Homeschooling Printables Archives - Page 2 of 12

Nocturnal and Diurnal Animals Sorting Activity

July 13, 2020 by Selena Robinson 3 Comments

Have you ever seen a possum in real life?

Growing up in the country, I knew that they existed. But it took several years before I actually saw one scurrying away in the early morning hours.

It was like catching sight of Bigfoot.

I knew that there were animals that were awake when I was asleep at night, but to actually see one was memorable.

If you’re teaching students about animal sleep habits, this printable and digital Nocturnal and Diurnal Animals Sorting Activity can help!

Most kids love to learn about animals and my students are no exception.

So when we were starting to learn about these kinds of animals, I wanted to find a way to make a simple, hands-on activity they’d love to do.

Read on to see how to get your copy of this Nocturnal and Diurnal Animals activity!

And, for more fun with science, don’t miss our All About the Solar System unit!

Nocturnal and Diurnal Animals Sorting Activity

I remember learning about nocturnal animals when I was a kid, but we didn’t talk much about diurnal animals (at least not using the term “diurnal”).

So in case this term is fairly new to you as an educator, “diurnal” simply means that they are active during the day like you and me!

The printable activity is super duper easy. You’ll only need the following supplies: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Color printer with ink
Printer Paper
Scissors
Laminator (if you want to make a set that lasts)

It contains flashcards (pictures and labels) of 16 animals: eight are nocturnal and eight are diurnal.

Some of the animals in the product include:

Hawk
Gorilla
Bee
Raccoon
Elephant
Possum
Butterfly
Dog
And 8 more!

At the back are four sorting mats for kids to separate the nocturnal animals from the diurnal animals.

Plus, there’s an answer key included as well as a full set of instructions.

You can also use this for a one-time learning Nocturnal and Diurnal Animals Sorting activity.

Just skip the laminating and have students cut and paste the animals on the correct mat.

If you use it at science centers, add hook and loop sticky dots to the back of the cards and onto the mat squares for easy reuse.

Scroll down to get your copy of our print or digital Nocturnal and Diurnal Animal Sorting Activity!

Kids’ Books about Nocturnal Animals:

Read more about nocturnal animals with these books for kids!

1. Daylight Starlight Wildlife by Wendell Minor
2. Where are the Night Animals? by Mary Ann Fraser
3. Moonlight Animals by Elizabeth Golding
4. Night Animals by Gianna Marino

Resources about Nocturnal Animals:

Learn more about these animals with these helpful websites!

1. The Great Nocturnal Hat Hunt Game – PBS Kids
2. Nocturnal Animals from Around the World – World Wildlife Fund
3. Seek and Find Nocturnal Animals Game – Sheppard Software
4. Nocturnal Animals Lapbook – Homeschool Share

And don’t miss these other science activities!

To get your copy of the printable Nocturnal and Diurnal Animals Sorting Activity, click the image or the link below to visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store!

>>>Nocturnal and Diurnal Animals Sorting Activity<<<

Want to use this as a digital activity that students can complete from home?
Click the image or the link below to grab the digital Nocturnal Animals Sorting Activity for use with Google Slides!

>> Digital Nocturnal Animals Sorting Activity <<

Or get them both in a print and digital BUNDLE!

>> Print + Digital Nocturnal Animals BUNDLE <<

Be sure to check out all of the great Nocturnal Animal Posts from the 2nd Grade Blogging Team!

Bat Science Experiments: Echolocation Activities from Preschool Powol Packets

Creating Growing Patterns with Nocturnal Animals from Life Over C’s

Nocturnal Animal Report: Hedgehogs from Crafty Kids at Home

Bats in a Cave Sight Word Game from Creative Family Fun

Nocturnal Animals Writing Tray and Word List from Lemon Lime Adventures

Rescue the Shark Printable Battleship Game

July 9, 2020 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Long, hot summer afternoons are made for playing inside.

Well, that and ice cream cones.

As much as I love letting my kids play outdoors in the summer, we live in the Deep South. Which means that once it gets to around 1:00, the temperature is close to 100.

So it’s time to head indoors.

Which is where this Rescue the Shark printable battleship game comes in handy!

This is a fun and simple indoor game that you can let the kids play together. It only requires a couple of supplies and it’s sure to keep them entertained for a while.

So you can enjoy a glass of lemonade (or an ice cream cone) in relative peace.

Read on to see how to play this game and how to score your copy – free!

And, don’t miss our printable Shark Food Chain File Folder Game too!

Use this printable rescue the shark game to help kids have fun play time indoors!

Printable Rescue the Shark Battleship Game

To play this printable Rescue the Shark Battleship Game, you’ll need the following: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Rescue the Ocean Animals Printable Game for Kids

If you’ve ever played the classic board game Battleship, this is basically the same idea.

Each player starts by folding their game board in half.

The top half should show “My Animals” and the bottom half should show “Their Animals”.

Then each player chooses spots on the “My Animals” section to draw their sharks.

The goal is to “rescue” the other person’s sharks by calling out the correct coordinates in which the other player has drawn them.

The first player to rescue all of their opponent’s sharks wins!

Scroll down to get your copy of this printable Rescue the Shark Battleship Game!

Try some of these other printable game ideas for kids!

Learn about what sharks eat to live in this fun shark food chain file folder game!

These printable money games for kids are perfect for quick math lessons! Let students play them for a hands-on money activity!

This English and Spanish hygiene bingo game is a fun way to help early learners build hygiene skills!

To get your copy of this Rescue the Shark Printable Battleship Game, click the image or the link below to download it directly to your computer!

> Rescue the Shark Printable Battleship Game <

Big City Lights! Printable Number Playdough Mats

June 29, 2020 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Growing up in the country, I always wanted to visit a big city. I’d seen them on TV and movies, but I’d never actually been to one.

Until my first trip to New York City.

We visited there as a family when I was six years old and it was everything I’d been hoping to see – and more.

