Everyone talks about the benefits of going screen free, but you hardly see any practical ideas about how to implement this idea. I find this especially true in the summertime when the kids are homeschooling less, and we find ourselves in less of a routine and more of a rhythm.

It’s so easy for one episode to turn into three or four, or for 30 minutes of iPad time to turn into two hours!

We’re not letting that happen this summer, though. This summer, we are going to focus on intentional parenting and some screen free summer activities.

Here are my best ideas for activities to keep your kids engaged and enjoying the summer without constantly being bored, behind a screen, or that mom burnout feeling.

Ice Excavation

Sink or Float Experiment

Lemonade Stand

We got this idea from the Blipee episode here!

Chalk Math Hopscotch (Outdoor)

DIY Bird Feeder

Pretend Restaurant

Baking Soda Volcano Science

Build With Cardboard

Nature Treasure Hunt

Planting Seeds in Milk Cartons

Recycling Crayons

Rock Walk and Sort

DIY Candles

Create Costumes and Have a Superhero Day

Smores Outside

Create a Summer Memory Book

Find the Icecream Truck

Make Homemade Playdoh

Make a Solar Oven

Looking for more ideas for the summer? Check this post out: The Chaos of Summer Homeschooling Without a Schedule (And the Simple Fix That Saved Our Summer)

“This summer will be relaxed. No rigid schedule. Just fun.” And every year by about week two of summer break, everything starts to feel absolutely feral.

My two kids are bored or bickering, the house is messy because we’re home all day, and someone is asking for a snack every 12 minutes. I feel like I’m spiraling.

The days start to blur into a random mix of activities, too much TV/iPad time, and me wondering how it is only 11:17 AM!

If you’re anything like me, at first, it feels freeing not to follow a schedule. But after a few days, I start craving structure.

If you have ever paused during these summer months and thought, “Why does this feel harder than the school year?” You are not alone!

Kids thrive when they know what to expect. And honestly, so do us moms!

Without any structure, my kids are waking up at different times, everyone is wondering what we’re doing today, our time for learning starts to evaporate, I’m choosing more screen-time than usual, and I spend my day reacting and surviving.

Instead of feeling relaxed, it starts to feel like you are managing chaos all day long.

Summer does not need a strict schedule. But it does need a rhythm.

The Summer Homeschool Structure That Helped Me

Instead of recreating a full homeschool day, I started using a simple daily flow for summer homeschool. It’s nothing complicated, but predictable enough to keep me from spiraling.

Our summer homeschool day usually looks something like this:

1. Morning outside time
2. Learning activity or project
3. Lunch
4. Quiet time or reading
5. Creative play or hands-on activity
6. Family time in the evening

Why a Summer Schedule Actually Makes Summer Feel More Relaxing

This sounds backwards, but a simple schedule actually makes summer feel more relaxed.

When kids know what to expect, they stop constantly asking for directions. When you have a loose plan, you stop scrambling for ideas all day, and when learning has a small place in the routine, you avoid the summer learning slide.

My Typical Go-To Summer Homeschool Day Looks Like

I’m a firm advocate of using the summer to start your homeschool journey. You can get in some sort of groove, before the school year starts, and understand your kids’ learning styles.

If you are not sure where to start, here is a simple structure that has worked well for us for years!

1. Morning: Outside Time

Kids wake up with energy. This is the perfect time for:

• nature walks
• backyard science
• gardening
• bike rides
• chalk drawing
• water play

Fresh air early in the day makes a huge difference.

2. Late Morning: Light Learning

Summer learning does not need to be heavy. Your goal should be about 20-30 minutes. This is the time where you are reviewing and making sure they stay up to date on what they already know. We’re not teaching new concepts at this time. Think about things like:

• reading together
• simple science experiments
• journaling
• math games
• themed unit studies

Here are some awesome workbooks we love during the summer:

The Summer Before Kindergarten

The Summer Before Second Grade

Math With Confidence

3. Afternoon: Quiet Time

This is the reset button of the day, AKA my favorite part of the day! I pour myself an afternoon coffee and try to do something other than cleaning up the house/doing laundry! Sometimes this is even our transition into our late afternoon acitivity and the kids fall asleep in the car. I’ll put on a podcast, bring my coffee with me, and relax on our drive to our next destination.

This is also a work in progress for my family. My kids do not do quiet time well. They get bored, restless, and if they start feeling sleepy, they fight it…hard. Here are a few things that we try to incorporate into quiet time. I usually pair this with lunch time too to help.

Here are some ideas we use:

• independent reading
• drawing
• puzzles
• listening to audiobooks
• journaling

Although we haven’t gotten this part down perfectly, I stress to the kids that it is everyone’s time to reset. We need to rest and give our bodies a break.

4. Late Afternoon: Creative Play

This is our big activity or playdate. Think high energy, peak activity to start the descent into the nighttime.

Some of our favoirtes are

• building forts
• crafting
• LEGO challenges
• Pinterest science experiments
• Trying new recipes

These are more hands-on learning activities.

5. Evening: Family Time

Time to start slowing down in the evening. This is my second favorite part of the day because my husband is off work and we’re all together. Here are some things we do during this time

• Family walks around the neighborhood (good for the dog and us!)
• Backyard games (swing set or those giant games like Connect 4!)
• Movie nights
• Grilling dinner outside (or smores nights!)
• Local events

These moments always create those summer memories my kids remember years later!

My Homeschool Summer Scheduling Survival Guide!

After realizing how much smoother our days were with a gentle routine, I created something for our homeschool. It quickly became one of the most helpful things I use every summer. So I turned it into a free printable to share.

This printable guide helps you create structure without making summer feel like school.

Inside the guide you will find:

• A simple daily homeschool schedule planning guide
• A blank schedule page to customize
• A screen free activity idea list for bored afternoons
• Monthly learning themes for the entire summer

It is designed to help you plan just enough structure to keep the day flowing while still leaving plenty of room for summer fun.

You can download it here

Summer homeschooling does not need to look like the school year. Summer homeschool should feel slower, more playful, and less rigid, but a tiny bit of structure can make the difference. Adding some structure to your summer homeschool schedule is the difference between me having a house full of bored kids asking for snacks every ten minutes and a summer full of learning, exploring, and peaceful afternoons.

Sometimes the secret to a relaxed summer is simply knowing what comes next.

If you are planning your homeschool year or looking for more hands-on learning ideas, you might also enjoy:

Do not forget to grab the Homeschool Summer Scheduling Survival Guide to make this summer feel a little calmer.

As a science teacher and homeschool mom, I learned that the best lessons happen when kids feel like they are discovering something instead of just memorizing vocabulary. That is exactly why I created my Forms of Water worksheets and use various activities to make sure my kids really get the concept down.

I need something simple, visual, and hands-on that helps kids truly understand what water looks like in different states.

In this post, I will show you how I teach the forms of water in a way that works for homeschool families and classrooms.

Here is my easy lesson introduction activity, lesson structure, discussion questions, and a printable activity you can use right away.

