# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
RECYCLING 101 | what is recyclable and non recyclable

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Pyramids of Giza Walking Tour (4K/60fps)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Earth Day is fast approaching (April 22), though there really is never a bad time to celebrate Mother Earth. It's important to teach students the environmental benefits of recycling, like conserving energy and natural resources and reducing air and water pollution, all year long. While recycling breaks down old items in order to create something new, upcyling makes something new from an existing object in its current state. Challenge your students to create something unique and wonderful from preexisting items like magazines, plastic water bottles, tin cans, egg cartons, and more. Check out our list of the best upcycled crafts for Earth Day or any day, and give some of them a try!

1. Make wildflower seed bombs.

Give back to Mother Earth with these easy-to-make seed bombs. Blend together used scraps of construction paper, water, and wildflower seeds in a food processor, then form them into tiny muffins. Let them dry, then toss them in the ground. As the seed bombs receive sun and rain, the paper will eventually compost and the seeds will germinate.

2. Create nature wreaths.

Take your kids on a nature walk to gather interesting leaves, flowers, berries, etc. To make the wreath forms, braid together strips of old T-shirts and form them into a circle. Then attach natural items into the crevices and secure with clear fishing line or hot glue. Attach a ribbon at the top to hang your wreath.

3. Construct a bug hotel.

Create a cozy place for all the creepy-crawlies to hang out. Cut a two-liter plastic bottle into two cylinders, then stuff it with sticks, pine cones, bark, or any other natural material. Make sure to pack the organic material tightly. Then loop a piece of twine or yarn around the two cylinders and hang your bug hotel from a tree branch or fence.

Learn more: Red Ted Art

4. Make a quilt.

Textiles make up a huge portion of municipal solid waste- over 16 million tons per year. Teach your kids to repurpose old material that would otherwise end up in the landfill by putting together a cozy quilt.

Learn more: Teach Student Savvy

5. Use magazines to create a bowl.

We love Earth Day crafts that result in a practical object you can use around the house. This project is best for older students who have the patience and dexterity necessary to carefully roll their magazine strips and glue them together.

Learn more: DIY Joy

6. Create Earth moss balls.

Pay tribute to our lovely planet on Earth Day with these fuzzy moss balls. Kids who love getting their hands dirty will particularly love this craft. All you do is squish pre-soaked sphagnum moss into a tight ball, wrap it tightly with blue yarn or strips of discarded T-shirts, layer more moss and more yarn, etc., until you've created an Earth-shaped orb. Finish with a loop of yarn and hang it in a sunny window. To keep your moss ball healthy, simply spray it with water every couple of days.

Learn more: Mother Natured

7. Create a hanging garden.

Large plastic bottles become beautiful hanging planters in this green-living and green-thumb project. A great way to make a gorgeous hanging garden.

8. Upcycle trash into flower art.

Scraps of paper are the only supplies you need for this recycled-flower-garden activity and lesson. The measurement and math element is an added bonus.

9. "Grow" an egg carton tree.

Save those egg cartons! This simple project only requires a few supplies to make a recycled egg carton tree.

Learn more: Glued to My Crafts

10. Create binoculars using paper towel rolls.

Save those paper rolls so your class can customize their own binoculars! Have a variety of paints, stickers, etc., on hand so your students can really personalize their bird watchers!

Learn more: Today's Parent

11. Create your own flexible seating.

One of our favorite Earth Day crafts has to be upcycling tires into comfy seating for our reading nook.

Learn more: Hanging With Mrs. Hulsey

12. Fashion a pop-top bracelet.

Aluminum beverage pop tops become wearable jewelry thanks to some ribbon ninja work. Put this video onto your interactive whiteboard to give your students the full 411, and then get crafting!

13. Chime the wind.

Go outside for a nature walk and gather sticks, weeds, and pickable blooms, then bring the treasures inside to be showcased in recycled jar lids. With some wax paper and string, your students can craft this surprisingly beautiful recycled wind chime.

Learn more: Hands On as We Grow

14. Paint paper bags.

Brown paper bags become eco-canvases for artwork and a perfect way to adorn fridges for Earth Day. Bonus points if you can source handled bags, because the handles serve as built-in artwork hangers.

Learn more: Small for Big

15. Make a recycled city.

Create an adorable village using little more than paper rolls, paper, scissors, paint, glue or tape, and your imagination!

Learn more: Today's Parent

16. Create pebble art.

Take students outside to collect small rocks and pebbles. Have them arrange the rocks into a creative pattern of their choice. Get creative, and try for as many different designs as you can! Once you're finished, simply leave the rocks where you found them.

17. Use old crayons to make new ones.

This isn't just any recycled crayon. It's a gorgeous Earth crayon! You can make these with your kids using a muffin tin. You just need to sort out the right colors.

Learn more: The Gunny Sack

18. Use upcycled objects to make mazes.

STEM and recycling go together wonderfully! This idea is a great way to challenge kids to make mazes or something else entirely.

Learn more: Hello, Wonderful

19. Make a rope snake.

Recycling projects that use objects you may have laying around your garage or shed are some of our favorites! Grab that old rope you've been saving and create these adorable rope worms/snakes with your students.

Learn more: Make Film Play

20. Feed the birds.

Herald spring with this easy crowd-pleaser: the large plastic bottle bird feeder. This short video will teach kids how to get started constructing their feeders.

21. Get organized with old cans.

Tin cans are easy to get your hands on, and they can go a long way in organizing supplies. Get your kids involved by having them help decorate the cans. They'll really take ownership of this, which will hopefully help them want to keep supplies more organized.

Learn more: Sandy Toes and Popsicles

22. Make papier-mâché pots.

Cut off the bottoms of beverage bottles or reuse food containers and jazz them up with bright-colored paper scraps. Except for the glue, these papier-mâché planters are composed solely of recycled materials.

Learn more: Childhood 101

23. Make a necklace out of junk.

Earth Day art that is wearable is a bonus! Use found objects or some string to create these unique necklaces.

Learn more: The Awesome Childhood Project

24. Make chair fidgets out of old tees.

Give old T-shirts new life with this craft by making chair fidgets. This uses a simple braiding technique, and your kids will love helping out.

25. Collaborate on an aluminum can recycling bin.

Kids can work together to create an aluminum-can recycling center. Watch the video above to get the simple instructions and learn how your school can make recycling fun and rewarding.

26. Create tin can robots.

Recycling projects like these are the best since kids love robots. Be sure to have an extra pair of adult hands around to help with the hot glue.

Learn more: Creative Jewish Mom

27. Fashion fairy houses.

Are these the sweetest Earth Day crafts ever? Plastic bottles from home become homes for fairies, thanks to paint, scissors, glue, and real or faux greenery.

Learn more: Crafts by Amanda

28. Create a giant upcycled art wall.

This is an amazing recycled wall masterpiece. You could set it up on a cardboard backing and then let students add to it, paint it, and create with it whenever they have free time throughout the day.

