Homeschool Curriculum Archives

3 Tips for Prepping Math Centers – Fast!

August 31, 2021 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Duck Brand. All opinions are 100% mine.

Math centers. Once they’re organized and ready to go, they’re awesome – especially for primary grades.

Kids can rotate from station to station, completing hands-on learning activities and getting some practice for concepts you’ve gone over in class.

It’s the prepping part that is…a challenge.

If you’re looking for some tips on how to prep a math center faster, here are three suggestions that have been working for me.

Even better, one of my math center prep hacks makes it easy to clean activities in between groups of students. Which is super important, especially these days.

Read on to read my math center prep tips! And, for more fun math activities for early grades, take a look at my list of printable counting puzzles!

Three Tips for How to Prep a Math Center – Fast!

1. Choose the activities you plan to include before you print.

This is a mistake I’ve made all too often. I love the center and the activities in it, so I think “I’ll use all of these!” and I print the entire thing.

Reality: I never end up using everything. Never.

There are a couple of activities that are a big hit and those are the ones the kids want to do again and again. Huge waste of time (and ink!)

Scroll through the center to find the worksheets or activities that will be a good fit for your students.

Write down the page numbers for printing those specific pages. Then start printing what you need.

2. Gather up the manipulatives and tools you’ll need for each activity.

Math center activities for early grades usually include different kinds of tools and movable pieces.

I find it best to get all of these items together before I start preparing the center itself.

When I’m prepping center activities, I tend to use hook and loop sticky dots, scissors, and O rings.

The activities are designed for use with dry erase markers (or crayons), transparent spinners, and clothespins, among other manipulatives.

So I put all of the tools I need to prep the center in one group and the tools students will need to use the center in another.

Then I’m not running back and forth to my desk when I need to switch from assembling one activity to another.

And I already have the items students will use for the center in one place too. That makes it much easier to organize each activity as I go along.

3. Use clear laminate to cover each activity or worksheet page.

But my absolute favorite tip for how to prep a math center is to use clear laminate to cover every activity.

Personally, I’m partial to the Smooth Top® EasyLiner® from Duck Brand.

Clear laminate works just like the laminating sheets in your laminator.

The advantage is that you don’t have to wait for the laminator to heat up (which seems to take forever).

And, you don’t have to wait in line to use the machine (which also seems to take forever).

EasyLiner® also comes with helpful gridlines that make measuring the right amount a snap!

I just roll out several inches of the clear laminate – gridlines facing up.

Then I lay the activity page on top. The edge of the page is my measuring line.

Cut the length of clear laminate you need.

The gridlines side is the removable piece you’ll need to peel off. I find it best to snip a tiny corner off.

Then it’s easier to peel the backing off in one piece, which avoids leaving crease marks on the laminate.

Lay the laminate down, sticky side up. Then place the activity directly on top, face down.

Flip the page over, add a second sheet to cover the back (if needed), smooth it out, and you’re done!

All that’s left now is to cut out any activity pieces and add other items (such as the sticky dots you see above).

Removable Adhesive EasyLiner has another advantage: It wipes clean.

So, if you need to sanitize your math center activities in between groups, you can use cleaning wipes on the pages with no problem.

I love clear laminate for making dry erase activities in my centers.

With it, I can turn any printable worksheet into a reusable center activity.

When the pages are covered with clear laminate, I can let students use dry erase markers or dry erase crayons.

Then just use a napkin (or a napkin plus water for wet erase markers) and we’re good to go for the next group!

Watch me cover a math center activity with clear laminate below!

I hope these tips for how to prep a math center faster have been of help to you.

If you use any in your classroom, let me know which ones worked!

See more of my apple-themed math center activities for early grades below!

Easy Paper Scarecrow Shape Craft for Kids

August 24, 2021 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

When you’re working on a fall theme with kids, there are so many ideas for cute fall crafts out there.

But it’s always good to try to include an early learning concept or two. That way, you can spend time crafting and practicing a skill kids need in the early years.

This paper scarecrow shape craft does both!

Use this simple fall shape craft to practice fine motor skills such as tracing, cutting, and gluing.

Plus, you can use it to identify basic plane shapes as you go along!

Read on to get the printable template and to see the full instructions.

And, for more fun with fall shapes, take a look at our Apple Shape Tracing Activity for early learners!

Make this easy paper scarecrow craft with kids during harvest time!

Easy Paper Scarecrow Shape Craft for Kids

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

Start by printing the scarecrow shape craft template. Then use scissors to cut out all of the shape pieces.

