Archaeology Crafts, Lesson Plans

I just discovered Bonekickers from BBC One. This show is from 2008. It explores new archaeology digs in Somerset England. If you'd like to unearth some cool history-based crafts and activities, visit the Bonekickers website for nifty idea. And for a quick easy craft, press leaves, ferns and shells in clay. This shows kids how fossils are made. Bonekickers TV Show, a Fun Archaeology Thrill Ride

Recycle Bin Crafts for Bored Kids: Homemade Hats

Got stuck-at-home-itis? can’t Got rainy-day, can't go out to play bored kids? Maybe someone is sick, or the whole family has head lice (been there done that)? Maybe the car is down or little ones are lonely with siblings at school? If so, you need teacher mama's boredom first aid kit. I’m your go-to gal for cheap, easy, parent friendly fun. '
Cause you know I'm short on artistic skill!

For every craft you can imagine, your recycle bin is your best bud. Today's craft from trash: homemade hats. And ahem, with Halloween fast-approaching, why not start thinking costumes? This design was developed by our oldest daughter at 20 months old. We kept her blocks and toys sorted in those old 5 pound peanut butter pails.  Recycle Bin Crafts for Bored Kids: Homemade Hats - News - Bubblews

Free Printable Labor Day, American History Coloring Pages

Labor Day, celebrated the first Monday is September, in the US remembers the contributions of organized labor, unions and workers. Here are free printable coloring pages to celebrate: occupations, careers and worker coloring pages. Labor Day is also the last picnic holiday before school starts, so if you are organizing a Labor Day BBQ, picnic, or party, you will want these free printable coloring pages for the children at your party. Teachers, start your school year off right with a social studies unit that explores community helpers, workers, occupations and careers. These coloring pages make excellent activities for that a unit on Labor Day.  Free Printable Labor Day Coloring Pages

Back-to-School Science Crafts: DIY Nature Detective Kit

Hello green crafters, did you miss me? I've had a busy, productive summer and I hope you have too! But now, my thoughts are turning to back to school. Want some nifty nature activities for a back to school kick off? Make science exploration kits, easy, cheap and homemade. Lots of recycled stuff too--you know there wouldn't be an activity on this blog that didn't involve recycled. Make individual nature detective kits for homeschool, elementary or middle school students. Great for special needs kids with learning disabilities or cognitive impairment. Here's the recipe! Back-to-School Science Kick-Off Activities: DIY Nature Detective Kit

Free Printable Preschool Board Games, Learning Activities

I'm a certified special needs teacher for CI (cognitively impaired) students. I always write interactive lesson plans. Hands-on activities, like games, make content relevant, approachable and understandable for both general and special education students. Preschool kids particularly need multi-sensory learning activities. Happily, there are many free printable preschool games available online. Free Printable Preschool Board Games, Learning Activities

Preschool Game Craft--Pirate Treasure Box

I read a blog post recently about digging through old jewelry. That post got me thinking about a nifty game-craft I did with my kids when they were younger. It was especially popular with my sons. We made pirate treasure boxes. Here's how.
You will need:
old, recycled boxes (wood, metal, cardboard) You might use old jewelry boxes as I did.
aluminum foil (to cover box if it isn't already)
fabric scraps and decoration do-dads: feathers, yarn, sequins, ribbon, faux gems, glitter (kids can use this to decorate box) Read on for complete directions. Preschool Game Craft--Pirate Treasure Box

Free Printable Educational Crafts

Summer is an excellent time to explore the wonderful world of free printable craft projects. Cut and paste activities are perfect for day care, kids at home, road trips, rainy day fun and summer craft camps. During the summer, teachers and homeschoolers have an opportunity to make educational games and activities for their classrooms. Free printable activities are the perfect resource for educational games.  Free Printable Educational Cut and Paste Projects and Activities