Just add clothespins!

For the learning cards, assemble the flashcards and place them on a ring for students to use until they’re comfortable identifying the times on their own.

To make the learning cards into a reusable activity, attach hook and loop sticky dots and laminate the time cards.

Students can then match them up with the analog apple times over and over again!

Scroll down to get your copy of this first grade telling time math center!

Take a look at these other ways to teach math in early grades!

These popsicle themed addition to make 12 puzzles are a fun way to practice addition facts at math centers! Perfect for early elementary math practice!

Pick up this bee themed counting one more and one less math center to help early learners practice counting on during spring!

Telling Time Math Center for First Grade

To get your copy of this Apple Time! First Grade Math Center, visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store or check it out below!

English and Spanish Free Daily Routine Cards for Kids

July 15, 2021 by Selena Robinson 11 Comments

We have children with ADHD in our family. Which means that getting them to follow a daily routine is critical to helping them manage their attention spans and complete their schoolwork.

But routines aren’t just good for managing ADHD. They’re also helpful for teaching preschoolers and kindergartners to structure their days around the home or at an early learning center.

So I’m excited to share these free daily routine cards for kids that are in both English and Spanish!

Simple English and Spanish Daily Routine Cards

These are awesome for working on daily routines, teaching kids to speak English or Spanish, and developing independent skills!

Read on to see how to grab your set – free!

And be sure to check out our Quiet Time Activity Cards if you’re looking for a way to help your kids choose a quiet time project.

Help early learners build a daily routine with these English and Spanish daily routine cards!

English and Spanish Free Daily Routine Cards for Kids

To use these daily routine cards, you’ll need the following: (Affiliate links are included in this post. See our Disclosure Policy for details.)

Printer (with ink)
Printer paper
Scissors
Laminator (optional – but if you plan to use these regularly, you’ll want to laminate them)

In this set, there are English and Spanish cards for the following daily tasks:

Wake up
Make bed
Get dressed
Eat breakfast
Brush teeth
Comb hair
Start school
Eat lunch
Play outside
Do homework
Eat dinner
Take a bath
Dress for bed
Brush teeth (again)
Read a story
Go to bed

English and Spanish Kids Routine Printables

You can choose which of the 16 daily task cards to use with your students.

If you’re using these with your own children, you may want to remind them of where each task should be done in the home.

Spanish Daily Routine Printables for Kids

These cards are also included in Spanish!

And if your students need help with the phrases, a Spanish pronunciation guide is included.

Learning about our Daily Routine in English and Spanish

A note about the Spanish phrases: This set of routine cards for kids uses the standard verb form for each phrase.

If you’re using them conversationally, choose the appropriate conjugation form for the usage of “tú”, “usted”, and “nosotros” as appropriate.

Blackline versions of both the English and Spanish cards are included as well!

How to Use Daily Routine Cards for Kids

There are several ways to use these cards to help kids develop a daily routine.

You could hang a paper pocket on the fridge and store the cards inside. Have the kids go to the fridge and choose a card to get started in the morning.

As they complete each task, they can give you the card they’ve finished or keep it until the end of the day.

The goal is to get them to complete the task on each card by day’s end.

After a couple of weeks, they’ll know their daily routine and follow it much more easily.

You can also place the cards on a ring and discuss the order in which they should be completed.

Prompt the students to give you the next task in sequence and then flip the cards to see if they remembered correctly.

Get a look at these cards in the video below!

Scroll down to get your free daily routine cards for kids!

Don’t miss these other early learning ideas!

Help early learners recognize animals with these printable zoo animal flashcards!

This printable ice cream lesson plan for preschool is a perfect way to plan an ice cream theme!

To get your free daily routine cards for kids in both English and Spanish, click the image or the link below to have them sent directly to your inbox!

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

>>> English and Spanish Daily Routine Cards <<<

Simple Elementary Hurricane Unit for Kids

July 13, 2021 by Selena Robinson 2 Comments

It’s the beginning of summer and that’s usually the time that the Atlantic Hurricane Season kicks into high gear.

We’ve been learning about hurricanes for a few weeks, so I thought I’d share a simple hurricane unit for kids that helps students learn about these weather phenomena.