You may want to keep them separated according to the part of the scarecrow to which they belong.

Help your child use a pencil to trace the shape pieces onto colorful craft paper. (Use any colors you like.) Then cut out each piece.

As you can see, each of the pieces (except for the pants) for this scarecrow shape craft are basic plane shapes.

Take this moment to ask the child to identify as many as they can. Ask: “How many circles do you see? How many ovals? How many rectangles?”, and so on.

While you work through the craft, direct your child to the next step by asking: “Can you find the white circle?” “Can you find the blue rectangles?”

This will give you a chance to practice both color and shape recognition while working on the craft together.

How to Make a Scarecrow Shape Craft with Kids

Now it’s time to get started making the shape scarecrow craft!

Put the shirt together first. Glue the two small rectangles onto the back of each side of the large square. Make sure the sleeves are sticking out.

Then glue the rectangle onto the front of the bottom of the triangle to form the scarecrow’s hat.

Turn both the shirt and hat pieces over. Now it’s time to make the scarecrow’s head.

Glue the triangle nose into the center of the face circle. Make sure the point of the nose is down and at an angle.

Glue the cheek circles on each side of the lower half of the face. You’ll want them to be slightly lower than the triangle nose.

The thin yellow rectangles form the scarecrow’s hair. Glue them to the top of the face, dividing them evenly on each side.

Then glue the hat onto the top of the circle so that it rests over the hair.

The shirt piece should still be flipped over.

Use a glue stick to attach the pants onto the bottom edge. Then turn the pants and shirt over.

Glue the small overall circles onto the small rectangles to form the straps of the scarecrow’s overalls.

Glue both of the straps onto the front of the shirt and pants. The scarecrow’s overalls are complete!

All that’s left now is to add the shoes.

Glue the two small ovals onto the bottom of each of the overall pant legs.

Glue the two medium-sized rectangles onto the end of each shirt sleeve to form the scarecrow’s arms.

Finally, use a marker to draw eyes and a smile on the face and you’re done!

If you like, you can add a small patch to the front of the overalls too.

This scarecrow shape craft is an excellent fall fine motor skill builder! Use it to talk about farms, basic shapes, and to practice following directions with little ones.

Did you like making this easy fall shape craft? See more fun fall activities for kids below!

Use this printable preschool fall activity calendar to plan an entire season of ideas for early learners!

Use these fun and simple farm themed shape mats to help early learners practice forming eight different shapes!

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

Fall Fun! Preschool Fall Activity Calendar

August 17, 2021 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Fall is nearly here! And it’s the time of year when early learners are getting their first experiences with structured school days.

If you’re trying to fill up those days with themed learning ideas, planning out fall preschool themes can be a bit of a challenge.

Enter this printable preschool fall activity calendar! It’s loaded with 12 early learning themes that are ideal for autumn.

Plus, there’s a web linked version with links to easy preschool activities for each day.

Read on to see how to get your copy of this preschool fall theme activity plan – free!

And, for more fall early learning fun, take a look at our list of apple books for preschoolers to read!

Fall Fun! Preschool Fall Activity Calendar

To use this preschool fall activity calendar, you’ll need the following: (Affiliate links are listed below. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Printer (with ink)
Printer paper
PDF reader (available online for free)

Preschool Fall Themed Calendar for Teachers

This set of preschool fall theme calendars includes four copies:

A color web-linked version
A blackline web-linked version
A color non-linked version
And a blackline non-linked version

Easy Fall Themed Activity Calendar for Preschool

So there’s a lot of room for you to decide how to use the calendar with your early childhood students.

If you’re homeschooling, you can also use this, since none of the activities require a group of children.

How to Plan Fall Themes for Preschool

So – we have our fall activity calendar for preschool. How do we use it to plan fall early learning themes?

The calendar has 12 pre-filled theme ideas for you to try.

Of course, you can move them around or swap them out for other themes you’d prefer.

Fall Themed Ideas for Preschool Students

Next to each theme are five different activities for that week.

On the calendar, they are listed for use on a different day each week. But if your learning plan is structured differently, feel free to double them up or omit whichever you choose.

Each week, there are hands-on activities, book ideas, and crafts to try with early learners.

The web-linked version includes clickable links to instructions and resources that fit each activity.

Or, if you have activities you prefer, just print the calendar and color each activity as you complete it!

Scroll down to get your copy of this themed fall activity calendar for preschool!