Items You’ll Need:

Before starting the lesson, you’ll need to gather a few items to help make this hands-on. It makes the lesson so much smoother if you already have these items gathered before you start going through the lesson.

• Ice cubes
• A clear glass of water
• A kettle or pot (for steam!)
• Paper and crayons (for drawing)
• Whiteboard
• Towels (for cleanup)
• I’ve included some great worksheets for you here! Forms of Water Activity Pack

These simple materials make the lesson feel like a mini science lab for young learners.

Here’s How I Introduce the Forms of Water Lesson:

Start with the idea of a water mystery to build curiosity. My kids get so excited when I build up the anticipation.

Grab your ice, water, and your tea kettle (steaming hot!)

Show the kids the ice, water, and steam, but make sure not to say what each of them are.

Then you ask the kids one question: “Are these the same thing?”

Kids almost always say no at first.

Now, you start to invite them to say why. Give them space to say those observations out loud.

Ask questions like

• What does the ice feel like
• What happens when the ice sits in the tray
• Where does the steam go

Forms of Water Lesson Plan

I first explain that water can change form depending on temperature. I show how this happens using the following examples:

Solid

I hold the ice cube and explain that cold temperatures turn water into ice.

Liquid

I pour water into a clear glass so students can see how it moves and takes the shape of the container.

Gas

I show steam rising from warm water and explain that heat turns water into a gas.

Remember to keep the language simple! Water can be a solid, liquid, or gas. It is still water in every form.

Hands-On Practice

1.) Draw

It’s time to invite the students to draw the three forms of water in their notebooks or use their forms of water activities packet.

Ask them to label ice (solid), water (liquid), and steam (gas)

2.) Act it out

I ask my kids to show me what a sold, liquid, and gas would look like. They LOVE this part.

Solid stands still like ice.
Liquid wiggles and moves like water.
Gas floats around the room like steam.

Kids love this part.

Discussion

This is the part where we’re making sure the kids actually got the information.

Here are some questions I ask my students:

• Where have you seen ice before
• When do you see steam in your house
• What happens to ice if you leave it outside
• What happens to water when it gets very cold

These conversations help students understand that the forms of water are part of everyday life.

You simplify the lesson with a ready to use printable

You can grab my printable activity here: Understanding the Forms of Water

This resource works well for

• Pre K
• Kindergarten
• First grade
• Homeschool science lessons

Inside the resource, you will find activities that help kids identify and understand the forms of water in a simple visual way.

I designed this resource because I needed something quick and clear for my own lessons.

More Forms of Water Activities Kids Will Love

If your students enjoyed this lesson, try extending the learning with a few more activities.

Ice Melt Observation

You place an ice cube on a tray and let students watch what happens over time. Ask them to describe the change.

Steam Watch

You boil water safely and let students observe steam rising. Talk about how heat changes liquid water into gas.

Freeze and Predict

You place water in the freezer and ask students to predict what will happen overnight.

These small experiments help young learners see the science in action.

You might also enjoy these related activities on the blog:

• The Best Homeschool Ideas For Teaching Living and Nonliving Things
• 20  Tips To Help Kids Play Outside More (Helpful Ideas!)
• The Best Ways To Use Shapes To Teach Kindergarten: Awesome Ideas To Know and Love

Teaching the forms of water does not need to be complicated. Kids learn best when they can see and explore the concept in real life.

That is why I love using simple demonstrations and printable activities that keep the focus on curiosity and discovery.

If you are teaching early science at home or in the classroom, this resource can make the lesson feel simple and engaging.

You are already doing something powerful by helping kids notice the science in everyday moments. Keep going. The small lessons you teach today are building lifelong curiosity.

When I’m teaching living and nonliving things I’ve found that some students actually have a hard time with the conept! When we start this unit, students have an easy time catorizing items like “a dog” or “a rock”, but when it comes to things like “clouds” or “fire” or even “a leaf that fell of the tree”, the kids have a harder time categorizing.

As a homeschool mom, it’s important to be prepared for this potential confusion and be prepared to meet the students where they are and help them understand the concepts of living and nonliving things, even when the choices seem less clear.

When something moves, changes, or looks alive, even if it technically isn’t, it can get confusing. However, with simple language, real-life examples, and hands-on experiences, kids can build a strong understanding that actually sticks.

What Living and Nonliving Things Really Mean

Keeping it simple, here are some characteristics of living things.

A living thing is something that needs food and water to live! Living things can grow and change.

Criteria for living things:

• Need food, water
• Need air
• Need shelter
• Grow and change
• Can reproduce
• Move or respond to their environment
• Need care to stay healthy

A nonliving thing does not need food or water. Nonliving things do not grow or change on their own.

Criteria for nonliving things:

• Do NOT need food, water, or air
• Do NOT grow or reproduce
• Can move or change, but only because something else causes it

Remember, movement alone does not mean something is living. Once kids understand that living things meet their own needs, I’ve found that everything becomes clearer.

Real-Life Ways to Teach Living and Nonliving Things

You don’t need the perfect lesson plan to make this work! Honestly, this is such a great lesson to teach outdoors, especially during the springtime. Here are a few ways to teach living and nonliving things with a real world connection.

1. Nature Walks

On a nature walk you’ll find plenty of living and nonliving things.

One way we extend this living vs. nonliving exploration is with nature walks using this nature journal. Being able to actually see different living and nonliving things helps bring this lesson to life.

2. Everyday household items

As we know as homeschool moms, everyday household items are an excellent opportunity for learning. Even when I’m teaching in the classoom, I can guide students to pull from things found in their home rather than having them identify items that may not have as much meaning to thing.

The home is already full of so many examples!

Living: pets, houseplants, people

Nonliving: furniture, toys, dishes, books

Talking about these familiar objects helps kids connect science to real life instead of seeing it as just a school-only topic.

Hands-On Living and Nonliving Activities Kids Actually Enjoy

3. Planting

You can build on these living vs. nonliving observations with simple planting activities.

Planting is one of the easiest ways to reinforce living and nonliving concepts. Kids have an opportunity to observe seeds change over time, notice how plants need water, sunlight, and care, and even compare a growing plan to nonliving soil or pots.

4. Living and Nonliving Sorting Activity

This sorting activity is such a great way to help kids practice decision-making related to the topic of living and nonliving things.

Here are some questions to make sure to ask your students:

• “Why did you place this here?”
• “What made you so sure or unsure?”

Having conversations about their choices helps to utilize critical thinking skills and check for deeper understanding.

5. Simple Science Investigations

If you have a microscope, this is a perfect opportunity to compare living and nonliving things under the microscope!

Creative & Visual Ways to Reinforce Living and Nonliving Concepts

6. Drawing and Labeling

Drawing and labeling the characteristics helps slow down your kids’ thinking and deepen their understanding.

7. Journals, Mini Books, and Anchor Charts

My kids LOVE anchor charts. These anchor charts with characteristics of living things can be incredibly powerful when confusion comes up later. You can refer back to this visual tool to remind the kids the difference between living and nonliving things again and again.