Learn more: Art Bar Blog

29. Make your own games.

Use bottle caps in a game of tic-tac-toe. They can also be turned into checkers. This would be a great makerspace activity. Give your kids several upcycled items and challenge them to create games!

Source: Reuse Grow Enjoy

30. Make a treasure magnet.

These treasure magnets are just so beautiful! Recycle a bottle cap and glue a variety of gemstones and beads inside. Finally, add a magnet to the back.

Learn more: Hattifant

31. Turn old magazines into art.

We love how this upcycled magazine cut-paper art project can be modified for primary students or used to inspire sophisticated art by high school students.

Learn more: Suzy's Artsy Craftsy Sitcom

32. Build beautiful terrariums.

A bottle gets a second life as a museum-worthy terrarium as well as a home for an environmental science project. Be sure to add the activated charcoal and moss for plastic bottle terrariums that flourish.

Learn more: Adirondack Girl at Heart

33. Paint with corks.

This is the perfect kind of Earth Day art since you use recycled material (corks) to paint your favorite scene from nature.

Learn more: 30 Seconds

34. Set up a self-watering planter.

Your classroom studies of plant life, photosynthesis, and water conservation will get a boost with this hands-on crafting of a self-watering planter. The base? A good ol' large plastic bottle.

Learn more: ehow

35. Form flowers from water bottles.

Upcycled water bottle flowers are an easy craft that can be sourced directly from your recycling bin, with the help of some paint.

36. Build cardboard castles.

Gather all your recyclables and put those tiny engineers to work. You'll be amazed by what they create!

Learn more: Fun-a-Day

37. Make these newspaper owls.

Old newspapers find their spirit animal when they become recycled newspaper owls. All you need are markers, watercolors, and paper scraps to make them come alive.

Learn more: I Heart Crafty Things

38. Construct a plastic bottle recycling bin.

Water bottles come together, as do your kids, to make this water bottle recycling center. This project combines teamwork with respect for our environment, a double win.

39. Create genius ideas out of cardboard.

Cardboard is one of the easiest, least expensive materials you can get your hands on. Grab a ton of it and challenge your kids to make awesome creations. You never know what they might come up with.

40. Make an instrument.

There are no limits to the recycling projects you can create using paper rolls. We especially love that this DIY instrument will teach kids about vibrations and sound.

Learn more: No Time for Flash Cards

41. Create a spinning top.

Do you have a bunch of CDs lying around that never get played anymore? How about a box or drawer of markers that barely write? If you answered yes to these questions, then this is the perfect project for you.

Learn more: Artsy Momma

42. Fashion lady bugs from bottle caps.

These little ladybugs are so cute and yet so, so simple. Grab some bottle caps, paint, googly eyes, and glue and get ready to make some adorable friends!

Learn more: Love and Lollipops

What are your favorite Earth Day crafts? Share in the comments below!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
42 Earth Day Crafts and Classroom Activities That Use Recycled Materials

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Raid your recycling bins for supplies and then try one of these eco-savvy Earth Day crafts that is sure to be a hit with students.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Check out the HOME version.

Check out the GIANT version!
You will need

A volcano - Talk to an art teacher about how to make a volcano out of paper mache or plaster. You can also use clay or if you're in a hurry to make your volcano, use a mound of dirt outside.

A container that 35mm film comes in, and old pill bottle, a baby food jar, or similar size container.

Red and yellow food coloring (optional)

Vinegar

Liquid dish washing soap

What to do

1. Go outside or prepare for some clean-up inside

2. Put the container into the volcano at the top

3. Add two spoonfuls of baking soda

4. Add about a spoonful of dish soap

5. Add about 5 drops each of the red and yellow food coloring

Now for the eruption!:
Add about an ounce of the vinegar into the container and watch what your volcano come alive.

A VOLCANO is produced over thousands of years as heat a pressure build up. That aspect of a volcano is very difficult to recreate in a home experiment. However this volcano will give you an idea of what it might look like when a volcano erupts flowing lava. This is a classic experiment in which a CHEMICAL reaction can create the appearance of a PHYSICAL volcano eruption. You should look at pictures of volcanoes to be familiar with the different types. (A SHIELD volcano, for example is the most common kind of volcano, and yet few people know about them) The reaction will bubble up and flow down the side like a real volcano (only much faster!) Look for videos of volcanoes erupting and be sure that you understand how heat and pressure work to really make volcanoes erupt.
MAKE IT AN EXPERIMENT
The project above is a DEMONSTRATION. To make it a true experiment, you can try to answer these questions:

1. Does vinegar temperature affect how fast the volcano erupts?
2. Does the shape of the volcano affect the direction the eruption travels?
3. What can be added to the "lava" to slow it down and make it more like real lava?
4. What combination of vinegar and baking soda creates the biggest eruption?

Science Bob

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Check out the HOME version. Check out the GIANT version! A volcano - Talk to an art teacher about how to make a volcano out of paper mache or plaster. You can also use clay or if you're in a hurry to make your volcano, use a mound of dirt outside.

# data[].attributes.headline
Celebrate Birthdays and Holidays While Socially Distanced

# data[].attributes.subject
Celebrate Birthdays and Holidays While Socially Distanced

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Celebrating Birthdays and Holidays During Social Distancing | Parenting Tips & Advice | PBS KIDS for Parents

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Celebrating special occasions in the time of coronavirus is tough. Here are some ideas from families across the country who are creating socially-distant celebrations.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Share Your Story Books Kindness Rock Painting Supplies Shop Blog As Seen In Free Downloads Frequently Asked Questions Ask Megan to Speak Online 6 week Coaching program Workshop Facilitator Course Find A Facilitator SEL School Package

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Under The Canopy (360 video) | Conservation International (CI)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Nurture a Love of Reading and Learning

Read and Learn on Epic! Anytime. Anywhere.

"Amazing!" ~ Kara, Mom of 2

"All my favorite books!" ~ Emily, Age 8

"My students LOVE Epic!" ~ Mrs. MCoy, 2nd Grade

Includes up to 4 reader profiles for no additional cost

Kids explore their interests in a fun, safe, kid-friendly environment

See what your kids are reading and learning on Epic!

"All my favorite books!" ~ Emily, Age 8

Epic! is Free for Elementary School Teachers and Librarians!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
online access fun thousands children great kids ebooks books

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Instantly access 35,000 high-quality books for kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The leading digital library for kids offering unlimited access to 35,000 of the best children's books of all time. Sign up for a free 30 day trial to instantly access high-quality online books for kids, ebooks, audio books, quizzes, videos, and more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
As China's most famous attraction, the Great Wall of China is an essential stop on all China tours. Commonly considered a wonder of the world, the Great Wall boasts a history of over 2,000 years and stretches more than 3,000 miles across several provinces of northern China, making it one of the most impressive ancient structures on the planet.