Riding through the city at night made me feel like I was moving through a giant carnival. All of the buildings were lit up and it seemed like the greatest place on Earth.

Of course, in the daylight the city looked much different.

But the memory of those bright lights stayed with me. And that’s where I got the idea for these Big City Lights! Printable Number Playdough Mats.

These are perfect for adding to an early education unit about the big city!

Plus, they make wonderful fine motor strengtheners for little ones who are working on number recognition.

Keep reading to see how to get your copy.

And, for more early number recognition practice, stop by to see our English and Spanish Cupcake Number Word Matching Activity!

Use these city themed number playdough mats to practice forming numbers from zero through nine!

Big City Lights! Printable Number Playdough Mats

To use these printable number playdough mats, you’ll need the following: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Printable City Themed NumberPlaydough Mats

This product includes ten printable number mats.

Each mat features one numeral (from 0 through 9) over a background of the big city at dusk.

These are perfect for math centers or morning tubs.

Just print them, laminate them, and let students use playdough or dry eraser markers to trace each number.

These are also wonderful for homeschoolers and afterschoolers!

Be sure to laminate the mats so you can reuse them as needed.

Scroll down to get your copy of these number playdough mats!

Don’t miss these other number learning ideas for early grades!

Use these printable shark counting to ten puzzles to help early learners practice counting with numerals, objects, and number words!

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 the digital and print versions of these ladybug number word puzzles to help early learners practice number recognition at math centers or at home!

To get your copy of Big City Lights! Number Playdough Mats, click the image or the link below to visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store!

>>> City Printable Number Playdough Mats <<<

Best Friends! Printable Friendship Cards for Kids

June 25, 2020 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

If your kids miss hanging out with their friends, they’re not alone.

Mine have been miserable most of the summer, because they’ve been stuck in the house.

We try to schedule video chats and phone calls, but it’s just not the same.

Would you like to help your kids or your students send a special something to their friends? These printable friendship notes are a nice way to help them keep in touch!

These sweet friendship notecards are so cute for little ones to color and send to their friends. They can send them in the mail or drop them in a front door – just to let a friend know they’re still special.

Keep reading to get your set – free! Plus, pick up our free Ice Cream Summer Reading Kit to keep students reading over the break!

These printable friendship notes are a sweet way for kids to let their friends know they care!

Best Friends! Printable Friendship Notes for Kids

To use these printable friendship notes for kids, you’ll need the following: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Printer (with ink)
Cardstock
Colored pencils (optional)

This set includes two versions of friendship cards: one set features cats and another features dogs.

The directions are simple: Kids can cut out each shape and color them in.

There’s also space for them to add their own message, as well as a version without a title for them to create their own.

Finally, they’re both available as line art versions for kids to color in as they choose.

After they’re done adding their own touches, kids can simply put their friendship cards in an envelope and start sending them out.

They’re sure to make someone’s day!

Scroll down to get your copy of these printable Best Friends cards!

Take a look at some of these other fun kids’ printables!

These fun dinosaur word matching puzzles are so fun for early literacy practice!

Use these printable solar system coloring pages for a fun astronomy activity for early learners!

To get your copy of these printable friendship cards, click the image or the link below to download them to your computer!

>>> Printable Best Friends Notecards <<<

Dino Match! Dinosaur Word Matching Puzzles

June 22, 2020 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Did everyone go through a crazy for dinosaurs phase or was it just me?

From age 8 until about age 11, I was insane about them. I had a model T-Rex figurine that had a mouth you could actually move.

I mean, how much better can it get than that?

My kids love dinosaurs too, so I thought dinosaurs would make a fun theme for an early literacy activity – these dinosaur word matching puzzles!

These are a fun way to practice reading dinosaur-themed vocabulary words for early learners.

Plus, they’re excellent for stepping up to reading two and three syllable words.

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

Want more interactive literacy practice? Take a look at our digital Ice Cream Vowel Sounds Sorting Activity!

Dino Match! Dinosaur Word Matching Puzzles

To use these dinosaur word matching puzzles, you’ll need the following: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

This literacy resource includes 12 word and picture puzzles for students to solve.

Printable Dinosaur Word Matching Puzzles for Kids

Each two-piece puzzle features a dino-themed vocabulary word with a corresponding picture.

Simply cut them apart and let students start matching them up!

If you’re working with very early readers, you might want to start with one-syllable short word puzzles – such as “egg”, “nest”, and “sun”.

As students become more fluent readers, add in some of the larger words for a challenge.

If you use these at literacy centers, laminating them is a good way to make sure they hold up to repeated use by little hands.

These would also make a wonderful addition to a dinosaur unit!

Assign them to students to use at home or work with at science centers or in morning tubs!

Scroll down to get your Dinosaur Word Puzzles!

Try some of these other early literacy activities!

Use this printable Space Color by Sight Word Activity to help early readers practice literacy skills and have an art activity too!

This hands on short vowel sounds activity is so fun for building early phonics skills! Add it to your literacy centers for engaging phonics practice!

To get your set of these free Dino Match! Word Matching Puzzles, click the image or the link below to download them directly to your computer!

>>> Printable Dinosaur Word Puzzles <<<

Pineapple Multiplication by Four Roll and Cover Game

June 18, 2020 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Summer is here and the living is easy.

Multiplication facts, though, are still giving my youngest a hard time.

She’s working on memorizing her times tables so she can sail into third grade math this fall with no trouble.

To make it a little more fun, I thought we’d try this printable pineapple multiplication by four game!

Fun Pineapple Multiplication by Four Game

This is a simple and cute way to help kids work on multiplication fluency!

Keep reading to see how to get yours – free! And, for more ways to have fun with math, take a look at our list of outdoor math games to play!

This printable multiplication by four game is a fun way to practice times tables!