Teaching Living and Nonliving Things Through Play and Movement

8. Scavenger hunts

My default is a scavenger hunt as often as possible! They require little to no prepa and help get the kids up and moving. It also allows them to make connections to the real world!

Have you kids search for living and nonliving things around the yard or at a part and you can either sort them as they go or have them do it all at the end.

FREE Nature Scavenger Hunt for kids

A free, no-prep printable activity.

Color it, head outdoors, and explore nature with this free scavenger hunt.

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9. Act it out (grow, move, stay still)

This one is so fun because it allows kids to use their imagination! Personally, my son LOVES the opporutnity to act it out.

Here are some ideas:

• Pretend to grow like a plant
• Breath like a living thing
• Freeze like a non living object

Movement really helps cement abstract ideas in a memorable way!

How We Approach Living and Nonliving Things in Our Homeschool

TIPS: Adapting Living and Nonliving Lessons for Different Ages

For Younger Learners

• Focus on observation
• Fewer words
• Repetition

For our little learners, here are some great age-appropriate science ideas to incoporate at home.

For Older Learners

• Life cycles
• Needs vs wants
• Environmental connections

For older students, you can connect living and nonliving concepts to the life cycle of a compost pile.

Simple Nature Tools We Actually Use for Homeschool Science

We don’t bring much with us, but having a magnifying glass or small observation tool really helps kids slow down and notice details.

• Kids binoculars
• Magnifying glasses
• Bug viewers
• Clipboards
• Bug inspector

Outdoor Essentials for Year-Round Homeschool Learning

Getting outside is always easiest for us when eveyone is comfortable and prepared.

• Rain boots
• Weather-resistant jackets
• Outdoor mats or picnic blankets
• Small backpacks for kids

Get a full Living and Nonliving Things Mini Packet Here

Other Blog Posts You May Like:

• Easy DIY Activity: How To Start Seeds in Cartons (Living vs. Nonliving Lesson)
• How to Make a Nature Field Journal for Students
• Best Science Educational Activities for 3–5 Year Olds at Home
• Making Composting Understandable for Kids

I’m always looking for Valentine homeschool ideas because If I’m being honest, February is one of the hardest months for me. The pace is still slow, the cold dark days are getting old, and the magic of Christmas feels like a distant memory. Even though it is the shortest month, I often find myself searching for little ways to bring joy into the gloom.

Valentine’s Day is one of those bright spots that I make sure to emphasize for my homeschool students. I love weaving this fun, love-filled holiday into our lessons without making it complicated, expensive, or overly “Pinterest perfect.” Instead, I look for meaningful activities that spark curiosity, invite connection, and make learning feel gentle and hands-on.

If you’re looking for Valentine’s Day homeschool ideas that add joy, comfort, and creativity to your days, you’ll love the simple activities I’m sharing here.

Download the FREE Valentine’s Day Candy Hearts Chemistry Mini Lab!

Valentine Homeschool Ideas:

“Heart Hike”

Bundle up and take your kids outside! Have your kids gather items they can use to make a heart! 

Extension for older students:

As an extension for older kids, have them draw a real heart and label each part of the heart and rearch the role of each component of the heart. Have the older kids then read this article and in a paragraph (3-5 sentences) answer how did the human heart become associated with love?

Candy Heart Dissolving

Candy Heart FREE Mini Lab Lesson

Let’s combine the holiday with chemistry for these Valentine’s Day homeschool ideas! Grab a bag of candy hearts and let’s do some experimenting! Test different liquids to see which liquid will cause the candy hearts to dissolve the quickest.  I use 

• Water
• Vinegar
• Juice
• Soda

Before we begin, my students predict what they think will happen. They record the start time and the time the candy fully dissolves. For older students, I challenge them to explain why certain liquids worked faster than others based on acidity, composition, or chemical reactions.

Nature Love Letter

I get my kids to write a love letter to Earth! I ask them to use words like plants, animals, water, sun, air, trees, flowers, etc. They may even be able to use words like pollinators, climate, or habitat. You can even ask them to explain how we can show love to our Earth. Once they are done writing their “love letter,” have them draw a picture of something they love on Earth/in nature. For older students, I have them write a love letter or a poem to something in nature that they love and cannot imagine living without. 

Shoe Box for Candy Collection

I saved the best for last! 

For younger kids:

Grab a shoe box and don’t just decorate it with random items, go out into nature and collect items during a nature walk. Use those items to glue on the box and use it as a candy collection box for Valentine’s Day treats.

 For the older students:

This is where I blend hands-on learning with our curriculum. One of my favorite Valentine’s Day homeschool ideas is turning a shoebox into an ocean model and a treat box.

My eighth graders love decorating their boxes because they know that after we label the ocean features, the candy goes inside!

We label:

• Continental shelf
• Slope and rise
• Abyssal plain
• Mid-ocean ridge
• Deep ocean trench
• Seamounts
• Hydrothermal vents
• Any other ocean details they want to include

It becomes such an engaging and memorable lesson. Cozy. Intentional. Real science without losing Valentines Day theme.

I hope you found some value in this post to help bring some fun and connection into your home this month. These fun science homeschool Valentine’s Day ideas are meant to make learning at home uncomplicated, but educational. 

Don’t forget to check out this freebie to help you with the candy dissolving activity.

And if you’re looking for more easy Valentine’s Day science activities, check out the fun, hands-on resources in my TPT store as well.

TPT Activities You May Like:

• Science Valentine’s Day Cards
• Valentine’s Day Count and Clip Cards
• Valentine’s Day Count and Color
• Addition and Subtraction for Valentine’s Day
• Left Right for Valentine’s Day

Other Posts You May Like:

• Last Minute Teacher Valentines Day Gift Ideas (Easy Printables)!
• The Most Adorable Science Valentines Day Cards From Teachers
• These 25+ Ideas Will Make Your Valentines Day Classroom Party Even Better
• 10+ Incredible Eco Valentines Day Gift Ideas From Etsy That Your Parnter Will Love

Here are some of the reasons it is important to help kids play outside more: 

You get natural vitamin D. Did you know 1 in 4 U.S. adults has low vitamin D (source)? We all need vitamin D to help with bone health, heart disease, depression,and even weight loss. While some people resort to taking supplements with Vitamin D, it can also be obtained naturally – by spending time outside! According to the National Institutes of Health, Vitamin D cannot be absorbed from a window (source). 

Being outside decreases anxiety, stress, and depression. There is a direct correlation with time outside and a decrease in anxiety levels. If your children or teens are experiencing any feelings of stress and anxiety, encouraging them to go outside more could have a positive impact on their mental health. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, “participants who took nature walks had a significant increase in positive emotions and a decrease in negative emotions following the activity” (source). 

Time outside encourages children to stay physically active. This is important for their overall health and well-being. When children are outside, they are more likely to run, jump, lift, etc. This type of exercise is incredible for promoting physically healthier children. 