Virtual Tour of the Great Wall of China

Best Sections to Visit

Beijing is usually considered the main gateway to the Great Wall, since there are several world-famous sections of the Wall in the suburbs of Beijing, including Badaling, Mutianyu, Jinshanling, Juyongguan, Gubeikou, and Jiankou. These sections were built during the Ming dynasty between the 14th and 17th centuries and have been well preserved.

Of all the sections of the Great Wall near Beijing, Badaling is the most famous one. As a result, Badaling is the destination of choice for many large tour groups and is often very crowded. The nearby Juyongguan Great Wall features one of the three great mountain passes of the Great Wall but is almost as crowded as Badaling.

Mutianyu Great Wall is just as close as Badaling and offers wonderful views of the Great Wall and the surrounding hills with far fewer tourists. This section of the Wall also features a thrilling toboggan run that you can ride from the top of the Wall down to the bottom of the hill.

Due to their proximity, Badaling, Juyongguan, and Mutianyu are all doable as a half-day trip from downtown Beijing. We usually recommend Mutianyu over Badaling or Juyongguan, since the massive crowds at the latter two sections can ruin one's experience of this impressive structure.

Further away from Beijing, Jinshanling Great Wall is about 150 km northeast of downtown and it usually takes about two and a half hours to drive there. Despite the longer drive, Jinshanling is among the most stunning sections of the Great Wall. If your itinerary allows for one full day seeing the Great Wall, then we highly recommend a tour to Jinshanling.

Gubeikou and Jiankou can also be visited within a day tour from Beijing. Both sections have not been restored since they were first built in the Ming Dynasty, making them ideal choices for those who want to hike and experience the wild Great Wall. Do be aware that the Jiankou section features very steep and dangerous climbs and is only suitable for experienced hikers.

There are also some other famous sections of the Great Wall within or outside Beijing, such as Huanghuacheng, Simatai, and Shanhaiguan, but we only recommend these if you are visiting the Great Wall for a second time or planning a multi-day, in-depth Great Wall tour.

Great Wall Hiking and Camping

Due to its original purpose as a military defense, almost all sections of Great Wall were built on mountain ranges and thus involve some challenging climbs and uneven stairs, including the well-restored sections. If you are visiting a restored section but hike to the end of the renovated part, you will be able to see the unrestored part of the Great Wall.

For most visitors, Mutianyu and Jinshanling offer good, medium difficulty hikes, while still being very safe. For those looking for a serious hike along wild, unrestored portions of the Wall, we suggest the Jinshanling to Jinshanling East, or Gubeikou to Jinshanling routes. All these routes boast both unrestored and picturesque renovated sections of the Wall. However, please be aware that hikes along wild, unrestored parts of the Great Wall involve many steep climbs and loose bricks, and can be very dangerous in some places. (People can no longer hike through from Jinshanling to Simatai since the route was closed years ago.)

Camping on the Great Wall is usually banned, especially on the renovated sections. If you want to spend a night sleeping on the Great Wall, we can take you to a watchtower on the Gubeikou section of the Great Wall to experience the life of an ancient soldier and catch amazing sunrise/sunset views over the Wall.

Best Time to Visit

For all sections of the Great Wall near Beijing, the spring months (April to June) offer temperate weather and are great for climbing. In late April to early May, many trees begin to blossom, making this a particularly beautiful period to visit the Wall. Fall is also a nice time to visit, as temperatures are usually comfortable. October to early November are particularly picturesque, as the tree leaves on the mountains begin to change color. The winter months, from December to February, are cold and can be windy, but there are usually far fewer tourists on the Wall during these months. July and August are hot and humid, and thus not the best for long hikes. In addition, it's best to avoid hiking on the Wall after rain or snowfall because some parts can get very slippery.

You should also avoid visiting the popular sections, such as Badaling, Juyongguan, and Mutianyu, around National Day (the first week in October) and Spring Festival. August is also a busy time for the Badaling and Juyongguan sections, since students are on summer vacation and many families travel to these famous sections with their kids before the new school year starts. Learn more about how to avoid the crowds when traveling in China.

Great Wall of China Private Tour Packages

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
As China's most famous attraction, the Great Wall of China is an essential stop on all China ... Virtual Tour of the Great Wall of China ...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Robert Irwin's virtual Australia Zoo tour!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
New Horizon - Meditation & Sleep Stories

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Guided Meditation for Children | THE GRATITUDE TREE | Kids Meditation for Happiness

# data[].attributes.body
You can do your part EVERY day!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, to enjoy a better life | Educational Video for Kids.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We have a bit of a tradition here at Left Brain Craft Brain. Every February when the winter seems like it will never end, we warm things up with a bit of STEAM. And STEM, too, with 28 Days of STEM Activities and STEAM Activities for Kids. Be sure to follow along this month as I share 60+ Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math projects that will get your kids and your classrooms excited about learning again. I've partnered with a huge crew of creative bloggers and we'll be sharing the coolest STEM & STEAM activities you'll see all year.

This post contains affiliate links.

Why Do Kids Need STEM & STEAM?

STEM is the abbreviation for Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math. In STEAM we add an A for Art, too. Both are integrated approaches to learning that encourage students to think more broadly about real-world problems. This interdisciplinary approach has helped create innovations like the iPhone, the original laptop computer, and is even revolutionizing cooking in third world countries, and improving air quality as a result.

It helps students ask questions, connect the dots, problem solve, think creatively, and be innovative. And not only can STEAM save the world, but it can also save our kids too by making their future bright. STEM jobs are expected to grow by 16% in the US between 2014 and 2024 compared to only 11% for other sectors*. And right now, science & engineering careers earn more than double the income of the median job in the United States.*

So let's get more science, technology, engineering, art, and math into our kids' lives. Ready for the fun?!?

You're Gonna Love 28 Days of STEM Activities and STEAM Activities for Kids

This year we're doing the weekly topics a little bit differently... I hear a lot from readers asking for a tech project or an art project for their kids or students. So this year we're going to round-up some amazing projects with a focus on each of the buckets in STEM & STEAM. But don't worry, they're still going to be integrated projects that check off more than one bucket!

Science Activities for Kids

Experimentation is one of the foundations of STEM. Check out these amazing science projects for kids!

Check out descriptions and pictures of all of these posts and more amazing Science Projects for Kids in this round-up!

February 1st - 6th

Need Help While School is Out?

Check out our Boredom Buster Activity Plan! I pulled together a TOTALLY FREE activity plan for you to do at home with the kids. It's filled with entertaining hands-on STEAM projects, printables, snack ideas, and most of all it's filled with FUN. Plus, you'll have all the supplies you need on hand (or in the backyard!).

Technology Activities for Kids

Coding, circuits, and computers, oh my! The world of technology is our children's future. Let's get them ready with some fun activities! You can see descriptions and photos of all these activities in 20+ Technology Projects Your Kids Will Love.

February 7th - 11th

Engineering Activities for Kids

Kids are born builders. Encourage those early skills with some engineering activities they'll love. You can see photos and descriptions of all these activities and more in 50+ Awesome Engineering Projects for Kids.