Pineapple Multiplication by Four Game

To use this printable multiplication roll and cover game, you’ll need the following: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

This product includes two versions of the multiplication roll and cover game:

One for use with a six-sided die
And one for use with a ten-sided die

The rules are simple.

Students roll a die and then find the corresponding multiple of four on the game board.

Multiplication by Four Roll and Cover Game

Then they just cover that number with a math counter and keep going!

You can also use buttons, counting bears, pom-poms, or coins in place of counters.

Students can play the game alone or with a partner. If they’re playing alone, challenge them to see how quickly they can roll and cover all the multiples.

If they’re playing with a partner, the first one to cover the last multiple wins!

Pineapple Multiplication by 4 Roll and Cover Game

A line art version of both game boards is also included.

Personally, I love to add a pop of color by printing them on AstroBright paper – as above. It definitely makes the activity a bit more cheerful.

Scroll down to get your Pineapple Multiplication by Four Game!

Check out these other fun math learning ideas!

To get your copy of this Pineapple Multiplication by Four Roll and Cover Game, click the image or the link below to download it to your computer!

>>> Pineapple Multiplication by Four Game <<<

Compare Cones! Ice Cream Same and Different Worksheets

June 16, 2020 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Is there a more fun early childhood education theme than ice cream?

I don’t think so.

When you’re trying to get early learners into the rhythm of a new school year in late summer, a fun ice cream-themed learning activity can help a ton.

So if you’re working on recognizing objects, these ice cream same and different worksheets are a simple resource for preschoolers and kindergartners!

Fun Ice Cream Same and Different Worksheets

These are easy to use for individuals or small groups. And you can work on each concept separately!

Read on to get your set of these early education worksheets. And, don’t miss our Ice Cream Vowel Sound Sorting Activity too!

This ice cream themed same and different activity is a fun way to practice visual discrimination with little ones!

Compare Cones! Ice Cream Same and Different Worksheets

To use these printable ice cream same and different worksheets, you’ll need the following: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Printer (with ink)
Printer Paper
Pencils
Laminator (optional)
Dry erase markers or dry erase crayons (optional)

Same and Different Worksheets for Early Learners

This product includes:

Two find the same ice cream cones worksheets
Two find the different ice cream cone worksheets
A full answer key
And a set of instructions!

Printable Same and Different Worksheets for Early Learners

If your students are ready, you can introduce finding the same object and finding the different object in the same lesson.

But if you need to work on one at a time, show students how to examine each ice cream cone to find the similarities.

Then, introduce finding the different object in a separate lesson.

Reuse these at early centers by laminating the pages and letting students complete them with dry erase markers.

Don’t forget to use the answer key!

Scroll down to get these Ice Cream Same and Different Worksheets!

Try some of these other fun ice cream learning activities!

To get your set of these ice cream themed comparing worksheets, click the image or the link below to visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store!

Ice Cream Themed Same and Different Worksheets

>>> Compare Cones! Ice Cream Worksheets <<<

Cosmic Colors! Solar System Coloring Pages

June 15, 2020 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

When I was about ten, I was obsessed with space.

We’d travel down to Florida to see our family and every time we passed the exit for Cape Canaveral, I’d beg for a trip to Space Camp.

Never happened.

I did get this ink pen that had a floating astronaut in it, though.

One day I’m going to get my trip to Kennedy Space Center, but until then, I still love learning about space and solar system with students.

And these printable solar system coloring pages are a simple way to make learning about space fun!

Keep reading to see how to get your set.

And, for more ways to learn about space, take a look at our All About the Solar System science unit!

Cosmic Colors! Solar System Coloring Pages

To use these printable solar system coloring pages, you’ll need the following: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Solar System Tracing and Coloring Pages for Kids

This product includes ten coloring pages:

One for each member of our solar system
One for the sun
And another for the moon

Printable Solar System Coloring and Tracing Pages

Each page shows the name of each celestial body and features a picture to color.

At the bottom, there is also a tracing strip so that early learners can practice writing each name.

Printable Solar System Coloring Pages for Kids

These are a fun way to add a little art into the science of learning about space!

You can print them on Astrobright paper and laminate them for use at science centers.

Or print them in a smaller size, laminate them, and place them on a ring for a simple memorization activity.

Scroll down to get your Solar System Coloring Pages!

Try some of these other outer space activities for kids!

Ready to teach the kids about space? This printable solar system science unit study is perfect for exploring the members of our solar system!

Share a trip into space with the kids when you read these amazing books about the solar system together! These would make perfect read alouds for a solar system unit!

To get your copy of these Cosmic Colors! Coloring Pages, click the image or the link below to visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store!

Solar System Coloring and Tracing Pages for Kids

>>> Cosmic Colors! Coloring Pages <<<

Printable Shark Counting to Ten Puzzles for Kids

June 11, 2020 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Does anyone else have a child who is absolutely fascinated by sharks?

Our oldest son is obsessed with them.

We’ve seen so many documentaries about sharks, read so many books about sharks, and bought so many shark “tooth” necklaces for him over the years that I’ve lost count.

He wants us to let him watch Jaws, but that’s not happening any time soon.

While I don’t share the level of enthusiasm for sharks that he has, I do think they’re absolutely incredible. And lots of kids love them.

Which is why I wanted to share these printable counting to ten puzzles that have a fun shark theme!

These printable counting puzzles are a fun and simple way to help early learners practice counting objects, recognizing numerals, and reading number words!

Read on to get your copy of these math counting puzzles.

And, for more fun with counting, try our printable Popsicle Addition to 12 Puzzles too!

Shark Spotting! Printable Shark Counting to Ten Puzzles

To use these printable shark counting puzzles, you’ll need the following: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Printer (with ink)
Printer paper or cardstock
Scissors
Laminator (optional)

Printable Shark Counting Puzzles for Kids

This product includes two different sets of counting puzzles. Each puzzle consists of two pieces.

One set of puzzles shows the numeral on the left side and the corresponding number of shark fins on the right.