Time outside leads to longer attention spans. If you’re a parent, I’m sure you’re incredibly familiar with the (selective) short attention span of children. Sometimes it is incredibly hard to get children to focus and concentrate. Did you know that spending more time outside can help kids have better focus? According to the Attention Restoration Theory, exposure to nature actually helps us concentrate. Instead of fatiguing our minds with distractions from urban settings, nature provides a restorative role, aiding in focus (source).

How Do I Encourage Kids To Want To Go Outside

Volunteer Doing an Outdoor Event

From Great American Cleanup and community gardens to wildlife surveys and tour guides, there are an incredible amount of opportunities to help your kids want to go outside!

Plan outdoor events around good weather

This is a beginner tip to help encourage your kids to want to go outside. If going outside is out of your kids comfort zone, try planning your time outdoors around good weather to start! This is a fun way to remove a barrier and help them more easily enjoy their time. When the weather feels too hot or too cold, it may be harder for kids who do not enjoy being outside to have fun. Planning your outdoor time around mild temperatures is the best way to help your child begin to create a connection with the natural world, and even if they don’t want to go outside at first, they certainly won’t mind as much.  

Utilize outdoor facilities

From new parks to nature conservancies, there is an exorbitant amount of outdoor facilities to help encourage kids to want to go outside. Depending on the age of your child, they may be too young or too old to just go outside in play on their own, so this is a way to have more structured time outdoors. Some of my favorite places to take the kids outdoors include the zoo, parks (of course), and community pools. These, of course, will vary as the colder weather sets in, but bundle up and go for it! You can even try places like farmers’ markets and outdoor malls/shopping centers. Bonus: these places almost always have outdoor games and outdoor space for kids.

Make it fun with outdoor scavenger hunts

I’ve create a few nature scavenger hunts for different age groups! Whether you’re looking for a comprehensive nature walk guide complete with an outdoor scavenger hunt, or just an easy scavenger hunt to do in your neighborhood, I’ve got you covered. Check out these options on my Teachers Pay Teachers store!

Invite others along with you

I call this the accountability buddy! This is an especially helpful tip to encourage kids to want to go outside if you have an older child – invite others along with you! Whether that is other family members, neighbors, some friends/classmates, or even just a friend for you to chat with while you child plays. Inviting others along with you is a great opportunity to hold you accountable to make sure to stick to the commitment of getting outside.

Check out Social Media and Facebook groups to find play groups or groups with similar interests to your child

Use social media to your advantage by finding Facebook groups to find groups of people you can connect with on your journey to spending time outside. I’m incredibly new to using Facebook groups in this way, but I’ve found it so helpful! Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures for young kids or just looking for things to do to get your kids away from sitting in front of a screen, Facebook groups can offer you a plethora of options. 

This summer, I recently connected with a Facebook group for toddlers 2-5. We went to new places we had never experienced, met new friends, and had so much fun on play dates with kids the same age as mine. Even though this example is for my younger kids, there are still opportunities for older kids through Facebook groups. Especially if your kids have a particular interest or hobby. Use that as a way to search for groups to join. Another great way to use social media to your advantage to encourage kids to go outside is to use the events tab on social media platforms and enter a keyword. You can also search using hashtags!

Create a reward at the end

This helpful tip works great for older kids and younger kids who don’t spend much time outside, but may need some encouragement to get outside. Is there something your child can look forward to when they get back inside? Or perhaps something you will do after your time outside. For example, perhaps after your time outside, your child can have screen time or play video games for a period of time. During the summer, I use the incentive of getting a cold treat. My children and I will walk to the nearest store and the reward is them being able to pick a snack at the store. If we’re doing an outdoor event, perhaps we’ll get icecream or an icee after the event concludes. 

Romanticize the time

I’m all about romanticizing my life. When I reflect back to my childhood, I realize my mom encouraged us by romanticizing the things we may not want to do, but we needed to do for whatever reason. Romanticizing is a great way to make a task that kids may not want to do, like going outside, more appealing and exciting. Here is how I would suggest romanticizing outdoor time to help kids want to go outside:

Use the 5 senses to talk about what the child will experience. What will the child smell when they are outside? What will they see? What will they hear? Will they be able to taste anything when they go outside? 

How long will your kids be outside? Perhaps you can mention that you will set the timer for 30 minutes, and when the timer goes off, you all will come back inside and move on to another activity. 

Talk about how your child will feel after getting outside. Use mental, physical, and emotional feelings they may experience.  

Dress appropriately for the weather/season

Whether you’re going to a nearby park at a local playground or spending time in a big yard, dress appropriately for the weather/season. This is especially appropriate for inclement weather such as rain, snow, extreme cold weather, etc. Although this tip may seem obvious, it is a simple idea that is often missed and can drastically contribute to why a child may not want to spend time outside. 

Last week, temperatures changed drastically, and we still wanted to go on a nighttime walk. My husband was going to let the kids go outside in the same clothes they had been wearing around the house. I knew that if they were dressed appropriately,y they would start complaining and want to head back inside before we got a decent walk in. So I took the time to dress them appropriately before we went outside, so everyone was more comfortable and could actually enjoy this time. Sometimes this means bringing “just in case clothes” that you may need to add or change your child into. 

Just sit outside

Okay, this is super low-hanging fruit. Literally, just sit outside. This is an effortless idea to encourage your kids to get outside. During my own childhood, I remember hating to go outside. Between the bugs and the humid Virginia weather or snowy Connecticut weather, I much preferred the controlled temperatures of indoors. To get me outside, my mom would just encourage me to sit with her. She would tell me to grab a book, grab a drink, and just come sit. Although I didn’t necessarily look forward to it initially, I eventually began to not only enjoy that time, but also look forward to spending time sitting outside with my mom. It usually turned into conversations, discussions, and a bit of a bonding experience. 

Take the inside, outside

Encourage your kids to go outside by bringing the inside outside! Here’s what I mean: if you don’t have outdoor toys for your kids to play outside, bring some toys from inside! Although it is always great to have toys made for the outdoors, you don’t have to have the latest swing set or picnic table to spend time outside. Bring the same items you kids play with inside, outside! 

Eat outside

This is such an easy and effortless way to spend more time outdoors. I find this especially helpful for older kids. Take your child out to lunch or on a coffee date and sit outside and enjoy your food. Even though this may not be a great outdoor adventure, it does allow your child to be able to experience some time outside a building and get some fresh air and (hopefully) sunshine! 

Unstructured Play

If possible, encourage unstructured play. Again, my kids are young, so I do have to be there to supervise a bit, but I like to give them parameters – don’t go past this or this, everything else is fair game. I sit back and let their imagination run wild! If necessary, I will introduce items like sidewalk chalk or outdoor toys, but usually I let them enjoy imaginative play. 

Kids can get so creative and imaginative if we give them to space to do so. I am fascinated by the way my kids will create their own rules and the games they create when I sit back and let them do their thing. 

