Naturally Educational » Ecology
Fall Leaf Prints
We’re in one of the last zones to experience the fall leaf change. Well, our trees have finally exploded in color! I was concerned that we would not get the really vivid colors this year after the hurricane. Hurricane Irene cut a swath across the area, “burning” crops and trees in addition to causing floods and knocking down tree. Nature is resilient, however. Although there are more browns this year than golds and reds, there … Read entire article »
Filed under: 1-2 (Toddler), 1-2 (Toddlers), 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), All Ages, Art, Ecology, Fall, Featured, Science, Weather
The Itsy Bitsy Spider Made 5 Spider Crafts for Kids
You know what really terrifies me? Spiders. I fully admit this is irrational and spiders are an important part of our ecosystem and yet… there is just something about those eight legs that creeps me out! Whether you are an arachnophile or an arachnophobe, Halloween is the perfect time to make spider crafts with kids! Weave a Paper Plate and Yarn Spider Web at Naturally Educational: This was our spider craft last year! Hula hoop Spider Web … 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), All Ages, Ecology, Educational Blogs, Featured
Meow! Halloween Cats from Cardboard Tubes
I’ve always had a cat–and when I first met my husband, his family had four! You could say we’re cat people. Right now we have two, including the friendliest, fluffiest black cat. So, the kids were excited to craft black cats from cardboard tubes (toilet paper rolls) as part of our Halloween craft fest. A quick note–one teacher told me she was not allowed to use anything recycled from the bathroom or kitchen. So, I suggested she … 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), Ecology, Featured, History and Culture, Science
Crafty Owls
We’re big owl fans so when I saw the cardboard toilet tube owls over at Frugal Family Fun Blog, I knew I wanted to make them with my little ones! We made some (very minor) modifications to the process and, of course, you will find some educational suggestions at the end of the post! Materials: cardboard tube (cut to different heights if making a family) paint fun, patterned paper googly eyes glue (we like Elmer’s Glue-All) Directions: 1. Fold in the top of the … 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), Ecology, Featured
4 Picture Books About Bats
Stellaluna by Jannell Cannon: When a young bat is separated from her mother, she joins a nest of baby birds. In a beautifully illustrated book with lots of loving close-ups, Stellaluna tries to fit in but learns that she is happiest being herself. Along with her newfound friends, she also discovers that sometimes friends can be very different in some ways but alike in the ways that count. This book is my … 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), Ecology, Featured
Pumpkin Bird Feeder
After we finished our Pumpkin Shaving Cream Art, we had some bisected mini gourds we did not want to waste. So, we turned them into bird feeders. First, I took the gourd I had cut in half length-wise and cut two holes at the top of the gourd. Then, the children threaded the yarn through the holes. We filled them with nut butter (you can use sunflower if you have peanut allergies), bird seed, and raisins. Then we hung … Read entire article »
Filed under: 3-5 (Preschool), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 6-8 (Early Elementary), 9-11 (Elementary), All Ages, Ecology, Fall, Featured
8 Picture Books About Apples
There are so many wonderful picture books about apple trees, apple cider, apple pies, and everything apples! Apple Farmer Annie, (ages 2+) by Monica Wellington: A contented-looking Annie picks, sorts, presses, bakes, and transports her apples and apple products to the city’s market. At the end there are recipes for apple muffins and applesauce. Although the story is simple, the rich illustrations have plenty of details to discuss. We own the bilingual edition, Ana Cultiva Manzanas … Read entire article »
Filed under: 0-3 (Babies and Toddlers), 3-5 (Preschool), 5-6 (Kindergartners), Ecology, Fall, Featured, Science
Four Seasons of the Apple Tree
One thing I missed when we lived in Texas was the changing of the seasons. We made this “Seasons of the Apple Tree” craft last year and the children requested that we do it again this year! We used slightly different materials but the process is very similar. Materials: blue sheet of construction paper (larger is better) glue scissors tree: brown paint spring and summer leaves: green paper buds: pink tissue paper for buds apples: red paint or red hole punches autumn leaves: orange and … Read entire article »
Filed under: 3-5 (Preschool), 3-5 (Preschool), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 5-6 (Kindergarten), Ecology, Fall, Featured, Science, Weather
A is for Apple Sun Catchers
We make new sun catchers for our windows every season. There are a few ways to make easy sun catchers and this is the simplest! For the early fall, we made apple sun catchers with an upper and lower case letter “A”. Materials: permanent (“Sharpie”) marker plastic (from a clear plastic bag, packaging, folders, whatever you have on hand) tissue paper (for whichever color apples you want, plus green for the leaf) glue glitter (optional) to hang: either glue stick OR a hole … Read entire article »
Filed under: 1-2 (Toddler), 1-2 (Toddlers), 3-5 (Preschool), 3-5 (Preschool), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 6-8 (Early Elementary), 6-8 (Early Elementary), Ecology, Fall, Featured, Science
Water Fun Round-Up: Ocean and Sea Creature Activities and Crafts
Splashing, swimming, and sailing, in sinks, water tables, pools, lakes, and oceans…studying sea creatures, washing, measuring, and floating…there is so much fun to be had with water! For the Water Fun linky of the Smart Summer Challenge*, participants really “dove right in”! (*rim shot* Thank you! I’m here all week!) Mathematics Beach Party – Naturally Educational A House for Hermit Crab Craft – Naturally Educational Ocean in a Bag – Pink and Green Mama Juice Carton (or Milk Jug) Boats … Read entire article »
Filed under: Ecology, Featured, Science, Smart Summer Challenge
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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.
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