The second set of shows the number word on the left and the corresponding shark-themed numeral on the right side.

All you have to do is cut the puzzles apart and then let students practice matching them up!

Try introducing the first set on one day and the second during a separate lesson.

Once the students are familiar with each counting concept, combine them for a little challenge!

Scroll down to get your copy of these printable counting to ten puzzles!

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

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

To get your copy of these Shark Spotting! puzzles, click the image or the link below to get them from my Teachers Pay Teachers store!

>>> Printable Shark Counting Puzzles <<<

Summer Color by Shape Activity for Kids

June 9, 2020 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

I used to spend hours working on color by number pictures when I was young.

I even remember a watercolor paint by number book that I ruined by using too much water on one of the pages.

So I know that kids love coloring coded pictures. And that’s why I thought it would be fun to share this summer-themed color by shape activity for early learners!

This is a perfect summer art activity for little ones who are just learning their basic 2D shapes!

Read on to see how to get your copy.

And, for more fun with coloring, don’t miss our Space Color by Sight Word Activity!

Use this Summer Color by Shape activity to help early learners practice recognizing shapes with a fun art twist!

Summer Fun Color by Shape Activity for Kids

To use this printable summer color by shape activity, you’ll need the following: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Summer Color by Shape Art Activity for Kids

This product includes four different summer-themed color by shape pictures.

Each picture uses a different set of shapes and a different color scheme. So kids won’t be able to guess what each image is in advance.

If you need a visual guide, especially for younger learners, this product also includes a full answer key with all four pictures colored in and completed.

Printable Summer Color by Shape Activity

Little ones can color shapes they recognize on their own according to the code. Or they can look at the completed pages and work using them as a guide.

These are a wonderful way to get a little geometry practice while having a little summer fun too!

Scroll down to get your copy of this Summer Color by Shape Activity!

Think your students will like this coloring activity? Take a look at some of these other summer learning activities for kids!

These printable summer reading challenge bookmarks are a fun way to keep kids reading during summer!

To get your copy of this Summer Fun! Color by Shape Art Activity, click the image or the link below to get it from our store!

>>> Summer Color by Shape Art Activity <<<

Ice Cream Colors! Ice Cream Coloring Pages

June 4, 2020 by Selena Robinson 2 Comments

Nothing says “summer is here” quite like an ice cream cone.

Personally, I can eat ice cream all year long, but it’s especially great during warm weather.

When my kids are laying around on a warm afternoon, I like to share simple activities to keep them engaged, instead of just sitting in front of a screen.

Which is why I’m sharing these free ice cream coloring pages today – in case any of you are dealing with the same summer break situation.

Keep reading to get your set – free!

If your little one enjoys these ice cream themed printables, be sure to check out our fun print or digital ice cream preschool shape sorting activity too!

Ice Cream Colors! Printable Ice Cream Coloring Pages

To use these ice cream coloring pages, you’ll need the following: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

This product includes eight different ice cream coloring sheets, including cones, popsicles, and push pops.

There’s no right or wrong way to color each picture, so you can just hand out crayons or colored pencils and let the kids go wild.

Of course, it’s possible that you’ll end up with green ice cream, but hey. That’s art for you.

Our youngest one wanted to use a ton of colors for her push pop.

And, of course, she couldn’t pass up a chance to add a few “sprinkles” to her ice cream cone!

These coloring sheets would be a fantastic art activity to use with our ice cream unit. It’s got plenty of fun ice cream themed activities for early learners.

Scroll down to get these ice cream coloring printables!

Check out some of these other fun early learning resources!

To get our free Ice Cream Colors! Coloring Pages, click the image or the link below to download them to your computer!

>>>>> Ice Cream Coloring Pages <<<<<

Printable LEGO STEM Challenge Building Cards

June 1, 2020 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Anyone else have kids who get a new toy and then are bored with it ten minutes later?

I think this is pretty common, but I didn’t expect it to happen when we got our kids a set of LEGO blocks.

I imagined my children making endless creations and showing them off to all of their friends. Also, I was kind of hoping at least one of them would take to engineering.

What actually happened was that we bought the blocks and they just sat in the closet for months on end.

Turns out my kids needed a little inspiration jump start.

So I’m glad to share these printable LEGO STEM Challenge Building Cards with all of you – in case yours need a little boost too.

There are enough LEGO building ideas here for four weeks of open-ended STEM play!

Which can be a real lifesaver on long afternoons, believe me.

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

Ready for more fun with LEGO blocks? Take a look at our list of 20 LEGO STEAM Activities for kids to try!

These printable LEGO STEM Building Challenge Cards are a fun way to get kids into STEM building over the summer!

Printable LEGO STEM Challenge Building Cards

To use these printable LEGO STEM Challenge Cards, you’ll need the following: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

This printable LEGO building challenge features 28 different LEGO build ideas for kids.

Each idea features a specific component, but also leaves much to each child’s imagination.

Printable Lego STEM Challenge Building Cards

Several of the LEGO build ideas also include other concepts, such as science, math, and engineering.

So these are awesome for a quick STEM activity with students of just about any age!

LEGO STEM Challenge Building Cards for Kids

Do you have specific LEGO ideas you’d like your kids to try? Do they have specific challenge ideas of their own?

This set also includes six blank LEGO challenge cards, so you can let the kids challenge one another (or you) to make a creation as well.

If you’d like, you can laminate the blank cards and then let the kids write challenges with dry erase markers. That way, you can wipe them clean and let them come up with more ideas later!

Scroll down to get your set of these printable LEGO Building Challenge Cards!

Looking for more fun ways to learn with STEM? Try these activities!

This list of 20 STEM activities for distance learning are fun and easy to help students practice STEM concepts at home!This list of 20 STEM activities for distance learning are fun and easy to help students practice STEM concepts at home!

These fun weather STEM activities for kids are excellent for simple spring science experiments! Simple enough for home or the classroom!