If you like using unit studies, this is a perfect way to talk about wild summer weather!

Read on to see the list of videos, activities, and resources you can use to teach early elementary students about hurricanes and cyclones. Plus, grab two free printable activities for studying hurricanes too!

For more weather learning, take a look at our list of 15 Weather STEM Activities for kids to try!

This hurricane unit for kids is a perfect way to talk about extreme weather over summer!

How to Use a Hurricane Unit for Kids

I’ve always been fascinated by hurricanes. They’re basically cyclones over water, which is amazing in itself.

They’re incredibly destructive, but the weather phenomena they produce is breathtaking, especially in satellite images.

We had to evacuate a couple of times when I was a kid and I thought it was exciting. As a child, you don’t understand that the possibility of your house being destroyed is not a fun thing.

But I still find the Atlantic Hurricane Season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, to be an interesting time of year for studying extreme weather.

What is a Hurricane for Kids

Watch the video below to learn about hurricanes form. Have your students answer the questions that follow and record their answers on paper.

(The note taking pages at the bottom of this page are perfect for this!)

Where do hurricanes form? (Answer: They form in the warm ocean waters near the Equator.)
How do hurricanes form? (Answer: Warm air above the ocean rises, creating low pressure under the water. Surrounding air rushes into the low pressure area, forming an area of warm, moist low pressure that rises above the water. As air continues to rush in, clouds form. The ocean’s warmth and water vapor causes the clouds and wind to spin.)
How large can hurricanes become? (Answer: Up to 300 miles wide.)
What is the eye of a hurricane? (Answer: The calm center of the storm.)
What is the eye wall of a hurricane? (Answer: The wall of winds that surround the eye. These winds are the most damaging. The eye wall can be up to 30 miles in width.)
What are the rainbands? (Answer: The rain clouds that surround the eye wall. These can be up to 300 miles in width.)
Which hurricane categories are the most dangerous? (Answer: Category 3, Category 4, and Category 5)
How powerful is the energy released by a large hurricane? (Answer: Energy equal to the blast of 10 atomic bombs per second.)
What are hurricanes that form in the Pacific Ocean called? (Answer: Typhoons)

Hurricane Activities for Kids

These are plenty of ways to learn about summer storms! Try some of these elementary hurricane learning activities in your hurricane unit for kids.

Label the Hurricane Activity – A printable diagram that displays the parts of a hurricane
Hurricane In a Jar – An easy science experiment that demonstrates how hurricanes form
Hurricane Comprehension Worksheet – Printable summary of facts about hurricanes
Free Printable Hurricane Booklet – A great tool for tracking hurricanes that develop during the season
Ridiculous Weather Report – Fun activity for kids who want to create their own weather forecast
Hurricane Fill-In-the-Blank Worksheet – A printable report that helps kids understand more about hurricanes
Hurricane Tracking Activity – Printable tracking map for hurricanes
Hurricane Printable Mini Unit – 16-page printable pack with facts and activities about hurricanes
5th Grade Hurricane Worksheets – Excellent hurricane printables for upper elementary kids with answer key

Hurricane Note Taking Pages

Round out your hurricane unit study with these printable note taking pages! They’re super handy for writing down some of the facts students will learn in this unit.

Just click the image or the link below to get your set free!

>>>> Tropical Storm Notebooking Pages <<<<

Hurricane Facts Matching Activity

Ready to learn more about different kinds of hurricanes?

This printable hurricane categories matching activity is perfect for introducing students to the Saffir-Simpson scale of hurricane strength.

Along with a brief summary of hurricanes, this activity shows students how to classify each storm’s strength based on its sustained wind speed per hour.

An answer key is also included for easy grading!

To get your copy of this Hurricane Categories Matching Activity, 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!

>>> Hurricane Categories Matching Activity <<<

Want to learn more about weather with kids? Don’t miss these other ideas!

Easy Paper Cone Lion Craft

June 29, 2021 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Summer is the perfect time for crafting with kids.

You have plenty of time, in case you need to make a craft store run. The kids are looking for fun things to do.

And, it’s always great when you can share a project that’s not something on a screen of some kind.

This simple paper cone lion craft is a perfect way to spend a little time crafting a fun project with little ones!