February 12th - 17th

Get the kids creative juices flowing with some amazing art projects that have some science and engineering built in.

Art Activities for Kids

Check out the entire pictures and descriptions for all the projects in this list of 40 of the Best Art Activities for Kids!

February 18th - 23rd

Math Activities for Kids

Don't fall for the worksheet trap for math! Hands-on activities help kids really internalize what they're working on and are a lot more fun. You can see photos and descriptions of all these activities in Math = Fun Math Activities for Kids.

February 24th - 28th

Looking for some more STEAM inspiration that you can use right now? Instant gratification style? Check out STEAM Explorers!! The coolest new creative experience for kids is here! Think digital magazine meets online project portal in a safe, kid-friendly environment. (No more worrying about what might be hidden in that YouTube vid!) All engineer, teacher, and mom approved. And most definitely KID APPROVED!⁣

What's included?⁣

A monthly digital magazine with cool themes that's fun to read

Hands-on, exciting projects the kids will love.⁣

Science, tech, engineering, art, and math learning YOU'LL love.⁣

Delicious recipes the kids can make.⁣

Fun printables and games⁣

Check out our latest Sports issue, inspired by your favorite sports and the athletes who love them!

All packed up in an easy-to-do package, ready for kids ages 6-12 to have fun.

Follow Along with 28 Days of Hands-On STEM

Want to stay up to date on all the cool projects? I'll be sharing them daily on the Left Brain Craft Brain Facebook page and pinning them to my Pinterest STEM board. Or come join the STEAM Kids Challenge on Instagram. We'll be posting new projects and cool ideas every day.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
28 Days of STEM Activities and STEAM Activities for Kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We have a bit of a tradition here at Left Brain Craft Brain. Every February when the winter seems like it will never end, we warm things up with a bit of STEAM. And STEM, too, with 28 Days of STEM Activities and STEAM Activities for Kids.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
New Horizon - Meditation & Sleep Stories

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Guided Meditation for Children | THE GRATITUDE TREE | Kids Meditation for Happiness

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Go to content Go to navigation Go to search Change language

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
25 Acts of Kindness For Children to Try | Your Chlld & You

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Here's a list of thoughtful and kind gestures that your child can try today!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
I came up with these smile it forward compliment cards for a fun way to remind them that small things matter and kind words are important. It's also wonderful to teach them that their actions can even influence a total stranger.

Teaching my children kindness is really important to me. The best way to do that is to lead by example, which is something I am constantly reminding myself. I also love finding little activities that help them to show kindness to others without spending money.

Free Printable Compliment Cards For Kids

These printable kindness cards can be given out to friends and family that may need a little smile or can be used as a fun random act of kindness project, which is the way that we used them.

What you'll do is download the printables and place them in random places around your community for people to find.

You may want to keep a small roll of tape with you so you can tape them onto bathroom mirrors or gas pumps. You can also leave them in store aisles or inside library books.

The possibilities are endless!

Download Your Free Printable Compliment Cards

With this download you will get 6 beautifully colored cards that each read something positive.

Go ahead and print them off, cut them out, and start making the world a better place one compliment card at a time!

Download {FREE PRINTABLE} Compliment Cards!

Understanding Kindness

I love the Plato quote, "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."

You never know what people may be going through. My goal with these compliment cards is for kids to think about the people that will find them.
Are they having a bad day? Are they feeling sad about something? Do you think the note made them smile?
This activity serves as a great conversation starter with your little ones about other things they can do to be kind!

More Kindness Printables

If you enjoyed these printable kindness cards then you will enjoy our other free printables. We have hundreds of printables to choose from!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Free Printable Compliment Cards To Make People's Day Brighter

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
I came up with these smile it forward compliment cards for a fun way to remind them that small things matter and kind words are important. It's also wonderful to teach them that their actions can even influence a total stranger. Teaching my children kindness is really important to me.

# data[].attributes.body
Make a rainbow and put it in your window, walk in your neighborhood and look for other rainbows!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
When I became the Kennedy Center Education Artist-in-Residence, I didn't realize the most impactful word in that title would be "Residence." -illustrator Mo Willems

Even as schools regroup and online instruction gathers steam, the scramble continues to keep cooped-up kids engaged and happy.

These COVID-19-prompted online drawing lessons and activities might not hold much appeal for the single-minded sports nut or the junior Feynman who scoffs at the transformative properties of art, but for the art-y kid, or fans of certain children's illustrators, these are an excellent diversion.

Mo Willems, author of Knuffle Bunny and the Kennedy Center's first Education Artist-in-Residence, is opening his home studio every weekday at 1pm EST for approximately twenty minutes worth of LUNCHDOODLES. Episode 5, finds him using a fat marker to doodle a Candyland-ish game board (sans treacle).

Once the design is complete, he rolls the dice to advance both his piece and that of his home viewer. A 5 lands him on the crowd-pleasing directive "fart." Clearly the online instructor enjoys certain liberties the classroom teacher would be ill-advised to attempt.

Check out the full playlist on the Kennedy Center's YouTube channel and download activity pages for each episode here.

#MoLunchDoodles

If the daily LUNCHDOODLES leaves 'em wanting more, there's just enough time for a quick pee and snack break before 's Jarrett J. Krosoczka takes over with Draw Everyday with JJK, a basic illustration lesson every weekday at 2pm EST. These are a bit more nitty gritty, as JJK, the kid who loved to draw and grew up to be an artist, shares practical tips on penciling, inking, and drawing faces. Pro tip: resistant Star Wars fans will likely be hooked by the first episode's Yoda, a character Krosoczka is well versed in as the author and illustrator of the Star Wars Jedi Academy series.

Find the complete playlist here.

Illustrator Carson Ellis eschews video lessons to host a Quarantine Art Club on her Instagram page. Her most recent assignment is cartography based challenge, with helpful tips for creating an "impactful page turn" for those who wish to share their creations on Instagram:

DRAW A MAP: When we think of treasure maps, we think of sea monsters, islands with palm trees, pirate ships, anthropomorphic clouds blowing gales upon white-capped seas. YOUR map can be of anywhere: an enchanted wood, a dystopian suburb, your backyard, your apartment that has never felt so small, all of the above, none of the above. Or your map can be a traditional treasure map leading to a pirate's hoard. It's totally up to you. Three things that you MUST include are: a compass rose (very important-look this up if you don't know what it is), the name of the place you are mapping, and a red X. DRAW THE TREASURE: The first part of this assignment is to draw a map with a red X to mark the location of hidden treasure. The second part of this assignment is to draw the treasure. I don't know what the treasure is. Only you know what the treasure is. Draw it on a separate piece of paper from the map.
BONUS POINTS: If you're going to post this on instagram, I recommend formatting it with two images. Post the map first, then the treasure which the viewer will swipe to see. This will create what we in the kids book world call AN IMPACTFUL PAGE TURN. That's the thing that happens when you're reading a picture book and you turn the page to discover something funny or surprising. It's kind of hard to explain, but you know a good page turn when you've experienced one.