Make learning math, science, and technology fun with this list of Lego STEAM activities for kids! These easy Lego STEM activities are great for building a love of learning!

To get your copy of these printable STEM LEGO Challenge Cards, click the image or the link below to download them directly to your computer – free!

LEGO STEM Printable Building Challenge Cards for Kids

>>> LEGO STEM Challenge Building Cards <<<

Printable Summer Reading Challenge Bookmarks for Kids

May 25, 2020 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Summer is a wonderful time to read as many books as you can stand.

I know. It’s how I spent pretty much every summer growing up.

We’ve always encouraged our kids to read as much as possible, but they tend to read by themselves in their own rooms.

So – to help them stretch out and read with each other and to try new works, we’re using these printable summer reading challenge bookmarks this year!

These are simple (and fun!) ways to motivate kids to read new books with new people this summer.

And you can get a set free!

Read on to get your copy. And, for more fun with summer reading, check out our Sweet Reads! Ice Cream Literacy Kit!

Printable Summer Reading Challenge Bookmarks

To use this printable summer reading challenge, you’ll need the following: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Printable Summer Reading Challenge Bookmark for Kids

The printable includes one sheet with five identical bookmarks.

We have four children, so I wanted them each to have their own. Plus an extra one for me to join along.

Printable Summer Reading Challenge Bookmarks for Kids

These are really simple to use.

Just print the sheet (as many copies as you need). Then use a paper cutter to divide them into individual bookmarks.

If you like, you might want to laminate the sheet before handing the bookmarks out. They’ll hold up better that way.

Printable Summer Reading Challenge for Kids

As you can see, each bookmark lists 14 different ways to read this summer.

There are new places to read, new types of books to try, and new people to read books to.

Hold your own summer reading program by setting a date for kids to check off all of the items on their bookmarks.

Be sure to hand out a prize or have a simple party to celebrate!

Scroll down to get your free Printable Summer Reading Challenge Bookmarks!

Take a look at these other fun literacy activities!

Help early writers practice naming colors and writing complete sentences with this donut colors sentence writing activity! Perfect for literacy centers!

Pick up this printable ice cream reading log for kids to keep little ones reading this summer! This printable reading kits with printable bookplates, a printable summer reading log, and printable coloring bookmarks!

To get your copy of these printable summer reading bookmarks for kids, click the image or the link below to download them to your computer!

Printable Summer Reading Challenge BookmarkPrintable Summer Reading Challenge Bookmark

>>> Printable Summer Reading Bookmarks <<<

Deep Blue Sea! Printable Ocean ELA Activities for Kids

May 19, 2020 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

The town I grew up in was about half an hour inland from the coast. So the ocean has always had a special place in my heart.

As a kid, I was always excited to go to the beach and play on the sand, wade in the waves, and just generally be happy.

I didn’t know it at the time, but the most fascinating part of the coast is the part I never saw – the animals that live below its surface.

As summer approaches, the ocean is a common learning theme for early elementary students. This Deep Blue Sea! ocean ELA activities set is a fun way to keeps kids engaged over break!

This set of printable activities helps kids practice basic ELA concepts while learning more about the marine animals that call the ocean home.

Read on to see how to get your copy. And, for more fun with ELA activities, don’t miss our Delicious Donuts! ELA Activity Set too!

Use this printable Deep Blue Sea ocean activity pack to keep early elementary students practicing ELA concepts at home or over break!

Deep Blue Sea! Printable Ocean ELA Activities for Kids

To use this set of printable ocean ELA activities, you’ll need the following: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Printable Ocean Themed Activity Set for Early Elementary

This set of ocean-themed activities includes:

Two ocean animal word unscramble worksheets
One coded beach jokes worksheet
One ocean-themed make-a-word activity
One design a marine animal creative writing activity
And one ocean-themed adjectives prompt

Early Elementary Ocean Themed ELA Activity Set

Early elementary students will love completing these activities without worrying about getting the answers “right”.

It’s simply a fun way to stay in practice while using adjectives, word building skills, and creative writing.

Early Elementary Deep Blue Sea Ocean ELA Activity Pack

All of the printable activities are line art only, so you can print them on regular paper and let students color in the pages if you like.

Or you can print them on blue and green AstroBright paper for a nautical vibe!

Scroll down to get your copy of these printable ocean ELA activities!

Take a look at these other fun ways to teach ELA skills!

Have a sweet ELA lesson with this delicious donuts ELA activity set! Several ELA activities with a fun donut theme!

This printable apple tree life cycle is perfect for fall science and ELA practice! Add it to writing centers or science centers!

Help students write about places they have visited or want to visit with this simple vacation creative writing activity!

To get your copy of this Deep Blue Sea! Ocean ELA Activities Set, click the image or the link below to visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store!

Fun Ocean Themed Activity Set for Early Elementary Students

>>> Deep Blue Sea! Ocean ELA Activities Set <<<

Ice Cream Sounds! Short and Long Vowel Sound Sorting Activity

May 18, 2020 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Is there anyone alive who doesn’t scream for ice cream?

I’m sure there must be, but I have yet to meet a person who doesn’t.

My kids (like most kids) are fanatics for ice cream. One loves chocolate, one loves strawberry, one loves cake batter, and one loves cookies & cream (like yours truly).

With warmer weather on the way, I thought ice cream would be a fun theme for an early phonics resource: this short and long vowel sound sorting activity!

Fun Ice Cream Vowel Sound Sorting Activity

This is such a fun way to help students practice recognizing short and long vowel sounds as they learn to read.

And it’s available as a printable activity for literacy centers and a digital resource, so you can use in small groups or for distance learning!

Keep reading to find out how to get your copy. For more early phonics practice, don’t miss our printable Rhyming Word Puzzles too!