You probably already have the materials you’ll need to make this lion craft. But if you don’t, you can easily find them at the store.

Of course, if you just want to go to the craft store, I completely understand and will not judge you.

Read on to get the full instructions and the printable template for this paper animal craft.

And, for more crafting fun, take a look at this easy Paper 3-D Dolphin Craft you can make with kids!

What Do You Need to Make a Paper Lion Craft?

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

Colorful craft paper
Child-safe scissors
Glue
Pencil
Markers
Printable paper cone lion craft template (available HERE)

To use the printable template, you’ll need access to a printer and printer paper.

After you print the template, all you need are child-safe scissors, markers, colored paper, a pencil, and glue!

How to Make a Paper Lion with Kids

Cut out the paper lion craft template pieces.

If you have older children, they can do this part on their own. But, you might want to help younger children perform this step.

Use a pencil to trace the template pieces onto colored paper.

On the cone body template piece, you’ll see a triangle shape. Cut that triangular piece out before tracing the shape onto craft paper.

You can really use any color of paper you like. But if you want to make a traditional lion, use yellow paper for the body and orange paper for the mane and tail.

The inner ears can be traced on pink or light red paper.

Glue the lion’s face onto the center of the mane. Use a marker to draw “paw” lines onto the ends of the two arms.

Draw a cute lion’s face with markers. Glue the pink “ears” onto the yellow ear parts of the lion’s face.

Then glue the tail tuft onto the end of the lion’s tail.

Roll the paper cone body piece into an upright cone. Use glue or tape to secure the ends in the back.

Use glue to attach the lion’s face onto the top of the front of the cone.

Glue the lion’s arms onto the each side of the cone’s front.

Finally, glue the tail onto the lower back of the cone. And you’re done!

Get the printable paper lion craft how-to instructions below!

Easy Paper Cone Lion Craft

Make this simple and adorable paper cone lion craft with the kids!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Active Time 10 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Difficulty Easy

Materials

Colored craft paper

Child-safe scissors

Markers

Glue

Pencil

Printable paper cone lion craft template (link available below)

Instructions

Print the paper cone lion craft template. (Link HERE)
Use scissors to cut out the template pieces. On the cone body template piece, cut the triangular shape out.
Use a pencil to trace the template pieces onto colored craft paper.
Cut out the colored lion craft pieces.
Glue the lion's head into the center of the paper mane.
Glue the tail end onto the paper lion's tail.
Use markers to draw the lion's face.
Glue the pink "ears" onto the yellow ears of the lion's head.
Roll the cone template piece into an upright cone. Glue or tape the ends together to secure the cone in place.
Glue the lion's head onto the tip of the cone.
Use markers to draw the "paws" on the ends of the lion's arms.
Glue the arms onto the front of the cone.
Glue the tail to the back of the cone.

Project Type: Paper Crafts / Category: Crafts

Try some of these other crafts for kids!

10 Hands On Literacy Ideas for Kindergarten

June 15, 2021 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Kindergarten is an almost magical grade to teach.

The change between what students can do on the first day and what they can do on the last day is remarkable.

And that’s because we teach so many concepts during kindergarten that form the foundation of what our students will learn for years afterward – from reading to counting to working well with others.

Early literacy, in particular, is one of my passions. When we help our students learn to read, we help them learn how to learn.

And, if we can make it fun, they’re even more likely to stick with it. Which is why I’m sharing this list of 10 hands on literacy ideas for kindergarten!

Turning literacy into an interactive lesson is the best way to make sure our early learners stay engaged.

After all, we want them to learn to love reading, right?

These resources are excellent for building literacy skills and having fun at the same time!

Read on to see the full list and how to get a free early literacy resource too.

Need ideas for teaching math in kindergarten? Take a look at this list of fun counting books to read with kids!

10 Hands On Literacy Ideas for Kindergarten

Apple CVC Word Building Activity

Help your kindergartners practice phonics and spelling with this fun apple-themed word building activity!

Use the word cards at centers and let students practice threading the CVC words for themselves. Check out this resource.

Use highlighters for phonics practice.

When you’re working with printed worksheets, add a little fun by letting students use highlighters!

They can write a new word and then highlight isolated letter sounds, such as the beginning sound, the vowel sound, the ending sound, and more.