#QuarantineArtClub

Wendy McNaughton, who specializes in drawn journalism, also likes the Instagram platform, hosting a live Draw Together session every school day, from 10-10.30 am PST. Her approach is a bit more freeform, with impromptu dance parties, special guests, and field trips to the backyard.

Her How to Watch Draw Together highlight is a hilarious crash course in Instagram Live, scrawled in magic marker by someone who's possibly only now just getting a grip on the platform. Don't see it? Maybe it's the weekend, or "maybe ask a millennial for help?"
#DrawTogether
And bless E.B. Goodale, an illustrator, first time author and mother of a young son, who having counteracted the heartbreak of a cancelled book tour with a hastily launched week of daily Instagram Live Toddler Drawing Club meetings, made the decision to scale back to just Tuesdays and Thursdays:

It was fun doing it everyday but turned out to be a bit too much to handle given our family's new schedule. We're all figuring it out, right? I hope you will continue to join me in our unchartered territory next week as we draw to stay sane. Tune in live to make requests or watch it later and follow along at home.

(Her How to Draw a Cat tutorial, above, was likely intended for in-person bookstore events relating to her just published Under the Lilacs...)

#drawingwithtoddlers

Our personal favorite is Stickies Art School, whose online children's classes are led not by multi-disciplinary artist Nina Katchadourian, whose Facebook page serves as the online institution's home, but rather her senior tuxedo cat, Stickies.

Stickies, who comes to the gig with an impressive command of English, honed no doubt by frequent appearances on Katchadourian's Instagram page, affects a diffident air to dole out assignments, the latest of which is above.

He allows his students ample time to complete their tasks - thus far all portraits of himself. The next one, to render Stickies in a costume of the artist's choice, is due Wednesday by 9am, Berlin time.

Stickies also offers positive feedback on submitted work in delightful follow up videos, a responsibility that Katchadourian takes seriously:

There have been so many conversations at NYU Gallatin where I'm on the faculty about online teaching, how to do it, how to think of a studio course in this new form, etc, and I think perhaps that crossed over with the desire to cheer up some people with kids, many of whom are already Stickies fans, or so I have been told.

His child proteges are no doubt unaware that Stickies looked ready to leave the planet several weeks ago, a fact whose import will resonate with many pet owners in these dark days:

Maybe a third element was just being so glad he is still around, that having him actively "out there" feels good and life-affirming at the moment.

Stickies Art School is marvelous fun for adults to audit from afar, via Katchadourian's public Facebook posts. If you are a parent whose child would like to participate, send her a friend request and mention that you're doing so on behalf of your child artist.

Searching on the hashtag #artteachersofinstagram will yield many more resources.

Art of Education University has singled out 12 accounts to get you started, as well as lots of helpful information for classroom art teachers who are figuring out how to teach effectively online.
Related Content: Learn to Draw Butts with Just Five Simple Lines Cartoonist Lynda Barry Teaches You How to Draw How to Draw the Human Face & Head: A Free 3-Hour Tutorial Ayun Halliday is an author, illustrator, theater maker and Chief Primatologist of the East Village Inky zine. Given the cancellation of everything, she's taken to Instagram to document her social distance strolls through New York City's Central Park, using the hashtag #queenoftheapeswalk Follow her @AyunHalliday.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Free Online Drawing Lessons for Kids, Led by Favorite Artists & Illustrators

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
When I became the Kennedy Center Education Artist-in-Residence, I didn't realize the most impactful word in that title would be 'Residence.' -illustrator Mo Willems Even as schools regroup and online instruction gathers steam, the scramble continues to keep cooped-up kids engaged and happy.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Monterey Bay Aquarium Sea Otter Program has played an important role in the continued recovery of the southern sea otter population with our research, rescue, rehabilitation, and surrogacy work.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
With ten live cams to choose from, you can experience the wonder of the ocean no matter where you are. Be delighted by the antics of our sea otters or mellow out to the hypnotic drifting of our jellies. Tune in to one of the Monterey Bay Aquarium's web cams.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Leo Lionni's Frederick has always been one of my favorite books. It tells the story of a group of mice preparing for the winter, busily collecting food for the cold days ahead. But one mouse, Frederick, collects other things, like sun rays, colors, and words. The other mice tease him at first, until the darkest winter days when they realize that the things that Frederick has collected and can share with them make their world a better place.

This post contains affiliate links. See my Disclosure Policy for details.
I've always loved because it is such as sweet and inspiring fable. Frederick is a dreamer and a poet, and though the other mice don't appreciate him at first, they come to realize that art and poetry can feed their spirits as much as food feeds their bodies. teaches us that everyone has value and worth, and that art is an important and necessary part of our world (both of which are lessons we sorely need right now). I love reading with my boys, and I hope that it helps inspire them to be anything that they want to be and to know that they are valued.

Frederick also inspired us to make our world a little more beautiful. On a very cold and snowy day (really! in April!) we decided to take a lesson from Frederick and decorate some stones for our garden - just like Frederick's colors and words decorated his world, we hope these will make our little part of the world brighter.

These kid made garden stones are so easy - here's what you need to make some for yourself.

The plush mouse pictured above is optional but really makes the story come to life! We picked him up at Kohl's - find him online here.

Start by choosing some smooth stones. Clean off any dirt and allow them to dry. Then set out an assortment of art supplies - we used dot markers and assorted Sharpie markers. After reading , invite your children to "collect the colors" like Frederick does in the book and decorate their stones. I helped mine to get started by making little flowers with the dot markers.

They loved decorating their own stones. We talked about the different colors and how they each made us feel. It was so fun!

Once they are finished, allow them to dry completely. Coat each with Mod Podge if you are planning to put them outside. We're putting ours in our garden!

All this week, our friends at Emma Owl are celebrating great children's books with fun crafts to go with them! Check out over 50 book inspired crafts for kids- there are sure to be some really fun ideas from some of our favorite bloggers! Find them all here.

Check out what's new:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Painting Rocks: Preschool Book Activity Inspired by Frederick

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Leo Lionni's Frederick has always been one of my favorite books. It tells the story of a group of mice preparing for the winter, busily collecting food for the cold days ahead. But one mouse, Frederick, collects other things, like sun rays, colors, and words.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
How does your preschooler's crayon collection look? Is it a little shabby with nubby, dull crayons floating around the box? I don't know about your kids, but nothing is more uninspiring to my kiddos than crayons that don't have a point. They refuse to color with them. It's a problem. So the other day I pulled out the crayon sharpener (see: eyebrow pencil sharpener because we don't really have a crayon sharpener), and we sharpened some crayons. That's when I remembered a post we shared on Pre-K Pages a while back that the kids loved- Raindrop Sun Catchers. As luck would have it we were also having a rainy day while sharpening the crayons and I decided another sun catcher would be a fun project!
This post contains affiliate links Supplies:
I started by having the kids sharpen a few blue and green crayons into a plastic cup. Having the kids peel the paper from the crayons is great fine motor practice, too!