If your child struggles to join sports (like me!) or participate in extracurriculars, unstructured play may be for them! Remember to try not to intervene too much and allow them to put their minds to work. 

Make it a family thing

Similar to romanticizing spending time outside, make it a family thing! Instead of your child feeling like you’re forcing them outside or forcing them to turn off their devices, change it into a “this is what our family does”. This may look like a routine – on Saturday mornings, we go for a walk, or after dinner, we have our dessert on the back porch. This can also look like once a month we go on a bike ride, or each family member gets to take turns picking an outdoor activity for the family. 

Encourage Your Kids To Get Messy

As an environmental educator, I always try to add fun to lessons and activities. This often includes water, dirt, and general messiness. While most kids love it, there’s the occasional kids who clearly were not allowed to get dirty at home and refused to do the activity or asks to wash their hands immediately after. 

If you’re looking for a way to encourage your kids to get outdoors, let them get messy! Turn on the house, go outside in the rain, make dirt patties, and let them enjoy themselves. Spend less time worrying about the mess and allow more time for self discovery and free play. 

Take a hike

There a bit of a difference between a hike and a walk. Hikes are a bit longer and can include changes in elevation. Hiking takes a bit of a commitment because it is typically a bit harder than a causal walk, but when I’m hiking I feel so much more submerged in nature and my natural environment. Get on some comfortable shoes or hiking boots, find a trail or nature park and get out for a hike. You can even incorporate games like scavenger hunts, I spy, twenty questions, etc. to make it even more fun. 

Take the 1000 Hours Outside Challenge (source)

Have you heard of this challenge? It’s an awesome idea to challenge families to spend more time outside and less time on screens. According to research, children are spending 1200 hours a year, on average, on screens (source). In order to help to match some of the times students are spending on screens, the 1000 hours outside challenge was created. 

Download the free tracking sheet and get outside! I love the idea of this challenge because it makes it a bit of a competition. How many hours can you do? Can you beat the amount of hours you did last year? Maybe you can even set milestones and rewards once you hit a certain number of hours outside.

Resources To Know About That Will Help Your Kids Want To Go Outside

Read Raising An Outdoor Kid In an Inside World

Get It Here

This in an inspiring book helping to encourage you to get outside and enjoy the beauty of nature. The author is both knowledgeable and motivating to help you create your own relationship with nature. Although the lifestyle of this author is unique and may not apply to everyone, the principles mentioned in this book still help to cultivate an appreciation for our natural world.

Try a Green Hour (source)

1. In an effort to increase outdoor experiences for kids and parents, the National Wildlife Federation creates new activities and tips each week to encourage kids to want to get outside. Although most activities can be completed in 15-30 minutes, it is encouraged to spend at least one our doing these activities, hence the “Green Hour”. One activity I’m loving for the current colder weather is how to look for signs of winter. I love this activity because it fosters curiosity and has so much room for expansion depending on the age of your child.  

Understand nature-deficit disorder

Nature-deficit disorder was termed by Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods. According to Louv, elements of our urban settings has caused us to have less time (or time!) in nature. He states this has occurred in both adults and children (source). Activities that have contributed to this change include fewer natural spaces, a car-focused culture, more screen time, changes in the perception of risk, less leisure time, and increased time pressures from work or school (source). 

Based on the lifestyle most of us live in, it is so easy for us to resort to spending more time indoors. However, this is why it is even more important for us to make sure we are doing our best to connect with nature and get outside! In order for us to have empathy to protect our environment, we must create our own relationship and love ofr it. 

For more information on Nature-Deficit Disorder, check out Last Child In the Woods by Richard Louv. 

Patience is Key

Accept that if you child currently doesn’t like going outside, this won’t be an incredibly easy task at first. Just like in adulthood, there are things we just don’t want to do. Sometimes in life, we have to do things begrudgingly.

Regardless of their dislike of going outside for whatever reason, it is still our job to encourage kids to want to go outside. Not only for the benefits of getting your child outside, but also because it is important to create a routine in which children feel a part of nature. 

Please leave a comment below to let me know your best tips!

If you’re a busy mom looking to bring some order to the chaos, this post is for you! These back to school organization tips are simple, doable, and mom-tested!

Whether you’re juggling multiple kids or just trying to survive those early mornings, these genius systems will set your family up for success all school year long.

This post is about back to school organization tips for a smooth start to the school year!

1. Set Up A School Paper Station

Create a home for all the papers. Permission slips, flyers, newsletters, and reading logs should all be in one place.

Paper Station Tip #1:

Wall-mounted file organizer near the front door or kitchen

Paper Station Tip #2:

Create three folders: “Needs To Be Signed” “Keep” “Turn In”

2. Create a Homework Station

Create a dedicated homework station to ensure back to school organization for your kids. Set up a homework station with all necessary supplies like pencils, erasers, and calculators. Use a calendar to track assignment due dates and encourage your kids to tick off completed tasks. 

Homework Station Tip #1:

Set up a small table or desk with school supplies in a caddy

Homework Station Tip #2:

Keep sharpened pencils, scissors, crayons, and paper handy

Homework Station Tip #3:

Add a dry erase board or homework calendar

3. Keep A Reading Log Spot

Set a specific time each day for reading and logging it. Whether it’s right after school or before bed, consistency is key.

Reading Log Spot Tip #1:

Clip a reading log to a clipboard

Reading Log Spot Tip #2:

Keep your reading log in the same spot every day

Reading Log Spot Tip #3:

Schedule a consistent reading time after dinner or before bed

4. Organize Snacks For the Week

Let’s reduce the daily “can I have a snack?!” battles. Pre-pack snacks for the week in individual containers or snack bags. Store them in a designated drawer or shelf in the kitchen where kids can easily access them. This saves time in the mornings and ensures they always have healthy options.

Snack Organization Tip#1:

Use labeled bins in the fridge and pantry

Snack Organization Tip #2

Portion out and prepare snacks on Sundays, before the week starts

Snack Organization Tip #3:

Add a small bin in the car for emergency snacks

5. Meal Planning for Breakfast and Dinner

Plan your meals for the week ahead. Create a menu and prep as much as possible over the weekend. This could include chopping vegetables, marinating meats, or even cooking some dishes in advance.

Meal Plan Tip #1:

Use a weekly dry-erase meal planner

Meal Plan Tip #2:

Prep some meals or follow food influencers for motivation. Ideas for meals to prep include breakfast burritos, smoothies, or muffins!

Meal Plan Tip #3:

Keep freezer meals for crazy evenings. I love staying stocked up on Trader Joe’s frozen meals or freezing leftovers from a meal to eat on another day.

6. Backpack Organization

Backpack Organization Tip #1:

Create a checklist of daily items:

• Library Books
• Homework
• Lunch Box
• Water Bottle
• School Folder
• Show and Tell Items
• Additional Supplies

Backpack Organization Tip #2:

Use backpack hooks to keep the items off the floor. These hooks are the perfect way to keep the backpacks organized and in a dedicated space. 