Cupcake Uppercase and Lowercase Letter Matching

Working on recognizing uppercase and lowercase letters?

This hands-on cupcake letter matching activity is a perfect activity for early centers! Check out this resource.

Use magnetic or foam letters at centers.

Letting students move letters around is a fun way to show them how word sounds change, depending on the position of each letter.

Hand out individual magnet boards and let the kids spell out words for themselves. Here is a great magnetic letters kit for early readers. (affiliate link)

Use sidewalk chalk for outdoor literacy practice.

When the weather’s nice, take the class outside for the day’s reading lesson!

Draw a few vowels on the pavement and let the kids run to the vowel sound you say. You can also write a few CVC words on the concrete and let them find each one, based on how it sounds.

Sign Language Alphabet Learning Cards

Help your early readers practice recognizing written letters while learning sign language! And they make a fantastic addition to your collection of hands on literacy ideas for kindergarten.

These printable sign language alphabet learning cards are excellent for building hand-eye coordination and learning to spell in ASL! Check out this resource.

Vowel Houses Short Vowel Sound Activity

If you take a few minutes to prep a reusable activity, you can set up a center lesson that kids will use again and again.

This Vowel Houses CVC Word Activity is fantastic for centers! Students can practice placing the pictures in the correct houses by reading the words and listening for the vowel sound. Check out this resource.

Rhyming Word Puzzles

Kindergarten is the grade for learning about rhyming words. These printable rhyming word puzzles are awesome for centers and morning tubs!

Plus, they come with a non-labeled set, so students can practice listening for the rhyming sound and reading it. Check out this resource.

Use a whiteboard to introduce early ELA skills.

As your students build reading fluency, you’ll start introducing them to what sentences should look like – capitalizing first letters, ending with the right punctuation, and so on.

I like to use a whiteboard to write sentences incorrectly and then ask my students what I need to change. They love pointing out my mistakes!

Cookie and Cupcake Themed Alphabet Practice

If you need a quick take-home activity for students, this cookie and cupcake themed alphabet practice set is perfect!

These alphabet worksheets feature five literacy activities for early readers that help them practice recognizing and using letters – with a fun dessert theme.

To get your copy of these printable Sweet Treats! Literacy Worksheets, click the image or the link below to have them sent directly to your inbox – free!

You’ll also get our newsletter this Sunday night!

>>> Cookie and Cupcake Alphabet Worksheets <<<

Did you like this list of hands on literacy ideas for kindergarten? Try some of these other ideas for building early literacy skills!

Fun Paper Pirate Ship Craft for Kids

June 8, 2021 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Ahoy mateys!

Do you have kids or students who are fans of all things pirate? Then this fun paper pirate ship craft for kids is for you!

Pirates have been an object of fascination for centuries. When I was young, I was interested to learn about the adventures of Long John Silver, Blackbeard (Edward Teague), and more.

If you’re covering a pirate unit, this is a perfect pirate craft to add for art time!

Read on to get the printable template and make this pirate ship for kids yourself.

And, for more fun with a pirate theme, keep reading to check out our printable pirate counting to ten puzzles!

What Supplies Do You Need to Make a Paper Pirate Ship Craft?

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

Colored craft paper
Brown cardstock
Craft glue
Pencil
Scissors
Washable markers (optional)
Printable pirate ship craft template (Get it >> HERE <<)

Start by printing out the pirate ship template. Cut out the individual ship pieces and trace the ship’s parts onto the cardstock.

Cut out all of the cardstock ship parts. Take note of the yellow lines on the ship template pieces. You’ll use those to trace fold lines on the ship sides in a few minutes.

The sails, flag, and mast are made with craft paper, which is thinner than cardstock. Trace those pieces onto colored craft paper and cut them out.

How to Make a Paper Pirate Ship Craft

Now that all the pirate ship craft supplies are ready, we can get to work.

If you haven’t traced the yellow fold line onto the ship sides, do that now.

Fold creases along the yellow lines. Use scissors to cut vertical slits along the bottom edge of the ship’s sides – up to the folded crease.

Then spread glue along the folded part of one of the ship’s sides.

Attach the ship’s base by pressing one side onto the folded glue edge of the ship’s side.