Take a look at some of these other fall learning ideas for early ages!

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

This fun apple shape tracing activity is perfect for teaching shape recognition to early learners!

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

You’ll also get our email newsletter. Look for it on Sunday night!

>>> Fall Preschool Activity Calendar <<<

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!

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!

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!

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!

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 <<<

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!

This simple paper cone lion craft is a perfect crafting project for little ones!

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.

Try some of these other crafts for kids!

This simple paper bee craft is a fun way to make an easy spring or summer craft with kids!

Make this fun and easy 3D paper dolphin craft for a fun art project to share with kids! Great for a summer art activity!

Make this easy toilet paper roll lion craft with the kids for a fun art activity!

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.

Literacy ideas for kindergarten with highlighters

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 Letter Matching Activity for Kids

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.

Letter manipulatives for word building in kindergarten

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)

Sidewalk chalk as a literacy idea for kindergarten

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.

Hands On Short Vowel Sounds Activity for Kids

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.

Using a dry erase board as a hands on literacy idea for kindergarten

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!

Help early learners to recognize letters and letter sounds with these Alphabet Animal Flashcards!

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

Practice helping early learners memorize the letters of the alphabet with these printable finish the alphabet worksheets for kids! Great for learning alphabetical order!

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!

This fun paper pirate ship craft is a perfect activity for a pirate unit!

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.

¡El Alfabeto! Spanish Alphabet Literacy Center for Kids

May 25, 2021 by Selena Robinson 2 Comments

Teaching literacy in early grades is just plain fun. And literacy centers make it even more enjoyable – for us and our students.

More and more early learners are working on learning Spanish. Which is a great thing.

Learning how to use more than one language is fantastic for brain development, social skills, and creative thought – particularly for early grades!

And that’s why I’m excited to share this printable Spanish alphabet literacy center for kindergarten and first grade!

This huge resource is an awesome start to teaching children the Spanish alphabet and common Spanish words!

And if you’re working with ESL students, this is also a wonderful way to practice early literacy skills.

Read on to see how to get your copy (and a free sample)!

Need more ideas for teaching Spanish? Don’t miss our list of books for learning Spanish in early grades!

El Alfabeto Spanish Alphabet Literacy Center for Kids

To use this Spanish alphabet literacy center, you’ll need the following: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Spanish Alphabet Lesson for Early Grades

This resource is jam-packed with hands-on Spanish alphabet literacy activities.

And I mean, packed.

Spanish Alphabet Learning Flashcards for Kids

This early literacy resource includes two sets of color Spanish alphabet word flashcards (plus line art versions).

The first set features words and pictures, while the second features pictures and a blank rectangle.

Students can cut and paste the alphabet word labels onto the cards. Or you can use hook and loop dots to make them into a reusable activity.

Spanish Alphabet Cut and Paste Activity for Kids

There’s a cut and paste alphabet word worksheet (with a line art version).

And an answer key for this and each activity too!

Spanish Alphabet Phonics Worksheet for Kids

After learning how to pronounce each word, help your students review beginning sounds with two pages of match the letter sound worksheets.

Line art versions of these are included too.

Spanish Alphabet Trace and Write Activity

Plus, there are seven pages of read, trace, and write worksheets to help students practice writing and reading each Spanish word.

And a line art version if you need to save on ink!

Want to use all of the review activities at centers? Simply laminate each page and let students complete them with dry erase markers.

Get a look at some of this Spanish literacy center in action in the video below!

Spanish Alphabet Pronunciation Chart for Kids

This Spanish early literacy center also includes a pronunciation chart for each of the Spanish words in the resource.

This is so handy if you need to help your students isolate the syllables in each word.

Spanish Alphabet Pronunciation Chart for Kids

A color and line art version is included. And, even better, you can get this pronunciation chart free!

Keep reading for details.

Scroll down to get your ¡El Alfabeto! Spanish Alphabet Literacy Center!

Want to learn more Spanish with kids? Try these resources!

Learn how to use action words in Spanish with these printable English and Spanish verb flashcards!

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

Practice talking about the parts of the body in Spanish with these Spanish parts of the body flashcards!

Printable Spanish Pronunciation Chart for Kids

To get your copy of this Spanish Alphabet Pronunciation Chart for kids free, click the image or the link below to have it sent directly to your inbox!

You’ll also get our weekly newsletter this Sunday night!