7. School Supply Organization

Keeping school supplies mobile is helpful if you don’t have a dedicated space.

Supply Organization Tip #1:

Keep school supplies organized in clear containers or drawers. Label each container so that items are easy to find and put away. You can also create a portable supply caddy that your kids can carry to their homework station.

Supply Organization Tip #2:

I love using a rolling cart for my school supply organiztion too! I’m able to organize art supplies, items for school projects, and other school items my kids need quick access to.  This helps avoid last-minute scrambles in the morning and during homework time. The wheels on the cart make it easier to roll around if you don’t have a dedicated space for homework time.

Related Posts: Here’s The Complete Supplies Checklist You Need for Homeschool Essentials

8. Plan Outfits for the Week

Set aside time each Sunday to plan outfits for the week.

Outfit Planning Tip #1:

Use a hanging organizer with labeled days of the week.

Outfit Planning Tip #2:

Encourage your kids to help pick out clothes. In my experience, this has minimized arguing about outfits in the morning. I even have the kids look at my weather app and use it as an opportunity to connect weather and what we wear.

9. Use a Family Chore + Time Chat

Structure helps everyone know what to expect!

Family Chore + Time Chart Idea:

Create a daily chart with your school, chore, and bedtime routines.

10. Create A Calm Morning Routine

Establish a consistent morning routine to help everyone start the day on the right foot.

Morning Routine Tip #1:

Use visual routine cards: include waking up, getting dressed, eating breakfast, brushing teeth, getting packpack, etc.

I love using this daily routine chart in my home! No matter which day of the week (school or not!) we try to use this to help the kids understand what is coming up.

Morning Routine Tip #2:

Use a timer or playlist to keep things moving.

11. Make a School Shopping Checklist

If you’re realizing a theme in this posts about back to school organization tips its make a list!

School Shopping Tip #1:

Print a checklist and tape it to the fridge

School Shopping Tip #2:

Shop your house before buying anything new

School Shopping Tip #3:

Buy extras while they’re on sale to easily restock and replace when needed.

12. School Lunch Choice Board

Lunches get boring fast and making them each day gets old, fast!

Lunch Tips #1:

Create a lunch choice board with different meal options for each day. This allows kids to pick their  meals in advance, making lunchtime more enjoyable and causing less stress for you. I love using this choice board for both lunch and after school snacks. 

Choice boards are an easy way to make your kids feel in control while also staying organized.

Lunch Tips #2:

Prep some lunch components in advance such as refilling water bottles and pre-packing non-perishable items.

13. Create a Family Command Center

This is the ultimate back to school organization hack!

Command Center Tip:

Set up a family command center with a calendar, bulletin board, and storage bins. Use it to track school events, extracurricular activities, and important deadlines. This central hub keeps everyone informed and organized. Even in a small space you can add a calendar and a small bin in your area. Think of this as a drop zone for your family to easily place important papers and 

• Calendar
• Cork boards
• File shelf with hooks

14. Establish a Sunday Reset Routine

A Sunday reset sets the tone for your entire week and helps you start the week on your own terms!I’ve found that the more I prepare myself for the week on Sunday, the less stressed and anxious I feel on Monday.

Sunday Reset Routine Ideas #1:

• Full everything shower routine
• Clean bedding and laundry for the week
• Clean the house so everything in the right place and your home is orderly
• Plan for the week (use your planner and family calendar) 
• Make your to do list for the next day
• Meal prep/meal plan
• Order groceries/ go to grocery store
• Do something relaxing (go on a family walk, go to brunch, light a candle, watch a movie together)

Sunday Reset Routine Ideas #2:

Create a fun Sunday tradition like Sunday night movie or pizza night.

15. Transition Back To School Early

A few weeks before school begins, start transitioning back to school routines.

Back To School Transition Tip #1:

Move bedtime earlier gradually

Back To School Transition Tip #2:

Practice morning routines the week before school

Back To School Tranisition Tip #3:

Create a back to school countdown

16. Organize Your Car

The car clutter is so real, especially after summer!

Car Organization Tip:

Keep your car organized with storage solutions like seat-back organizers and trunk bins. Here are some of the items I like to store in the car to keep it organized:

• Healthy snacks
• Wipes
• Extra clothes
• Utensils ( I like this reusable set!)
• Water bottles (non-plastic because plastic can leach into water as microplastics while sitting in the sun)
• Trash can (reuse plastic grocery bags from your home)

17. Perfect Your Nighttime Routine

End the day with a consistent nighttime routine! A structured routine helps kids relax and prepares them for restful sleep. I have two kids in elementary school and this is how our nightime routine looks. My goal for bedtime is 8pm.

Nighttime Sample Routine

• 5:30pm – 6pm: eat dinner
• 6pm – 6:30pm: nighttime walk
• 6:30pm – 7pm: quiet family game (board game, puzzle, reading together)
• 7pm – 7:15pm: kid’s go to their room for quiet time while I get the bathroom ready for bath
• 7:15pm – 7:45pm: bath/shower, brush teeth, lotion and get dressed
• 7:45pm – 8pm: book, prayers, and bed

18. Add Important School Dates To The Family Calendar

We live by our family calendar! I keep this calendar on the fridge so everyone can see what we have going on. Making sure that the whole family can see the calendar is a good idea because we are all in the loop! If we have a question or we’re trying to write out our to-do list, we can start at the family calendar. This is one of my best school organization solutions for maintaining structure and not dropping the ball on anything. 

19. Have a Closet Cleanout

Having a clean closet will help make the mornings so much more smooth! Plus, you’ll want to make room for new school clothes!

Closet Cleanuout Tip #1:

Sort through your kids’ wardrobes to remove clothes they’ve outgrown or no longer wear. This makes room for new school clothes and keeps their closets clutter-free. I like to organize their closet in 2 sections: summer/spring and winter/fall. During the start of the school year it is still warm outside so I will put their summer/spring clothes closer to the bottom on the closet so my son can reach them. As the colder months come, I will rotate the clothes. This helps my son be more independent with choosing his clothes, and helps me to stay organized with fewer trips to the laundry room! 

Related Posts: What is Project 333? Declutter Your Closet With This Minimalist Clothing Challenge

20. Declutter Summer Items

Put away summer gear like swimsuits and beach towels to make space for school essentials. Store these items in labeled bins for easy access next year.

You can get these bins here and these labels here.

21. Label Everything

Label school supplies, lunch boxes, and clothing to prevent mix-ups and lost items. A label maker is a great way to easily organize your child’s items for the start of school.

I’ve found that this small and inexpensive label maker works perfectly for the items I need to turn in for my elementary school children!

22. Make a List of After School Activities

Keep track of all after-school activities by creating a list with days and times for each activity. This is especially important with older children who have multiple activities during the school year. From practices and payment due dates to games and team hangouts, write down everything you know as soon as you find out! This ensures you’re always aware of where your kids need to be and helps manage time effectively.