A little shavings go a loooonnnngggg way. The kids really didn't need to sharpen this much, but they were really enjoying sharpening so I didn't stop them. My friends say they use a heavy duty sharpener for schools, but I think in this case we didn't have a problem!

Once we finished sharpening, I cut a piece of wax paper and dumped our shavings onto it. I folded the wax paper in half then ironed the top piece of wax paper to melt the shaving between the two sheets. This is an adult-only portion of the activity, but I let my kids sit at a relatively close distance to see what happens when we ironed the wax paper and crayons.

The kids really enjoyed watching the crayons melt! We talked about how heat caused the crayons to become liquid, just like ice melts and becomes liquid [water] in the heat of the sun. (Just s quick little science connection there for your kiddos 😉

We thought the end result was really beautiful and hung them in our windows to admire. The texture created by the melted crayon shavings made each piece really unique!

Have you made sun catchers before? I'd love to see how yours turn out! Share them with us on Instagram and don't forget to pin this idea for later!
See how me made the entire solar system sun catcher here! Also, check out these amazing Paper plate planets from Craftulate!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Planet Earth Sun Catcher - Munchkins and Moms

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
How does your preschooler's crayon collection look? Is it a little shabby with nubby, dull crayons floating around the box? I don't know about your kids, but nothing is more uninspiring to my kiddos than crayons that don't have a point. They refuse to color with them. It's a problem.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Now that it is getting to be so nice outside, I put together a Nature Scavenger HuntFor Kids for my boys {and any of the other kids in the neighborhood that want to join in}. I included things that I was pretty sure they could find, although they may have to look hard.

This is also a great activity to do in the fall because you will find a completely different variety of items. The kids will be able to find more leaves and acorns and in the spring they will find more blooming flowers and green plants.

I love these type of activities for my kids, it gets them outside having fun int he neighborhood instead of sitting in front of the television. It's a challenge for them and they compete to see who can find everything first, yes, they are boys and everything is a race!

How to Create a Nature Scavenger Hunt for Kids

I laminated their list, so they can use the Nature Scavenger Hunt again {and because I love to laminate everything these days!}. I plan to give them their list, a dry erase marker and a bag to collect everything in.

Here is my list of items I came up with. We looked for things like

You can print your own Nature Scavenger Hunt to use with your kids!

Click HERE to Print it NOW! Or on the photo below!

Be sure to check out our Everything for Parents Pinterest Board for more activities you can do with your kids!

More Scavenger Hunt Posts

Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt

Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Nature Scavenger Hunt for Kids {Free Printable}

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Now that it is getting to be so nice outside, I put together a Nature Scavenger HuntFor Kids for my boys {and any of the other kids in the neighborhood that want to join in}. I included things that I was pretty sure they could find, although they may have to look hard.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Some days, my daycare children have boundless stores of energy. They need to move their bodies! One of our favourite indoor activities that really gets them moving is to set up an obstacle course in the playroom. This activity never gets boring because we think up new courses every time. I love an activity that appeals to a range of ages and ability levels. The older kids love to fly through the obstacle course at top speed or be timed with a stop watch. Timing a child's courses and then finding the average is a great math activity for those fellow homeschoolers out there :).

We will set up a mini course section for the younger children who want to explore the obstacles at their own pace. The younger kids love to crawl and climb on objects. I'm amazed at how quickly they get the concept and want to take a turn at the longer course with the older children. Use whatever obstacles you have in your house. Here are a few suggestions that might help spark ideas for your indoor obstacle course.

We laid our basketball net down on its side to become a balance beam. You could use a skipping rope or a line of books to make a balance beam.

Then the children jumped on the mini trampoline and went down the slide. A couch cushion would work to jump on or set up two chairs with a blanket and have the kids crawl through a tunnel. Obstacle courses are great when they involve using spaces up high, down low and in the middle.

The kids flipped over toy storage bins and used them as stepping stones. You could also use small towels laid out on the ground or any step stools you have at home.

We have a turtle bean bag toss game that they decided to include in the course. You could use rolled up socks and toss them into a laundry basket to create the same idea. Or you could wind duct tape (sticky side out) around a piece of cardboard. Lean the cardboard against the wall and throw baby socks onto it.

Next, the children set up a relay section to their obstacle course. They put stuffed animals into a bin and then added a doll wagon a short distance away. The task included the kids grabbing the cow from the yellow bin and running with it to put it into the wagon.

Our course finished with some pylons the kids had to run around. You could substitute soup cans or toy cars for the pylons. Once the children saw the different elements to an obstacle course they were inspired to make up their own courses.

I love this type of activity because it is active and creative. The children can keep altering it indefinitely to change the game. Different ages of children can participate and play together easily. The building process is very social in nature and the children learn how to include everyone's ideas into the course design. I also like how this activity is non-competitive within the group but can be self-competitive by using a stop watch.

Have fun and good luck; it's only a matter of time before the kids will want YOU to run through their obstacle course creation!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Indoor Obstacle Course Ideas for All Ages! - How To Run A Home Daycare

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Some days, my daycare children have boundless stores of energy. They need to move their bodies! One of our favourite indoor activities that really gets them moving is to set up an obstacle course in the playroom. This activity never gets boring because we think up new courses every time.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Upcycle your tin cans into fun, homemade wind chimes that the kids can make!

I love finding ways to use recyclable items in our crafts. One of my go-to recycling bin picks: tin cans!

We were in the mood to create a cool craft with tin cans. Something pretty and decorative.

Henry and I rummaged through our recycling bins to find some tin cans in various shapes and sizes, including some lids.

Simple & Pretty Homemade Wind Chimes Kids Can Make!

Believe me, there's a lot you can do with stuff from your recycling bin! Upcycle whatever you can for the kids to play and create with!

To make your own homemade wind chimes, you'll need:

Remember to check over your cans for sharp edges. I taped around the rims of the cans to prevent any cuts.

Using his trusty green basting paintbrush, Henry painted the outside of the tin cans with washable tempera paint.

Find 30 more classic summer crafts for kids to make!

We had added glitter to the paint. But when painting it on the can, it didn't show.

Of course, we had to see the glitter. So Henry shook a lot more on the tin cans when the paint was still wet.

So glad we did this project outside! If you're working inside, lay down some newspaper or even a plastic shower curtain liner to contain the mess.

After the paint dried, we punched holes in the bottom of the tin cans.

Henry actually refused to use the real hammer and would only use his yellow toy one. He was determined to make the hole.

Luckily he let me take a few swings in between his so I could punch it through.

I am quite impressed with Henry's hand-eye coordination, he never once missed his target.

I strung a long piece of yarn through the holes and tied two washers onto the end of the string, inside the tin cans. One washer is used to hold the yarn in place, the other is placed at the end of the string to make a lovely clanking sound when it hits the tin can.