>>> Spanish Alphabet Pronunciation Chart <<<

Printable Spanish Letter Worksheets for Kids

To grab the full ¡El Alfabeto! Spanish Alphabet Literacy Center, visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store or check out the details below!

Summer Fun! Printable Preschool Summer Activity Calendar

May 4, 2021 by Selena Robinson 2 Comments

How many weeks of summer break does it take before your kids get bored?

Mine don’t even last one full week. Four days in or so, they start loafing around.

And it was no different when they were younger.

If you’re trying to keep preschoolers happy and learning over the summer, this printable preschool summer activity calendar is just what the doctor ordered!

Printable Summer Fun Activity Calendar for Preschool

Best of all, it’s free!

You can use this summer activity calendar for preschool to plan themed units for each week with almost no stress at all. Win!

Read on to get your free copy.

And, for more ways to learn over the summer, take a look at our list of 20 printable preschool resources you can use!

Plan a fun learning summer for little ones with this printable preschool summer activity calendar!

Summer Fun! Printable Preschool Summer Activity Calendar

This summer preschool activity calendar is packed with 60 different ideas for early learners!

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

Printer (with ink)
Printer paper
Digital device such as an iPad or a Chromebook (optional)

Printable Preschool Summer Activity Calendar

This printable summer calendar for preschool includes four versions:

A color internet-linked weekly themed calendar
A line art internet-linked weekly themed calendar
A color text-only weekly themed calendar
A line art text-only weekly themed calendar

On each, you’ll find twelve weekly theme ideas for preschoolers. For each day that week, you’ll see a different activity to try.

The text-only calendars make suggestions for what kinds of activities to try for each theme.

Printable Preschool Summer Theme Calendar

Feel free to search online or use whatever crafts and resources you already have that fit these ideas!

The internet-linked activity calendars feature clickable links to activities, printables, and crafts on this website that fit each theme.

Talk about a lesson plan that’s done for you!

Print the text-only calendar and hang it on the wall during summer! You and the kids can color each activity block you complete.

Or use it as a digital planner and save the file to a digital device! Use the drawing tool to mark off activities and click to visit the reference links as you need.

Scroll down to get your printable preschool summer activity calendar!

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

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

This simple coffee filter jellyfish craft is a perfect easy summer craft for kids! Make a few with your little ones this summer!

These 20 fun books about ice cream for kids are so fun for summer reading!

To get your copy of this Summer Fun! summer activity calendar for preschool, click the image or the link below to have it sent directly to your inbox!

You’ll also get our weekly newsletter this Sunday night!

>>> Summer Activity Calendar for Preschool <<<

Printable Ice Cream Lesson Plan for Preschool

April 20, 2021 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Who doesn’t love ice cream?

From the ages of 4 to about 6, I think my entire life may have revolved around it.

My parents would buy the five-gallon bucket of chocolate vanilla swirl and my life would be complete.

Ice cream is still a fun theme for early learners today.

And, with this printable ice cream lesson plan for preschool, using an ice cream theme is a snap!

Printable Preschool Ice Cream Theme Lesson Plan

This printable (or digital) preschool lesson plan is an easy way to start gathering the ice cream resources you’d like to use with your students in one convenient place.

Read on to see how to get your copy – free!

And, for more early learning fun with ice cream, take a look at our Ice Cream 2D Shape Sorting Activity – available in a print or digital version!

Printable Ice Cream Lesson Plan for Preschool

This printable ice cream theme lesson plan makes it so easy to plan an ice cream unit with early learners!

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

Printer (with ink)
Printer paper
Digital device, such as an iPad or Google Chromebook (optional)

Ice Cream Lesson Plan for Early Learners

This printable lesson plan set includes four versions:

One color ice cream lesson plan with internet-linked activities
One line art ice cream lesson plan with internet-linked activities
One color ice cream lesson plan with blank spaces
One line art ice cream lesson plan with blank spaces
And a set of instructions!

Ice Cream Theme Lesson Plan for Preschool

Use the internet-linked lesson plan to find ice cream themed activities that are done for you on our website!

Printable Ice Cream Lesson Plan for Preschool

Or, if you already have resources you want to use, use the blank space version to list them.

Once you’ve collected your resources and ideas, use the day blocks to schedule what you will do and when.

Use the line art version of either one if you need to save on ink!

You can also use this lesson plan digitally! Save the file to your tablet or computer and then use the drawing tool to add the notes you need.

Scroll down to get your free printable ice cream lesson plan for preschool!

Take a look at these other early learning ideas for preschool!

