Homeschooling My Kinetic Kids

/> It's springtime!  Even thought it won't stop snowing and raining and hasn't gotten about 40 degrees, we're starting to see birds!  The kids are getting pretty restless getting stuck inside all the time, but they're enjoying all the variety of birds in our yard.  They have big plans for birdseed sensory bins, water fun, and other warm weather games.  Spring is also a great time for a bird, egg, or nest themed homeschool unit. Originally published on August 12, 2015 and updated on April 30, 2021. The Little Book of Backyard Bird Songs Backpack Explorer: Bird Watch book Safari Ltd Backyard Bird toob Build a Bird Bungalow Kit Bird Sound Stuffed Animals Collection Backyard Explorer Dress Up Kit Birds, Nests, and Eggs book Western USA Backyard Birds Flashcards Hanging Bird Feeder   <>   Warbler Bird Whistle Toy Robin Stuffed Animal Puppet Safari Ltd Incredible Creatures Cardinal This is a Member's Only Printable! Sign Up for the Newslett...

The regions of the USA have a great variety of wildlife.  Whether you're studying the geography of the entire nation for homeschooling or you want to familiarize your kids with the animals in your own area, the Safari Ltd Great Lakes Toob  would be a great addition to your collection.  The set includes 10 plastic figurines of common regional animals including Canada Geese, Sturgeon, and Mudpuppies. I have a personal goal of creating Montessori-inspired 3-part cards to match every Safari Ltd toob.  I have several of them, which can be found by clicking on the colored text here.   I am pleased to add the Great Lakes toob to my collection.  Scroll down to get the printables for free! If I was studying this region with my kids, I would also add many of the animals from the River toob and the North American toob.   For this reason, I also added a few extra cards to the printables pack, so you can make an even more robust unit study.  Here are a few ...

You probably don't know this because I don't talk about it very much on my blog, but I'm slightly obsessed with New York City, particularly the island's history.  I spend most of my evening free time reading historical fiction on NYC.  I also enjoy Broadway musicals and am oftentimes either listening to a soundtrack or watching one while I craft.  However, I have absolutely no desire to actually visit the city.  Instead, I'll enjoy my big life in a small town, while New Yorkers can keep their small life in the big city (specific musical reference). Instead of visiting the city, I'll stick with continuing to learn about it with my kids through great products like the  Safari Ltd New York City toob  (and scroll down for more homeschool ideas).  I'm slowly working on remaking all my old matching card printables for all the Safari Ltd toobs, since my family loves them so much.  They're great for Montessori-inspired lessons involving 3-part cards and h...

It's the beginning on the new year, which means Safari Ltd has released their newest toob of animals.  The toob of the year is full of South American animals!   I'm very excited about it, because I think Safari needs to put out a toob for every continent and region.  These toobs are great for putting in your Montessori-inspired continent boxes . Continent boxes are a Montessori-inspired idea, which are so helpful for homeschooling!  They are simply an organized way to store your study materials for each continent (and sometimes the oceans).  You can fill the boxes with printables, souvenirs, flags, games, objects, pictures, currency, maps, or anything else you have available.  It's ok if you don't fill all the boxes in one day- it's supposed to be a lifelong project. As I mentioned, the Safari Ltd toobs of animals and objects are great for putting in your continent boxes.  I'm currently working on redoing many of my printable matching cards for the Sa...

Known for their bright orange wings and striking black pattern, Monarch butterflies are some of the most well-known lepidoptera species in North America.  From their amazing metamorphosis to their astounding migration, the butterflies make a great study for preschool and elementary aged kids.  If your kids are interested in beautiful, flying insects, fuzzy caterpillars, and fascinating transformation, then it's the perfect time to learn about Monarch butterflies!  Here are some fun and useful resources to help you get started. Monarch Butterfly Life Cycle Set   <>   Monarch Butterfly Kite Monarch Butterfly book   <>   Butterflies Scratch and Sketch book How to Raise Monarch Butterflies   <>   Monarch Butterfly Grow Kit The Little Guide to Butterflies   <>   Monarch Butterfly Stuffed Animal Monarch Butterfly Wings Costume   <>  Wild Republic Butterfly Tube Magnetic Life Cycl...