You could also use nuts or rocks instead of washers. Something that is hard enough to make a noise when it hits the can.

Henry tried threading the yarn through the washer holes but still continues to struggle with this. Yarn isn't the best medium to practice threading since it comes unraveled and isn't stiff.

Experiment with Sound

Once you've tied on your washers to the wind chimes, test out the noise it makes!

Henry noticed right away that different size washers make different noises. Different size tin cans make different noises, too!

Hang up the tin cans so that they overlap each other.

Let the wind do its thing and enjoy the wonderful clanking of your homemade wind chimes! Or you can let your child do their thing and listen to it all the time!

You'll love these 26 tin can crafts, music and activities kids can do!

Henry and I have been reading about the wind in The Windy Day, by Anna Milbourne (affiliate link).

Wind is everywhere around us, you need it to fly a kite, or turn a windmill for energy, or for the seagulls to fly! And even if its not blowing near you, its blowing somewhere!
For lots of crafty weather ideas, visit Red Ted Art's Weather Themed Crafts and Tutorials. The tin can windchime by Learn 2 Grow inspired our DIY windchimes!
What weather activities have you done to go with our homemade wind chimes?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Homemade Wind Chimes the Kids Can Make! | Hands On As We Grow®

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Upcycle your tin cans into fun, homemade wind chimes that the kids can make! I love finding ways to use recyclable items in our crafts. One of my go-to recycling bin picks: tin cans! We were in the mood to create a cool craft with tin cans. Something pretty and decorative.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
BrainPOP - Animated Educational Site for Kids - Science, Social Studies, English, Math, Arts & Music, Health, and Technology

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Author and Illustrator Mo Willems has been awarded the American Library Association’s Caldecott Honor three times for his picture book illustration. Additionally, he is the recipient of two Theodor Geisel Medals and five Geisel Honors for his Elephant & Piggie early readers. Mo began his career as a writer and animator on Sesame Street, where he garnered six Emmy Awards. His work has been exhibited around the world, including solo retrospectives at the High Museum in Atlanta and the New-York Historical Society. Over the last decade, Mo has written three musical theater works based on his books, two of which were commissioned and toured by the Kennedy Center.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Hour of Code

This year, we're taking Hour of Code to new heights by offering coding opportunities that encompass both artificial intelligence (AI) and non-AI components.

Want to keep learning? Go beyond an hour

Teachers: Host an hour or read the How-To Guide

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Use computer science to explore and learn about AI!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Make learning to code fun with Coding Game Apps! Kids can explore coding concepts and skills through fun, interactive activities. Download the Tynker Mobile Coding apps now for an engaging, educational experience that encourages problem-solving and creative thinking.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This post may contain affiliate links.

Today I am going to be sharing a SUPER SIMPLE coding game for kids. We use this activity to introduce kids to coding and to teach basic coding skills. This STEM activity is so easy to set up, it essentially requires no work or prep! All you need for this coding activity for kids is a deck of cards, some tape, and some toys that you already have lying around your house or classroom.

This activity is an example of a screen-free coding activity or 'coding unplugged' activity. Coding doesn't always mean you have to be attached to your computer! For another outdoor SUPER SILLY screen free coding activity, check out this coding unplugged activity.

What Coding Skills are Taught?

Algorithms: At the most basic level, coding involves giving instructions to a computer to make something happen. In this activity, we will be practicing giving instructions to get from start to finish.. These instructions are an example of an algorithm. An algorithm is simply a set of instructions given to complete a task. By giving the correct instructions, we will help our robots make it to the finish line.

Debugging: In the advanced version of the activity, kids will need to think ahead and problem-solve by writing the ENTIRE code in advance. They will also get the opportunity to ' debug ' if their code doesn't work out.

Loops: If you purchase our deck of cards worksheet and game set your students will have the option to use loops to make their algorithms more efficient. Loops are instructions that repeat until specific conditions are met.

What do you need?

Deck of Cards Printable Set

We've created a printable to go along with this activity that makes running this activity in the classroom or home even easier.

Our printable includes:

Start and Finish Game Pieces

Algorithm and Loop arrow pieces to create an algorithm next to your deck of cards

4 Deck of Card Challenges that encourage students to create unique algorithms

Worksheet set with supplementary questions to help your students learn the basic concepts of coding

What age is this coding activity with kids geared towards?

This activity is suitable for kids age 4 and up. There are different levels of difficulty depending on the age and skills of the child.

Our printable worksheet is suitable for ages 7+ .

My son is 4.5 and he loved this activity!

How to Set Up this Screen Free Coding Activity:

This activity is SUPER easy to set up. You want to create a grid with the deck of cards. I made a 7×7 grid with our deck. I used painter's tape to secure the deck of cards to the floor.

Then I took a bunch of toys and placed them on the cards such that it would be difficult for my son to figure out how to get from the start to the finish. Essentially you are creating a maze with the toys.

We used a car as our 'robot'. You can also use an action figure, a game piece, a sticker, or ANYTHING. Cars are nice because it's easy to understand which direction they are facing when you are giving your 'coding instructions' later on.

Just like any kid who has ever been exposed to YouTube, my son is obsessed with kinder surprise eggs. SO I used this as the prize. You absolutely do not need a prize for this game. Lots of kids will be motivated just to solve the puzzle. Other ideas would be to have an action figure that needs to 'rescue' someone at the end. There are so many possible adaptations to this game.

How to Play:

Start with your 'robot' in the starting position. You will need to give 'coding instructions' to the robot to get him to the finish line to claim the prize!

Coding with a deck of cards video instructions

Coding for kids: EASY VERSION

We played the easy version with my son who is 4.5. In this version, the 'coding instructions' are given one at a time to direct the robot to the finish line (prize)

e.g. ' Move forward 3 cards', 'turn' 'move backward 1 card' etc.

After each instruction, the 'robot' will move and then the child will have to make a decision as to what the next instruction should be.

It's fun to switch roles. My son liked being the robot and the 'programmer'. When my son was the robot, he got excellent practice of his listening skills.

Coding for kids: HARD VERSION

For the more difficult version of this game, kids will need to give the ENTIRE code in advance.

It can help to have a piece of paper to write out the code (either pictorial or with words depending on the child's reading level)

Once the child is happy with their code, the parent will get the robot to perform the code. If there is a mistake, the child will have a chance to 'debug' their code and fix it for the next run.

This can also be done with a coding robot toy. Check out my review of both the Botley Coding Robot and the Edison Robot for more ideas!

Our printable set includes game pieces that help you create your algorithm!

If you are using our printable set you will be able to use the included game pieces to create a start and finish

Algorithm cards can be used to create the algorithm in advance

Students will create their own mazes using the challenges included in the set!

Pin for Later!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Teach your kids to code with a deck of cards!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This post may contain affiliate links. Today I am going to be sharing a SUPER SIMPLE coding game for kids. We use this activity to introduce kids to coding and to teach basic coding skills. This STEM activity is so easy to set up, it essentially requires no work or prep!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This post may contain affiliate links.