Share these printable preschool resources with early learners at home or in school! Perfect for hands-on early learning!

Help early learners practice recognizing shapes with these printable shape identification flashcards!

These printable cookie and cupcake alphabet worksheets are so fun for helping early learners practice letter recognition!

To get your copy of this printable preschool ice cream lesson plan free, click the image or the link below to have it sent to your inbox!

You’ll also get our weekly newsletter this Sunday night!

>>> Printable Preschool Ice Cream Lesson Plan <<<

Easy Paper Bee Craft for Kids

April 13, 2021 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Spring is here and summer’s not far behind.

Down here in the South, we have about three weeks a year that actually feel like spring. Then it shifts directly into summer heat.

Which means that we start to see bees and butterflies pretty early in the year – around April.

Once we learned that bumblebees don’t sting, my kids started to feel a lot more comfortable about them. They’re like little furry friends.

So this fun and easy paper bee craft for kids is a cute way to celebrate our flying friends this spring!

Read on to see the full instructions and to get the free printable template. There’s a printable instruction card below as well.

And, for more easy crafting, check out our Paper Ladybug Craft for kids too!

What Supplies Do I Need to Make an Easy Paper Bee Craft for Kids?

This is a perfect quick spring or summer craft activity for little ones. You only need a few supplies that you almost certainly have in your home already.

Even better, you can make adjustments for anything you don’t have on hand.

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

Colored craft paper
Glue stick or clear tape
Child-safe scissors
Wiggly eyes
Washable markers or colored pencils
Printable bee craft paper template (GET IT HERE)

After you print the paper bee craft template, just trace the shapes on colored paper, cut them out, and go from there.

If you’re making this with a group of kids, you can prep the activity by cutting out the template shapes ahead of time.

That way, kids can get right to crafting!

If you don’t have wiggly eyes on hand, skip those and just let the kids draw eyes on their bees. Still works!

How to Make an Easy Paper Bee Craft for Kids

Now that you have the printable template and your shapes are cut out, it’s time to make our paper bee!

Start by gluing the black strips to the yellow cone shape. Roll the yellow paper to form the cone and glue the ends together.

Now, fold the white “wings” in half vertically so that they’ll bend forward a bit.

Glue the two short black strips to the back of the yellow circle and add wiggly eyes to the front of the circle.

Draw circles on the cheeks and a smile!

Glue or tape the wings to the back of the bee’s cone body. You’ll want to place them about halfway up.

Now, just glue the back of the face to the top front of the cone.

That’s it! Your bee is ready to stand up.

Isn’t he sweet?

Scroll down to get the printable bee craft instructions!

Try some of these other easy paper crafts for kids!

Try this simple paper elephant craft for a fun kids crafting activity!

Make this easy sea animal suncatcher craft for a simple summer art project this year!

Yield: 1 paper bee

Easy Paper Bee Craft for Kids

This simple paper bee craft is a perfect spring or summer art activity for kids!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Active Time 10 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Difficulty Easy

Materials

Yellow paper
Black paper
White paper
Glue or tape
Wiggly eyes
Printable paper bee craft template (link included above)

Tools

Markers or colored pencils
Child-safe scissors

Instructions

Print the paper bee craft template.
Use scissors to cut out the template shapes.
Place the cone shape on yellow colored paper. Use a marker or colored pencil to trace the outline. Then cut it out.
Place the circle shape on yellow colored paper. Use a marker or colored pencil to trace the outline. Then cut it out.
Place the rectangular strip shapes on black colored paper. Use a marker or colored pencil to trace the outlines. Then cut them out. (You will need four of the longest rectangular strips.)
Place the wing shape on white paper. Use a marker or colored pencil to trace the outlines. Then cut it out. Fold the wing shape in half vertically.
Lay the yellow cone shaped paper out on a surface. Lay the longest black strips across it horizontally. Space them out evenly and glue them down.
Use scissors to trim any black paper that hangs off the edge of the yellow cone.
Roll the yellow paper to form the cone shape for the bee's body. Use tape or glue to secure it together.
Place glue along the center fold of the wings. Attach them to the back of the yellow and black striped cone.
Lay the yellow circle shape down and glue the two smaller black strips close to the edge to form the bee's antennae.
Flip the circle over and add two wiggly eyes.
Use a marker or colored pencil to draw circles on the cheeks and a smile.
Flip the circle over again and add glue on the back.
Press the circle onto the top front of the yellow and black body.
Your bee is done!