Ice Cream Sounds! Digital & Print Vowel Sound Sorting Activity

To use the printable version of this vowel sound sorting activity, you’ll need the following: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

This product includes:

Color ice cream cones for each short and long vowel sound
30 color ice cream scoops featuring CVC and CVCE words
A complete line art version
And a set of instructions!

To use this activity, print out the cones and scoops and cut them apart.

Before letting students practice, review the symbols for short and long vowel sounds – the breve for short vowels and the macron for long vowels.

Long and Short Vowel Sound Sorting Activity

Then let students practice reading each word aloud and listening for the vowel sound.

Ice Cream Themed Vowel Sound Activity for Kids

Now it’s time to start sorting sounds!

Each vowel sound has three matching word “scoops”, so students can end up with 10 triple scoop cones by the time they’re done.

Make it reusable by laminating the pages and attaching hook and loop sticky dots to the cones and scoops.

Ice Cream Short and Long Vowel Sound Matching Activity

Save ink by printing the line art version!

You can let students color the cones and scoops or print the resource on AstroBright paper (my personal fav).

Digital Ice Cream Vowel Sound Sorting Activity for Early Readers

Prefer to use digital resources for distance learning?

This vowel sounds lesson is available as a Google Slides resource!

Students can drag and drop the correct CVC/CVCE word onto the matching cone with the correct vowel sound.

Perfect for digital phonics practice!

Scroll down to get the digital or print version of this Ice Cream Vowel Sounds Lesson!

Check out these other learning resources for early grades!

Grab this printable Aquarium Arithmetic math practice activity and get a digital version to use online too! Great for helping students practice adding and subtracting in class or at home!

Help early readers learn to rhyme with these fun rhyming word puzzles!

To get your copy of our printable Ice Cream Vowel Sounds Matching Lesson, click the image or the link below to visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store!

>>> Ice Cream Sounds! Vowel Sound Sorting Activity <<<

Or get the digital version by clicking the image or the link below!

Ice Cream Vowel Sound Sorting Activity Digital Product

>>> Digital Ice Cream Vowel Sorting Lesson <<<

Want both? Score the print and digital versions as a bundle!

Just click the image or link below to pick up both versions of this resource!

>>> Digital + Print Ice Cream Sounds Bundle <<<

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

Popsicle Plus! 1-12 Addition Puzzles for Kids

May 12, 2020 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Nothing says “summer” quite like a popsicle.

When I was young, there was a general store about 10 miles away from our house that sold Dreamcicles – a combination of orange sherbet and vanilla ice cream.

Every time the weather started to warm, I’d get excited, because it was almost Dreamcicle-time.

My kids love popsicles too, so why not add them into a math lesson?

Which is where these popsicle 1-12 addition puzzles come in!

With these printable math puzzles, early elementary students can practice adding numbers to make one all the way up to twelve!

Read on to see how to get your set of these printable arithmetic puzzles.

And, be sure to check out our Ladybug Number Word Counting Puzzles for more ways to teach math fluency!

Popsicle Plus! 1-12 Addition Puzzles for Kids

To use these printable popsicle addition puzzles, you’ll need the following: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Printer (with ink)
Printer Paper
Scissors
Laminator (optional)
Astrobright paper (optional)

This set of popsicle addition matching activities includes 24 individual puzzles: 12 color and 12 line art.

Popsicle Themed Addition Puzzles for Kids

Each puzzle has four pieces: three addition problems and one matching sum – the top “scoop” on the popsicle.

Popsicle Addition Matching Activity for Kids

Simply cut apart each puzzle and let students practice matching up the correct problems and sums.

This would make a fantastic activity for early math centers.

Laminate each puzzle before cutting it apart and you can reuse it as many times as you like.

This addition activity also helps students learn different ways to add to make each sum.

For example, you can add 3+3 to make six. But you can also add 5+1 and 2+4 to make the same number.

Printable Addition Puzzles for Early Elementary

If you need to save ink, use the line art version instead.

For a pop of color, print the line art version on AstroBright paper (my personal favorite!).

Printable Popsicle Addition Puzzles for Kids

Scroll down to get your set of these popsicle themed addition matching puzzles!

Try some of these other hands-on math learning activities!

To get your copy of Popsicle Plus! Printable Addition Puzzles, click the image or the link below to visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store!

> Popsicle Themed Addition Matching Puzzles <

A Frog’s Life! Frog Life Cycle Sequencing Activity

May 11, 2020 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Growing up out in the country, I didn’t see many frogs. We saw a lot of toads.

Which, to me, are some of the cutest animals ever.

Once I moved to the suburbs, though, frogs were a much more common sight.

They’re usually sticking to the door of our back patio. In fact, when we walk up to the door, we can almost see through their bellies and make out their internal organs.

It’s pretty cool.

Frogs go through an incredible life cycle, transforming from water animals to land animals in the process.

Which makes this hands-on frog life cycle sequencing activity a fantastic science lesson for kids!

Fun Frog Life Cycle Sequencing Activity for Kids

This is a simple way to teach students about how animals develop and how frogs, in particular, transform from living in one environment to another.

It’s also a good activity for teaching early learners how to remember sequence of events.

Keep reading to find out how to get your copy of this lesson as a print activity or a digital activity for distance learning.

And, for more life cycle lessons, don’t miss our Butterfly Life Cycle Sequencing Activity!

A Frog’s Life! Frog Life Cycle Sequencing Activity

To use this frog life cycle sequencing activity, you’ll need the following: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Frog Life Cycle Sequencing Activity for Kids

This product includes:

Two frog life cycle mats (one color and one line art)
Two pages of frog life cycle circles (one color and one line art)
And two completed life cycle mats (one color and one line art)

Let students cut out the life cycle sequence circles and then use the completed mat to learn the correct order.

Then they can glue the steps in the right sequence to show how frogs grow over time!

Printable Frog Life Cycle Sequencing Activity for Kids

If you use the line art version, kids can color the steps as they go along.