I write everything in my planner. EVERYTHING! This is how I stay the most organized. I still use a paper planner (my favorite planners are from Happy Planner – they’re FANTASTIC!). There are also great digital planners that are paperfree and can be used digitally.  These planners have digital calendars that allow you to schedule and track your needs for the start of school

My favorite paper planner!

​Amazing, all-in one digital planner 

23. Create A Keepsake Box

A keepsake box will help you store all of the important documents from your child’s school work that you may want to save for later! It is a great idea to help organize the most important things from your child’s backpack and the items you want to keep to look back on! 

To recreate this keepsake box, grab this portable file box with a handle and use your cricut to make labels (or grab these off Etsy!) and add a file folder set to organize by grade level or subject!

Getting organized for the back-to-school season doesn’t have to be daunting. With these tips, you can create a more structured and less stressful environment for both you and your kids. Remember, the key is to stay consistent and involve your children in the process.

I hope you enjoyed learning about these genius back to school organization ideas to help create an effortless school year!

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• Best Science Educational Activities for 3-5 Year Olds at Home: Hands-on Ideas For Kids + Guaranteed Fun

This activity and lesson is great for students of all ages, but I would reccomend Pre K – 5th grade. We’ll be using recycled containers like milk cartons and egg carts to help support plant growth and show how nonliving objects can play a role in helping living things thrive.

Science is all about curiosity!

We’ll use this DIY activity planting with kids to encourge students to explore the world around them by observing nature, ask questions, and use these everyday objects in creative ways.

You’ll want to first introduce the concept of living and nonliving things.

How to determine if something is a living thing? Here are some questions your students can ask:

• Can it grow?
• Can it move?
• Can it breathe?
• Does it need water to surive?
• Can it reproduce?
• Does it need food to survive?
• Can it die?
• Does it respond to it’s environment?

This video is great resource for teaching younger students (Pre K – K) about the concept of living and nonliving things:

I love this video for elementary students! It challenges the question what makes something alive?

Based on the criteria above, we know that plants are living things!

Plants grow and move (even if it’s very slow), plants reproduce, need water and food, and respond to their environment.

This planting with kids activity can help students understand the difference between living and non living things because they will be able to identify the different elements of the activity and determine whether it is living or non living.

Reusing cartons and containers for this planting with kids activity also makes it a great idea to do during spring or for Earth Day!

With this acitivity students will be able to:

• learn about the importance of plants
• identify living and non living componets
• explain the difference between living and non living things
• understand that plants need nutrients, air, water, light, and a place to grow

Examples of Living versus Non Living

Here are some examples to ask your students. Have them tell you where each of these are living or non living.

Ask students: are these examples of living or non living

• Tree
• Rock
• Flower
• Grass
• Table
• Pencil
• Dog
• Book
• Cat
• Bird
• Fish
• Cup
• Butterfly
• Toy
• Earthworm
• Bike
• Ant
• Scooter
• Frog
• Your friend
• Clock
• House
• Car
• Mushroom
• Baloon
• Horse
• Spoon
• Bee
• TV
• Snail
• Computer
• Cactus
• Sunglasses
• Squirrel
• Chicken
• Paper

Can You Grow Plants in Milk Cartons?

• Explain how milk cartons, egg cartons, and boxes can act as small planters for growing seeds.
• Discuss the benefits of using recycled containers—cost-effective, eco-friendly, and easy for kids to decorate.
• Mention any potential challenges (e.g., making sure there are drainage holes so the seeds don’t get too wet).

Here Are the Best Types of Seeds for This Activity:

These are great because they provide a quick reward for students. Not only do they grow quickly, they also do not rquire a lot of maintainence.

• Beans
• Sunflowers
• Lettuce
• Radishes
• Marigolds
• Peppers

How to Start Seeds in a Milk Carton

Materials Needed

• Empty milk cartons
• Scissors
• Soil
• Seeds
• Water
• Markers or stickers for decorating

Planting With Kids Instructions For Seeds In a Milk Carton

• Cut the top off the milk carton to create an open planter.
• Poke a few small holes in the bottom for drainage.
• Fill with soil, leaving some space at the top.
• Plant the seeds according to the seed packet instructions.
• Water lightly and place in a sunny spot.
• Observe daily, watering as needed, and watch for sprouts!

How to Start Seeds in an Egg Carton

Materials Needed

• Empty egg carton
• Soil
• Seeds
• Water
• Tray or plate (to catch water)

Planting With Kids Instructions For Seeds in an Egg Carton

• Fill each egg cup with soil.
• Plant one or two seeds in each section.
• Lightly water the soil.
• Keep in a warm, sunny spot and water regularly.
• Once the seedlings are big enough, you can transfer them into a garden or larger pot.

How to Start Seeds in a Cardboard Box

Materials Needed

• Small cardboard box (such as a shoebox) or a box from a small package
• Parchment paper (to prevent leaks)
• Soil
• Seeds
• Water

Planting With Kids Instructions For Seeds in a Carboard Box

• Line the inside of the box with parchment paper.
• Fill with soil and spread evenly.
• Plant seeds according to instructions.
• Lightly water and place in a warm, sunny spot.
• Observe and care for the seedlings as they grow.

Additional Activities For Planting With Kids:

• Track plant growth by drawing your predictions
• Write about your experience in a garden journal
• DIY plant labels with popsicle sticks. You can even make up a name for yoru seedlings
• Compare how seeds grow in the egg carton versus how seeds grow in the milk carton. Which grows the fastests?
• Place some seeds near the window and some seeds under light. Which grows the fastest?
• Talk about how the nonliving containers are helping the living plants grow.

I hope this post helps you with your DIY activity of planting with kids!

These activites are such a great way to teach kids about living and nonliving things. Understanding the difference between living and nonliving things helps kids see the world in a more realistic way.

Remember, living things can grow, change, and need food and water to survive! Non living things do not – but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t important!

Related Posts:

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What makes teaching shapes fun is the fact that shapes are everywhere! I always strive to introduce shapes in creative, hands-on ways to teaching shapes to your kindergarteners for kindergarteners.

If you’re looking for ideas to bring shapes to life in your classroom, you’re in the right place!

Here are some awesome ideas to know and love to use shapes to teach kindergarten and pre-k students.

Benefits of learning about shapes:

By using shapes to teach kindergarten, students will

• Develop problem-solving skills by recognizing patterns.
• Understand spatial awareness and visual perception.
• Build vocabulary as they learn to describe shapes and their attributes.
• Understand connections between classroom learning and real-world objects.