Notes

This craft is designed with traditional bee colors (black and yellow). Feel free to change the colors as you wish.

Kids can add more details to their bees, such as eyelashes, a winking eye, eyebrows, makeup, and more!

Make several copies of these bees to form a bee colony!

Spring into Counting! Spring Counting to Ten Math Center

April 6, 2021 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Teaching during spring is the best time of all, in my opinion.

Fall has the excitement of back to school, which I love. But springtime teaching is filled with bright and sunny themes, like birds and bees and flowers.

Plus, everyone (students and teachers) knows that the end of the school year is quickly approaching. Everyone just seems to be in a better mood.

During kindergarten, counting to ten is one of the most essential skills for students.

It’s generally taught early in the year, but reinforced later on, particularly if your district uses standardized testing before year’s end.

Which is where this Spring into Counting! Spring Counting to Ten Math Center can help!

Fun Spring Themed Counting to Ten Math Center

This counting to ten math center is filled with fun, hands-on activities for early learners.

It’s aligned to several standards for counting, and it can be used in several ways.

Read on to see how to get your copy. And how to score a sample of it – free!

For more ways to bring learning to life during spring, take a look at our list of 40 spring science ideas too!

This spring counting to ten math center is excellent for kindergartners to use during spring months!

Spring into Counting! Counting to Ten Math Center

This spring kindergarten math center is loaded with resources for reviewing counting objects from one to ten.

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

Counting to Ten Math Center for Kindergarten

This spring math resource features several counting activities for kids.

Depending on your students, you might use some of the printables as one-time lessons (or for homework) and others as reusable activities at centers.

Each set of activities comes with a line art version and an answer key.

So if you’re trying to save on ink, use the line art version and let students color in the pictures themselves!

Spring Circle the Number Worksheet for Kindergarten

There are two count and circle the number of objects worksheets.

A count and write the number activity is included.

Two count and color the number worksheets are inside.

Spring Counting to Ten Cut and Paste Activity

Plus, students can use the cut and paste counting activity to boost fine motor skills!

If you’re using this at centers, laminate the pages and let students practice completing each one with dry erase markers.

For the cut and paste activity, simply laminate the page and then attach hook and loop sticky dots to the number boxes. Then students can match them up again and again.

See the cut and paste spring counting activity in action in the video below!

Printable Spring Count and Clip Cards

At the front of this spring math center resource, you’ll find two sets of count and clip cards with a fun spring theme!

Spring Count to Ten Math Center for Kindergarten

Again, a full line art version is included.

Using Count to Ten Clip Cards with Kindergartners

There are also answer key sets of each spring count and clip card.

You can place these in morning tubs or let students practice matching up their cards to the answer cards.

And – if you’d like, you can get the first page of these Spring Count and Clip cards sent to your inbox free! (With the line art version!) Keep reading for details.

See the count and clip cards in action in the video below!

Scroll down to get your copy of this Spring into Counting math center!

Take a look at these other early learning ideas for spring!

This butterfly life cycle activity is such a fun way to help kids learn how butterflies grow! Great for science during spring and summer!

This spring flower themed size sorting activity is so much fun for early learners! Students can use it to practice separating big and small flowers during spring!

To get your free sample of our Spring Count and Clip Cards, click the image or the link below to have them sent to your inbox!

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

>>> Spring Count and Clip Cards <<<

To take a look at the complete Spring into Counting! Counting to Ten Math Center, click the image or the link below to visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store!

Spring into Counting Math Center for Kindergarten

>>> Spring into Counting! Math Center – Teachers Pay Teachers <<<

Move and Learn! Printable Movement Cards for Kids

March 23, 2021 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Let’s talk about the average attention span of a primary student, shall we?

If you’re a parent or a teacher, I don’t have to tell you about it.

You. Already. Know.

They can start saying something and get distracted halfway through their own sentence.

So, it’s always good to include as many movement breaks as you can in the early grades. They’re helpful for refocusing, shaking out the wiggles, indoor recess, and getting the kids excited for what they’ll learn next.

And that’s why I’m sharing these Move & Learn! printable movement cards for kids today!

Printable Movement Cards for Early Learners

These are so handy for early grades lessons, especially when the students are just not “into it” that day.

They’re also great for homeschooling parents who are working with early learners at home.

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

And, for more ways to keep early learners engaged, take a look at this list of 20 printable fun preschool resources!

These printable movement cards for kids are a perfect way to help early learners refocus between lessons!