Printable Frog Life Cycle Sequencing Activity

Or turn this into a reusable activity for science centers!

Just laminate the pages and then add hook and loop sticky dots so that students can move the steps around as needed.

Scroll down to get your copy of this Frog Life Cycle activity!

Try these other science learning ideas for early elementary students!

This easy floating egg science experiment is so fun for kids who are learning about salinity! Great for science at home too!

To get your copy of A Frog’s Life! Frog Life Cycle Sequencing Activity, click the image or the link below to visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store!

> A Frog’s Life! Frog Life Cycle Science Activity <

Prefer to use this science lesson as a digital activity? Get the digital version below!

Frog Life Cycle Sequencing Activity Digital Product

>> Digital Frog Life Cycle Sequencing Lesson <<

Helping Hands! Community Helpers Writing Activity

May 7, 2020 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Community helpers are always a popular theme in early education. They have been for years.

I remember learning about mail workers, firefighters, and police officers when I was in nursery school myself.

These neighborhood workers are essential to our daily lives, so it’s only right that we teach kids about them as early as possible.

And, with this community helpers writing activity, you can add in a little ELA too!

Simple Community Helpers Writing Activity for Kids

This community helpers sentence writing activity is a fun way to use early writing and sentencing building skills to teach students about our local helpers!

You could use this as a one-time writing activity or place it at centers for repeated practice so that kids can work on them over and over.

Read on to see how to get your copy.

And, for more ways to learn about neighborhood workers, take a look our list of 20 community helpers books for kids!

Pick up this printable community helpers sentence writing activity to help early writers learn about forming sentences and helpers in the neighborhood!

Helping Hands! Community Helpers Writing Activity

To use this community helpers writing activity, you’ll need the following: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

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

Community Helpers Sentence Writing Activity for Kids

This writing activity includes seven community helper sentence practice pages, featuring:

Teacher
Trash collector
EMT
Doctor
Mail carrier
Firefighter
And Police officer

Community Helper Sentence Writing Activity

Each page includes a picture of the community helper, along with an example sentence.

Simple Community Helper Writing Sentences Activity

Students can practice reading the sentence on each page.

Then they can color the sentence, trace the sentence, and write it for themselves on the lines.

This is an excellent activity for teaching sentence formation, because it gives children an example of what a complete sentence should look like.

Point out that each complete sentence begins with a capital letter and ends with a period.

Make sure that students include both of these elements when rewriting the sentences.

Simple Community Helpers Sentence Writing Printables

If you prefer, you can turn this lesson into a reusable activity by laminating the pages so they can be wiped clean.

Students can use dry erase markers or dry erase crayons to complete them again and again!

Scroll down to get your Community Helpers Writing Activity!

Learn more about these neighborhood workers with these activities!

Teach children how to identify community workers in both Spanish and English with these Spanish community helper worksheets!

Introduce kids to the helpers in your town with these kids' books about community helpers! Great for read-aloud time with early learners!

Use these printable Spanish community words flashcards to help kids identify places in the neighborhood in Spanish!

To get your copy of this Helping Hands! Community Helpers Writing Activity, click the image or the link below to visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store!

Community Helpers Writing Activity for Kids

>>> Helping Hands! Writing Activity – Teachers Pay Teachers <<<

English and Spanish Hygiene Bingo Game for Kids

May 5, 2020 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Teaching young children how to practice basic hygiene is a major life skill.

We all have to learn how to take care of ourselves and others by learning to wash our hands, bathe regularly, and care for our teeth.

Little ones, though, don’t always find these to be “fun” activities. So they might just….not do them.

Which is why this English and Spanish hygiene Bingo game can help!

Fun English and Spanish Hygiene Bingo Game

This is a simple way to help early learners practice hygiene vocabulary words and play a fun game at once!

Read below to find out how the game works and how to get your copy.

And, for more basic Spanish vocabulary with early grades, don’t miss our Spanish Color by Word Activity!

English & Spanish Hygiene Bingo Game for Kids

To use this English & Spanish hygiene Bingo game, you’ll need the following: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Printer (with ink)
Cardstock
Laminator (optional)

This product includes:

24 Hygiene Bingo game boards (4 copies of 6 variations)
Hygiene vocabulary calling cards (in both English and Spanish)
And instructions

Easy Hygiene Bingo Game for Kids to Play

Hand out the Bingo game boards to your students.

Each game board depicts nine different hygiene-related activities or items.

Printable English and Spanish Hygiene Bingo Game

Before playing the game, talk about what each item or action is called with your students.

Then it’s time to play!

Use the English or Spanish calling card (or both) to help students recognize hygiene-related vocabulary when they hear it.

The first one to get three in a row calls “Bingo!” and wins!

Printable English and Spanish Hygiene Bingo

If you’re playing this with ESL students, use either language version of the calling cards.

If you’re working with students who are learning Spanish, go over the Spanish vocabulary for each picture beforehand as well.

Scroll down to get your copy of this English & Spanish Hygiene Bingo game!

Take a look at these other Spanish early learning resources!

This fun Spanish color word activity is perfect for helping kids learn how to read and write Spanish color vocabulary words!

Pick up this cupcake English and Spanish number word matching activity to build number recognition with early grades! Perfect for math centers!

These Spanish color playdough mats are a wonderful hands on resource for early learners, Spanish language learners, and ESL students!

To get your copy of this Hygiene Hunt! Hygiene Bingo game, click the image or the link below to visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store!

>> Hygiene Hunt! Bingo Game for Kids <<

Snail Shapes! Shape Tracing Worksheets

April 30, 2020 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Do you ever see snails in your neighborhood?

Every now and then, the kids and I spot a few, especially after a heavy rain. Whenever we come across an abandoned shell, it’s always a newsworthy event in our family.

Snails are so fascinating for young children, particularly if they get to watch them as they move soooo slowly.

And that’s why I thought snails would be a fun theme for these shape tracing worksheets!