Repeat this step on the other side.

Fold a crease along the fold line, cut vertical slits up to the fold line, and add glue. Press the other side of the base firmly onto the glue to stick it in place.

Now, bring the front edges of the ship together.

Spread glue between the two sides at the front edge and press them together to secure the front.

Attach the back piece by folding along the crease line and gluing the folded edges onto the back ends of the ship’s sides.

It’s time to get ready to raise the flag!

Cut out the mast base template and trace it onto cardstock. Trace the fold lines onto the cardstock and fold creases along the lines.

Make a small hole in the center of the mast base.

Spread glue along the folded ends and press the ends down in the center of the pirate ship’s base. Keep the center raised.

Trace the anchor onto a contrasting piece of colored cardstock and cut it out. Glue it onto the front end of one of the ship’s sides.

Trace the window circles onto colored craft paper and glue them onto the back end of the ship’s sides. You may want to trace around them with marker.

If you like, add a contrasting border along the bottom with colored craft paper.

Time to work on the flag and the sails!

Trace the sails, flag, and mast template pieces onto colored craft paper. Cut them out.

Punch holes in the center of the top and bottom edges of the sails. Use glue to attach the skull and crossbones pieces onto the flag.

Roll the mast piece tightly into a vertical tube. Use glue to secure the edges tightly, forming the mast. Attach the pirate flag to the top with glue.

Finally, thread the mast through the sails so that the sails “billow” outward.

Stick the end of the mast through the mast base in the ship’s bottom and you’re done!

A fearsome pirate ship craft that’s ready to take on the high seas!

Keep reading to get the printable craft instructions below!

Pirate Counting to Ten Puzzles

Add even more to your pirate unit with these printable pirate counting to ten puzzles!

These are so cute for early learners who are practicing counting using objects and numbers!

Plus, they’re self-checking, which makes it easy for even little ones to know if they’ve matched up the correct pairs.

To get your set of these pirate counting puzzles free, just click the image or the link below to have them sent to your email inbox!>

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

>>> Pirate Counting to Ten Puzzles <<<

Scroll down to get the printable pirate ship instructions!

Try some of these other easy craft ideas for kids!

Pick up the printable paper pirate ship craft instructions below!

Paper Pirate Ship Craft for Kids

Use the printable template and a few supplies to make this fun paper pirate ship craft with kids!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Active Time 15 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Difficulty Easy

Materials

Colored craft paper

Colored cardstock

Markers (optional)

Pencil

Scissors

Craft glue

Printable paper ship template (link in post)

Instructions

Download and print the printable paper pirate craft template.
Cut out the individual pirate ship pieces.
Trace the ship's parts onto colored cardstock and cut them out.
Trace the yellow fold lines onto the ship's cut pieces and fold along those lines.
Cut vertical slits along the lines up to the top of the creases.
Spread glue along the crease line of one of the ship's sides. Attach the ship's base by pressing one of the edges against the side crease.
Do the same on the other side, gluing the opposite edge of the base to the other ship's side. Be sure to fold along the crease and add glue to the folded edge.
Glue the front of both of the ship's sides together, forming the bow.
Attach the backside of the ship by tracing the fold lines onto the back template and folding along the lines. Glue the back piece onto the back ends of the ship's sides.
Cut out the mast base template and trace it onto cardstock. Punch a hole in the center and fold along the fold lines on each end.
Glue the mast base onto the center of the ship's base, leaving the center elevated.
Trace the anchor template onto cardstock and cut it out. Glue it on the front of the ship's side.
Trace the window cut out circles onto craft paper and add it to the rear of the ship. You may want to trace around the circles with marker.
Trace the border onto a different color of cardstock and glue it around the bottom of the ship, if desired.
Trace the flag, mast, and sail pieces onto colored craft paper and cut them out.
Use glue to attach the skull and crossbones to the flag.
Roll the mast paper tightly, forming a vertical tube. Secure the ends with craft glue.
Attach the flag to the top of the mast using glue.
Punch holes onto the top and bottom edges of the sails. Thread the mast through the holes in the sails, causing them to billow in the center.
Insert the bottom end of the mast into the hole in the mast base to stand the flag up.

© Selena Robinson

Category: Crafts

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