Move and Learn! Printable Movement Cards for Kids

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

Printer (with ink)
Cardstock
Scissors
Laminator (optional – but useful for keeping the cards in good shape)

This set of movement break cards for early grades includes 27 different ideas for getting kids up and around during the school day.

Some of the activities feature physical exercise, such as sit ups, balance positions, and jogging.

But there are also quiet activities included, such as reading a book, playing with dough, and drawing.

There are a few other fun ideas too, including listening to music, playing with bubbles, and sharing a nice word with a friend.

Keep these nearby and let students choose a card for themselves to try during transitions.

Or let the entire class try a different activity card each day!

Scroll down to get your set of these printable movement cards for kids!

Try some of these other learning ideas for early grades!

Use these fun pirate themed counting to ten puzzles to help early learners practice cardinality!

Brain Break Cards for Early Elementary Students

To get your set of these Move and Learn! Printable Movement Cards – free, click the image or the link below to have them sent to your inbox!

You’ll also get our weekly newsletter this Sunday night!

Click here to get your printable resource!

>>> Printable Move & Learn Movement Cards <<<

Free Printable Flashcards Alphabet Animals Cards

March 16, 2021 by Selena Robinson 22 Comments

If you’ve been enjoying our free printable flashcards series, we hope you’ll love today’s entry!

So far, we’ve featured flashcards for learning colors and shapes, but this set of free printable flashcards alphabet animals cards lets you teach the letters from A to Z with animals!

Most kids love animals and, in this set of free printable flashcards alphabet cards, you can use an animal to introduce each letter – from A to Z!

Printable Alphabet Animal Flashcards for Early Learners

These are so fun for young learners! Plus, they’re an excellent introduction to beginning letter sounds.

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

And, if you want to help kids begin practicing their handwriting, check out our companion Alphabet Animals Notebooking Pages for letter writing practice!

What’s In the Free Printable Flashcards Alphabet Animals Set?

To use these free printable flashcards alphabet animals cards, you’ll need the following: (Affiliate links are included in this post. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Printer (with ink)
Printer Paper
Scissors
Laminator (useful for keeping the cards intact)

In this set, you’ll find free printable flashcards for every letter of the alphabet – each one featuring a different real or imaginary animal!

Featured animals include:

Alligator
Elephant
Monkey
Orangutan
Xiphias (Swordfish)
And 21 more!

You can use the cards to help kids learn animals, letters, letter sounds, or all three concepts!

You might even want to use the set as an introduction to an animal unit.

Try teaching the kids how to make each animal’s sound or how to move like each animal.

Printable A to Z Animal Flashcards for Kids

For the imaginary animals, ask the kids where they think an animal like that might live or how it might interact with people.

Place each card on a binder ring for easy use again and again!

Get a look at the alphabet animal flashcards in action in the video below.

Scroll down to get your free printable flashcards Alphabet Animals Flashcards!

Resources for Learning the Alphabet

If you’d like to even more resources to teach your children the ABCs, try these alphabet books and activities for little learners!

Books for Teaching the ABCs

Alphabet Crafts and Activities for Kids

Try these other ideas for early readers!

These alphabet animal notebooking pages are a fun way to practice handwriting!

Learn how to spell in American Sign Language with these printable sign language alphabet flashcards!

To get your set of our A to Z Animals: Alphabet Animals Flashcards, click the image or the link below!

You’ll get the cards sent to your inbox – plus, you’ll get our weekly newsletter this weekend!

>>> Printable Alphabet Animal Flashcards <<<

Free Printable Flashcards: Shape Flashcards

March 2, 2021 by Selena Robinson 10 Comments

I don’t know what it is about flashcards, but my kids absolutely love them.

They’ll collect them, lay them out on the table, pass them around, look at them, and toss them in the air for hours.

Not sure the tossing actually counts as learning, but it’s…something.

Since shapes are one of the primary concepts to teach early learners, I thought a set of free printable flashcards shape cards would be awesome to share with all of you!

Colorful Printable Shape Flashcards for Kids

These are an excellent resource for preschoolers and kindergartners who are learning shapes.

If you want to get an early start on this concept, you could even use these with toddlers!

Read on to see how to grab your set of printable shape flashcards – free!

And, while you’re here, don’t miss some of our other printable flashcards, including color flashcards and counting flashcards for kids!

How Do I Print The Printable Shape Flashcards?