This early grades geometry activity is an excellent way to learn about a variety of 2D geometric shapes!

Read on to see how to get your copy of these shape tracing printables.

And, for more fun with simple geometry, take a look at our Shape Sorting Activity Mats!

This printable snail themed geometry activity is a fun way to teach early learners a variety of 2D geometric shapes!

Snail Shapes! Shape Tracing Worksheets

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

Printer (with ink)
Printer Paper
Crayons
Laminator (optional)
Dry erase crayons (optional)
Astrobright paper (optional)

This product includes tracing printables for 11 different 2D geometric shapes.

Simple shapes such as triangles, squares, and rectangles are included.

Printable Snail Themed Tracing Shapes Activity

As well as shapes with more vertices, such as stars, hexagons, and octagons.

Each shape tracing page includes the name of the shape (with a corresponding shape snail shell) and tracing shapes for students to draw over.

Snail Tracing Shapes Worksheets for Kids

If you want to use these at centers, laminate the pages and hand out dry erase crayons to trace with.

You could also put them on a ring and place them in morning tubs.

A black and white version is included, so you if you need to save ink, you can.

Or add a pop of color by printing them on AstroBright paper!

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

Try these other ideas for teaching kids about shapes!

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!

To get your set of these Snail Shapes! Shape Tracing Worksheets, click the image or the link below to visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store!

Printable Snail Themed Shape Tracing Worksheets

>> Snail Shapes! Shape Tracing Worksheets <<

Free Bug Printables Pack for Kids

April 29, 2020 by Selena Robinson 2 Comments

Happy spring everyone! I love this time of year.

The warmer weather, the longer days, the brighter skies – it’s all great stuff! It’s just the BUGS that bother me.

When I was a child, I was deathly afraid of almost everything that had more than four legs. (Except potato bugs. They’re adorable.)

But I’ve been learning to love bugs along with my kids, who think they’re awesome. So I thought I’d share a free Bug Printables Pack with all of you!

This would make a great science resource to cover before heading out on a nature walk.

You could also pair it with a unit about insects, spring, summer, or ecosystems!

Read on to get your copy! And don’t miss our fun list of kids’ activities about insects!

Free Bug Printables Pack

This free Bug Printables Pack has over 25 pages of insect-themed fun!

To use this set of insect identification printables, you’ll need the following: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Printer (with ink)
Printer paper
Scissors
Laminator (if you want to reuse the flashcards in the future)

This resource includes:

A set of bug flashcards (labeled and blank)
Bug identification pages with color pictures and traceable names
And insect coloring pages

Students can practice reading the correct names for each insect and then tracing the names themselves.

Use the insect identification flashcards to help kids learn how to quickly spot common insects in the neighborhood.

And don’t forget to use the coloring pages for a quick art activity!

If you want to reuse this activity later, laminate the pages and let students write on them with dry erase markers. Perfect for science centers!

Scroll down to get your free Bug Printables Pack!

Don’t miss these other spring activities for kids!

To get your copy of our free Bug Printables Pack, click the image or the link below to download it!

Nocturnal and Diurnal Animals Sorting Activity

Kids’ Books about Nocturnal Animals:

Resources about Nocturnal Animals:

>>>Nocturnal and Diurnal Animals Sorting Activity<<<

>> Digital Nocturnal Animals Sorting Activity <<

>> Print + Digital Nocturnal Animals BUNDLE <<

Printable Rescue the Shark Battleship Game

> Rescue the Shark Printable Battleship Game <

Big City Lights! Printable Number Playdough Mats

>>> City Printable Number Playdough Mats <<<

Best Friends! Printable Friendship Notes for Kids

>>> Printable Best Friends Notecards <<<

Dino Match! Dinosaur Word Matching Puzzles

>>> Printable Dinosaur Word Puzzles <<<

Pineapple Multiplication by Four Game

>>> Pineapple Multiplication by Four Game <<<

Compare Cones! Ice Cream Same and Different Worksheets

>>> Compare Cones! Ice Cream Worksheets <<<

Cosmic Colors! Solar System Coloring Pages

>>> Cosmic Colors! Coloring Pages <<<

Shark Spotting! Printable Shark Counting to Ten Puzzles

>>> Printable Shark Counting Puzzles <<<

Summer Fun Color by Shape Activity for Kids

>>> Summer Color by Shape Art Activity <<<

Ice Cream Colors! Printable Ice Cream Coloring Pages

>>>>> Ice Cream Coloring Pages <<<<<

Printable LEGO STEM Challenge Building Cards

>>> LEGO STEM Challenge Building Cards <<<

Printable Summer Reading Challenge Bookmarks

>>> Printable Summer Reading Bookmarks <<<

Deep Blue Sea! Printable Ocean ELA Activities for Kids

>>> Deep Blue Sea! Ocean ELA Activities Set <<<

Ice Cream Sounds! Digital & Print Vowel Sound Sorting Activity

>>> Ice Cream Sounds! Vowel Sound Sorting Activity <<<

>>> Digital Ice Cream Vowel Sorting Lesson <<<

>>> Digital + Print Ice Cream Sounds Bundle <<<

Popsicle Plus! 1-12 Addition Puzzles for Kids

> Popsicle Themed Addition Matching Puzzles <

A Frog’s Life! Frog Life Cycle Sequencing Activity

> A Frog’s Life! Frog Life Cycle Science Activity <

>> Digital Frog Life Cycle Sequencing Lesson <<

Helping Hands! Community Helpers Writing Activity

>>> Helping Hands! Writing Activity – Teachers Pay Teachers <<<

English & Spanish Hygiene Bingo Game for Kids

>> Hygiene Hunt! Bingo Game for Kids <<

Snail Shapes! Shape Tracing Worksheets

>> Snail Shapes! Shape Tracing Worksheets <<

Free Bug Printables Pack

>>> Free Bug Printables Pack <<<