1. Real-life Examples:

Have your students identify the shapes around the classroom or homeschool room. This helps students make a real world connection by connecting the lesson to the students’ everyday environment. Take a classroom walk or go outside to find shapes in windows, signs, toys, or natural objects. The students will be able to connect abstract concepts to tangible examples. Here are some examples to shapes to teach kindergarten:

Square

• Window panes
• Checkerboard squares
• Post-it notes
• Picture frames

Circle

• Clocks
• Wheels
• Plates
• Frisbees

Oval

• Eggs
• Balloons
• Mirror frames
• Face shapes in portraits

Star

• Starfish
• Christmas tree stars
• Sheriff badges
• Stars in the night sky

Triangle

• Traffic yield signs
• Pizza slices
• Pyramids
• Roof gables

Heart

• Valentine’s Day cards
• Heart-shaped jewelry
• Cookie cutters
• Heart-shaped leaves

Rectangle

• Books
• Doors
• Phones and tablets
• Dollar bills

Hexagon

• Honeycombs
• Nuts and bolts (hexagonal heads)
• Stop signs in some countries (e.g., Canada)
• Tiled floors

Pentagon

• The Pentagon (U.S. Department of Defense building)
• Home plate in baseball
• Certain gemstones and decorative designs
• Some coasters

Diamond

• Kite shapes
• Playing card suits
• Diamond-shaped road signs
• Jewelry cuts

2. Get Moving

Use shapes to teach kindergarten by getting students active and involved.

Draw large shapes on the floor with tape or chalk. Have students trace the shapes with their fingers or walk along the edges. This activity is a fun way to reinforce the differences between shapes and encourage physical movement.

Students will be able to compose shapes and compare shapes with this activity made to teach shapes to your kindergarteners.

3. Use the Shapes Worksheet Packet

The Shapes Worksheet Packet includes activities that make learning shapes fun and interactive! I created this ultimate packet to help students learn and identify shapes.

Here are some of the components in the shapes worksheet packet:

• Shape Tracing Pages: Help students develop fine motor skills while reinforcing shape recognition.
• Sorting Activities: Challenge students to group shapes by type, size, or color.
• Matching Games: Connect shapes to real-world objects, like matching a circle to a pizza or a rectangle to a door.
• Drawing and Coloring: Encourage creativity by letting students design their own pictures using shapes.

These worksheets are great for independent practice, center activities, or even homework.

4. Shape Art Project

This is a project you can have your students do at home as a take home project.

Encourage students to create shape-based art projects. They can design houses, animals, or abstract collages using paper cutouts of different shapes.

5. Scavenger Hunt

Prep your classroom for a scavenger hunt! Hide objects around the room or make a list of object shapes that are already in the room. Create a list of clues such as “Find something shaped like a triangle,” or “Find three circles in the room.” “Find something with 4 equal sides”.

This game is more fun when students work in teams.

6. Shape Sort Relay

Have your students identify and sort shapes into the correct categories to build recognition and classification skills.

You can use the shapes packet to print out cutouts of the shapes. You can print in various colors too!

Place baskets or labeled bins around the room for each shape. Once you divide the class into teams, have each student one at a time run to pick up a shape and place it in the correct bin.

7. Shape Hopscotch

This activity uses shapes to teach kindergarteners and also gets them moving.

Draw or tape out hopscotch and tape the large cut-outs of the shapes on the floor.

Your students will love this! You can even make it even more fun like hop on one foot to the triangle, etc.

8. Shape Snacks

I love this activity because who doesn’t love a little snack!

In this activity, students will be able to identify and sort shapes. You’ll need to provide students with a variety of snack items and asked them to sort the snacks onto the correct part of their paper.

Circle Snacks

• Cookies
• Pepperoni slices
• Fruit or veggies cut into circles
• Bagels (mini bagels)
• Rice cakes
• Cereal in the shape of circles

Square Snacks

• Cheese slices
• Crackers
• Sandwiches
• Cheese It’s

Triangle Snacks

• Tortilla chips
• Pizza slices
• Watermelon slices

Rectangle Snacks

• Granola bars
• Carrot sticks
• Pretzel rods
• Graham crackers

Oval Snacks

• Grapes
• Almonds
• Mini sasuages

Star Snacks, heart snacks, hexagon snacks, pentagon snacks, diamond snacks

• use a shaped cookie cutter

8. Virtual Game

This game is fun an interactive and my students really loved it!

I hope you enjoyed these ideas about the best ways to use shapes to teach kindergarten!

Don’t forget to check out the shapes packet with over 75 pages of low/no prep activities to help your students meet learning objectives about shapes!

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1. Earth Day Emergent Reader Coloring Book Activity

Print out these booklet pages and cut (or have your students cut) along the dotted line.

There is a color version and a B&W version you can print on colored paper or have your students color. Staple the pages together for the perfect Earth Day booklet!

This book comes with 30 pages total; 15 in black and white, 15 in color.

2. Tracing Earth Day Vocabulary

Students will learn about different Earth Day vocabulary words and trace the words and trace the images!

This is perfect pre-writing activity set to help your students develop fine motor skills while learning about our Earth!

Each page is filled with Earth-friendly images that encourage students to trace, and color, and reinforce important concepts like recycling, planting and taking care of nature.

3. Rock Painting With Messages (Free Download)

Make a fun Earth Day resource for kids!

Painting rocks is an engaging way to have your students celebrate Earth Day and read simple environmental messages.

have a sharing circle where students talk about what they designed and what it means.

Gather the students and ask them about their favorite part of the activity. Discuss the colors they used and any stories they created through their rock paintings.

Encourage students to talk to their families about what they learned and discuss ways they can be kind to the Earth at home. 

Read more about how to do this activity here: Best Creative Rock Painting Ideas for Earth Day (Easy + Fun)

4. Earth Day Bingo

Celebrate Earth Day in a fun way with these 30 unique Earth Day Bingo Cards for your class! This includes the calling cards for this Earth Day Game.

The cards represent beautiful photos of biotic and abiotic features. These bingo cards are picture only bingo cards making them ideal for Elementary school students, but can also be used for older kids.

5. Nature Walk Observation (Free)

Download this FREE nature walk bingo to talk along with you and your students on a nature walk! My students LOVE our nature walk bingo.

You can play the game in so many different ways.

FREE
Nature Walk Bingo

Make your nature walk even more fun with this easy, no prep scavenger hunt for Pre K – 1st grade students.

GET IT HERE!

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6. Recycle Sorting Game (Physical Game)

I’ve purchased these boxes to use for a group activity! Divide the students into groups and allow them to read the items and sort them in the appropriate bin.

Make it a game and whoever gets the most items correct wins!

7. Four Seasons Activites

Use these activities to color, sort, cut & paste, read, write, and trace! This packet is full of activities that are sure to capture your student’s attention.

These low-prep activities can be easily added to supplement your Earth Day fun for your emergent readers.

8. Recycling Sorting Game (Printable)

Challenge your emergent readers with this composting activity for kids!

With this bin sorting activity, kids will be able to complete a recycling sort, a trash sort, a compost sort, and combinations of each!

Students will read the items on each of the cards and learn about what goes into the right bin and how to recycle right!

9. Earth Day Bookmarks

Students will read and color these Earth Day bookmarks! Each bookmark features ways students can help the Earth!

Bonus:

Here are 9 other days to celebrate Earth Day with kids!

I hope you enjoyed these Earth Day Emergent Reader ideas for your students!