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

Printer (with ink)
Printer paper
Scissors
Laminator ( good if you want to reuse the cards later)

Printable Shape Flashcards for Kindergartners

The set includes 16 flashcards for the following shapes:

Square
Circle
Triangle
Rectangle
Star
Heart
Diamond
Oval

One set of eight flashcards includes both the shape names and pictures. The second set features only the shapes.

Shape Identification Flashcards for Preschoolers

A line art version is included if you need to save on ink! (And who doesn’t?)

When printing, you can decide how many sets you want at the moment.

Print the color set with names if you’re just starting to cover shapes for the first time.

You might want to come back and print the other sets for review afterward.

How Can I Use Shape Flashcards for Learning?

There are a few ways you can use these flashcards with early learners.

For toddlers, you can laminate them (trust me on this) and put them on an O ring.

They make a great addition to a busy bag!

Printable Shape Flashcards for Early Learners

For preschoolers, you can start talking about the shapes and their names.

Use the cards without names to help them review each shape.

You can also talk about the differences in color. Ask questions such as “Which shape is red?” or “Which shape is yellow?”

Printable Shape Identification Flashcards

Or you can print the line art version and let the kids color the shapes!

For kindergartners, take the activity a little further by talking about the sides each shape has.

They’ll notice right away that the circle and oval are the exceptions – having no sides at all.

You might also place the cards on a ring and let students walk around the classroom, the outdoors, or even their home to spot similar shapes around them!

Get a look at these shape identification flashcards in action in the video below!

Scroll down to get your free printable shape flashcards!

More Resources for Learning Shapes

To make learning about shapes even more fun, try these activities and books for little learners!

Shape Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Books for Teaching Shapes

If you love these, be sure to see our other printable flashcards!

Help kids learn to recognize family words in Spanish with these printable Spanish family flashcards!

These printable English and Spanish season flashcards are great for learning about the seasons in both languages!

Practice reading sight words this summer with these fun summer sight word flashcards! Great for building reading fluency before the new school year!

To grab your free set of Free Printable Flashcards: Shape Flashcards, just click the image or the link below!

You’ll receive them in your inbox in a few minutes. And you’ll get our weekly newsletter too!

>>> Shape Identification Flashcards <<<

All About Flowers! Printable Flower Early Elementary Unit

February 16, 2021 by Selena Robinson 6 Comments

Is anyone else ready for spring?

I know I am. Winter is always a struggle for me. I don’t like gray skies and I don’t like cold air.

I literally count down the days until spring returns every year.

So I’m excited to start using some spring-themed activities in lessons. And what better way to jump into spring than by learning about flowers?

Today I’m sharing “All About Flowers” – a set of early elementary flower printables for kids that are perfect for spring learning!

This unit is filled with flower-themed learning activities for students in kindergarten through second grade!

Take a look at the full resource and how to get your copy below!

And if you love these, check out some of our spring math activities, including our Rainbow Number Word Matching Activity and our Flower Repeated Addition Worksheets!

All About Flowers! Printable Flower Early Elementary Unit

This resource would make an excellent addition to science lessons in primary grades!

The short lessons are good for in-class discussions and you can use the activities for reinforcement after class or for homework.

To use this flowers printable elementary unit, you’ll need a few supplies. (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Printer (with ink)
Printer paper
Scissors
Laminator (optional – for the flashcards)
Pencils
Colored pencils or crayons

Flower Printables for Kids in Early Grades

This 33-page flower unit includes several lessons and activities for students to test their understanding and review what they’ve learned about flowers.

Use the brief lesson about how flowers grow and the sequencing activity to introduce students to the growth process of flowering plants.

Then get to know the different parts of a flower with a lesson and a labeling activity.

Identification flashcards for twelve common flower varieties are included.

Plus, there are blank label cards with printable labels. These would be great for matching up at centers!

Help students remember each flower’s name with a matching activity afterward.

Flower Identification Activity for Early Grades

Challenge them to remember the name and spelling of each variety with a flower naming activity.

They can have a little fun with a few flower activity and coloring pages!

Flower Theme Activities for Early Grades

Instructions for each activity are included. And there’s a full answer key for easy grading!

Get a look at the complete product in the video below!

Scroll down to get your copy of these flower printables for kids!

Don’t miss these other spring learning resources!

Work on early literacy skills with this fun set of printable spring sight word flashcards! Perfect for spring reading!

Use these flower repeated addition worksheets to help early grade students practice adding and basic multiplying!

To get your copy of All About Flowers Printable Unit Study – our flower printables for kids, visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store or check it out below!