Naturally Educational » 3-5 (Preschool)
Candy Heart Bar Graph
Still have candy left over after dissolving it in hot or cold water? If you have M&Ms, Skittles, or Conversation Hearts, here is another way to use them up and learn. Directions: 1. Create a grid with columns for the numbers and each color of the candy and 11 rows. Write the numbers 1-10 in the first column (skipping the first row) and then write the colors in the bottom row for each column. My daughter was … Read entire article »
Filed under: 3-5 (Preschool), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 6-8 (Early Elementary), 9-11 (Elementary), Featured, Logical-Mathematical, Mathematics, Visual-Spacial
Candy Hearts Experiment
Have lots of leftover Valentine’s Day candy? Expand your mind instead of your teeth (or mom and dad’s waistlines). We actually did this one last year and ran out of time to post it! Experiment – Do Candy Hearts Dissolve More Quickly In Hot or Cold Water? Materials two bowls of water, one hot, one ice-cold two candy hearts pencils and pads Directions: 1. Form a hypothesis. My children predicted that both hearts would dissolve but the one with the hot water would … Read entire article »
Filed under: 3-5 (Preschool), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 6-8 (Early Elementary), 9-11 (Elementary), Featured, Logical-Mathematical, Science
Bee My Valentine Pencil Topper and Magnet
I love Valentine’s Day for little kids–everyone gets a little token of affection and extra hugs! In a few years when the holiday is fraught with emotional angst, I’m sure I will change my tune. Until then, we really enjoy this day when my daughter gets to indulge her love of all things glittery and pink and my little boy has an excuse to kiss everyone he loves–not that he needs one! “Bee My Valentine” was … Read entire article »
Filed under: 3-5 (Preschool), 3-5 (Preschool), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 6-8 (Early Elementary), 6-8 (Early Elementary), Featured, History and Culture, Home Arts, Interpersonal, Literacy
Pasta Snowflakes
While waiting and wishing for snow, my kids have been making snowflakes. They really enjoyed making snowflakes from pasta. It is a fun material with lots of fine motor practice! Materials: dried pasta of various shapes white or blue paint glitter craft sticks or coffee stirrers blue or black construction paper glue Directions: 1. Paint the pasta blue or white and add glitter. Let dry. 2. Paste three craft sticks or coffee stirrers in an asterisk shape (*) on the construction paper. 3. Use the sticks as … Read entire article »
Filed under: 3-5 (Preschool), 3-5 (Preschool), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 6-8 (Early Elementary), 6-8 (Early Elementary), Featured, Science, Weather, Winter
How to Make a Sock Snowman
My kids have been so eager to make a snowman. We finally got a snowfall and we were all too sick to enjoy. In the meantime, they were able to make these easy sock snowmen! Materials: white athletic sock rice yarn googly eyes and other embellishments (felt, pom poms, buttons) Directions: 1. Fill the sock about 3/4 of the way with rice. 2. Tie off the sock, tight. 3. Fold the top of the sock down over the knot to create a hat. 4. Tie … Read entire article »
Filed under: 3-5 (Preschool), 3-5 (Preschool), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 6-8 (Early Elementary), 6-8 (Early Elementary), Art, Featured, History and Culture
Chinese New Year Dragon Puppet
Last year we made a dragon with paper loops. This year I thought we would try a puppet! It looks perhaps a bit too snake-like. I think next year we’ll try again with something around the head…maybe more ribbons? Or possibly I will just a make a template? Materials: red paper white paper red and gold paint cardboard tube (toilet paper tube) googly eyes ribbon craft sticks gold crayon or marker glue scissors Directions: 1. Cut a mouth in the cardboard tube. 2. Paint! Then let dry. 3. While that … Read entire article »
Filed under: 3-5 (Preschool), 3-5 (Preschool), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 6-8 (Early Elementary), 6-8 (Early Elementary), Featured, History and Culture
How to Make Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments
My daughter first made cinnamon applesauce ornaments in her preschool class and I was just so fascinated by them! I couldn’t believe that cinnamon and applesauce together would dry solid and sturdy enough and that the applesauce would not attract pests. Spices are natural preservatives and pest repellents, as I know from our apple pomanders and the dough does indeed dry solid but you need to give it time. Materials: Applesauce Cinnamon Cookie Cutters Embellishments Directions 1. Mix equal parts applesauce and cinnamon. … Read entire article »
Filed under: 3-5 (Preschool), 3-5 (Preschool), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 6-8 (Early Elementary), 6-8 (Early Elementary), 9-11 (Elementary), 9-11 (Elementary), Featured, History and Culture, Home Arts, Smell, Touch, Winter
6 Picture Books for Chanukah
Last night our Jewish friends began their celebration of the miracle of Chanukah. Although my husband and I are not Jewish, most of my family is. And we want the children to learn about festivals, beliefs, and traditions from other culture. Whether you are celebrating Chanukah or just want to share these books with your kids, here are 6 children’s picture books about Chanukah! Maybe next year I will have eight! Maccabee!: The Story of Hanukkah, by … Read entire article »
Filed under: 0-3 (Babies and Toddlers), 1-2 (Toddlers), 3-5 (Preschool), 3-5 (Preschool), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 5-6 (Kindergartners), 6-8 (Early Elementary), 6-8 (Early Elementary), Featured, History and Culture
Homemade Ornaments the Kids Can Make
Here are some of the homemade ornaments the kids have crafted each year…more on the way! Beaded Snowflake Ornaments Beaded Wreath Ornaments Marbleized Globe Ornaments Pins and Beads Christmas Tree Ornament … Read entire article »
Filed under: 1-2 (Toddler), 1-2 (Toddlers), 3-5 (Preschool), 3-5 (Preschool), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 6-8 (Early Elementary), 6-8 (Early Elementary), 9-11 (Elementary), 9-11 (Elementary), All Ages, Featured, History and Culture, Winter
Paper Plate Christmas Tree Craft
My daughter filled in the sentence, “During the Holidays, my family likes to _____” with “decorate the Christmas tree”. Eep! With my husband on National Guard duty last week, we haven’t gotten ours, yet! So, here’s are mini trees my kids made from a paper plate and two coffee filters and decorated with a chocolate wrapper. Plus, they got an extra chocolate treat…so it is an all around win! How do you decorate your Christmas tree? Personally, … Read entire article »
Filed under: 3-5 (Preschool), 3-5 (Preschool), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 6-8 (Early Elementary), 6-8 (Early Elementary), Featured, History and Culture, Winter
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About the Author
Candace Lindemann is a published children’s writer and educational consultant. She holds a B.A. from Yale University and an M.Ed. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Working with school districts around the country and some of the most well-known companies in the education industry, Candace creates custom strategies, textbooks, and lesson plans. Her articles have appeared in print and online.
While Candace’s degrees prepared her for a career in education, she’s found that the best preparation for parenting is on the job training.
Contact Candace via e-mail, read her full biography, or connect with her using the social media icons below or on Google.
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