On the blog today we are sharing another awesome screen free coding activity. We love designing unplugged coding activities that use objects you can easily find around your house. That's why we've previously designed unplugged coding activities using Hotwheels cars, a deck of cards, and some sidewalk chalk. Today, we are going to be using Egg cartons to create a super fun coding activity that doesn't require any screens.

This unplugged coding activity will teach kids to design an algorithm to capture all the egg prizes and avoid the hot lava rocks. If there's one thing that all kids seem to love, it's surprise eggs. There's got to be a reason why videos of adults opening Kinder surprise eggs are garnering millions of views on YouTube!

Want to learn the basics of coding? Check out our post on the 5 coding concepts Kindergarteners can understand.

Coding Concepts taught:

Algorithm: An algorithm is a set of instructions given to a computer to perform a specific task. Computers need instructions given in a specific sequence.

Debugging: Learning to code is not just about 0s and 1s. Coding teaches skills that reach far beyond the computer. Like perseverance, for example. Computer programmers don't always get it right the first time and in that case, they need to use 'debugging' to fix any mistakes in their code. In this activity, kids will give their 'computer minifigure ' instructions in advance and will have a chance to debug their code if they make mistakes.

Interested in learning to code online? Check out 13 awesome free coding activities for hour of code

What you need:

You can teach kids to code without fancy technology!

Lots of egg cartons. The more egg cartons you have the more challenging your game. We used egg carton flats for 30 eggs that you can get from your local farm store. Regular egg cartons will work just fine as well!

Plastic eggs (or Kinder surprise eggs)

Small prizes for the eggs (chocolate, candy, mini-figures etc)

One LEGO Minifigure or another action figure to act as the 'computer'

Red construction paper (for Lava rocks)

How to Set Up:

It's easy to get this game started. Set up should only take about 5 minutes.

First, you will want to tape your egg cartons together into a large grid, the larger the grid, the harder the game will be

Next, you will put your surprise eggs on the grid. Spread them out. The more surprise eggs you have the easier it will be.

Cut your red construction paper into squares. Ball up each square into the shape of a rock or egg. These are the 'hot lava rocks'. The computer needs to avoid these to get to the eggs!

Grab your LEGO Minifigure and start him or her at one corner of your grid.

How to play:

This game is quite simple. The goal is to get your Minifigure to the prize eggs while avoiding the lava rocks.

You need to give the instructions in advance as an 'algorithm'. The player has to create an algorithm that will take the egg from the start to the finish while avoiding stepping on a hot lava rock. Once they've reached the prize egg, they get to open it and reveal their prize. Some kids may prefer to write down the instructions or use our coding cards to lay out the instructions in advance. Here is an example of the type of instructions we are looking for:

To get the Blue Egg

Move left two spaces

THEN move up two spaces

THEN move left one space

To get the Green Egg:

Move up one space

THEN move right one space

THEN move up one space

THEN move right two spaces

The key to making this activity challenging, and to getting kids to think like a computer is that they need to plan the instructions in ADVANCE.

For beginners age 4 to 5, you may include a lot of surprise eggs and have them give only the instructions from one egg to the next. For older or more advanced coders, students should try to get as many eggs as they can by giving ALL the instructions in advance.

If a player lands on a lava rock they need to go back to the start and 'debug' their code. This is what programmers do in real life! Where did they go wrong? Adjust the program so that the egg has a better set of instructions for the next round.

Follow us on Facebook!

Are you interested in teaching your kids to code? We have loads of COMPLETELY free resources right here on our blog. If you want to stay up to date with all of our activities, join our email list, or follow our facebook fan page to get more coding ideas.

Don't miss the Ultimate Guide to Coding for Kids

Want more coding ideas? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Coding for Kids. We've got loads of simple ideas to get your kids coding today!

Pin for later!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This post may contain affiliate links. On the blog today we are sharing another awesome screen free coding activity. We love designing unplugged coding activities that use objects you can easily find around your house. That's why we've previously designed unplugged coding activities using Hotwheels cars, a deck of cards, and some sidewalk chalk.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Music is for everyone. Play with simple experiments that let anyone, of any age, explore how music works.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Looking for a quick kids' science experiment that's sure to wow little scientists?! This simple buoyancy activity requires just a few common household supplies. Kids will love learning why things sink and float in this easy, hands-on experiment!

Follow the simple step-by-step below and then grab 30 more easy-to-follow science experiments kids will beg to repeat (plus a no prep science journal to keep track of their results!) in our shop!

Playing in pools, floating down rivers, and bobbing about the ocean in their PFDs...

This summer has given us plenty of opportunity to see buoyancy at work in everyday life.

My kiddos loved figuring out just what helps keep them afloat with this oh-so-simple twist on the classic sink or float experiment.

And I loved that this experiment took mere minutes to complete!

Getting Ready

This experiment was ridiculously easy to set up!

I grabbed a tall glass vase (a large bowl works, too), an orange, and water and we were ready to roll.

Kids' Science: Sink or Float?

I called over my kids and asked them if they thought the orange would sink or float in water. They both predicted that the orange was heavy and would sink.

Next, I had each child pour water in the vase until it was about 3/4 full.

Then, we plopped the orange in to see if their guess was correct.

The kiddos were pretty amazed to find out they were wrong and the orange actually floated!

After they tried to sink it by pushing and poking it under the water, I removed the orange and asked them to peel it.

I asked them if they thought the PEELED orange would sink or float and they both guessed that it would still float because it was now smaller with the peel removed.

Wrong again! The orange sank to the bottom.

Now they were thoroughly confused. They continued to take the peeled orange in and out of the water to see if they could somehow get it to float again but no matter how hard they tried, nothing worked.

The Science Behind It

Why is it that a peeled orange sinks even though it is lighter than an unpeeled orange? The secret lies in its peel!

Buoyancy is the tendency of an object to float or sink in water or any other fluid.

Whether an object is buoyant is determined by Archimedes' Principle which states that any object in a fluid is buoyed up by a force equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object.

When the orange is placed in water, there are two forces working on it in opposite directions: gravitational force pulls the orange down while buoyant force pushes it up.

Gravity pulls the orange down with a force equal to the weight of the orange, while buoyant force pushes the orange upward with a force equal to the weight of the water that the orange displaced.

If the orange can displace a volume of water that equals (or is greater than) the weight of the orange, then it will be buoyant and float.

While making the orange weigh slightly more, the peel of an orange helps displace enough water to make the unpeeled orange buoyant.

The peel is also full of tiny pockets of air that make the unpeeled orange less dense than water - and the orange floats.

When you remove the peel, the orange no longer displaces enough water to overcome gravitational force. The orange becomes more dense than water and it sinks.

To really make this experiment relevant to my kiddos, I explained that the peeled orange was similar to them in a pool. When they curl into a ball and make themselves smaller, they sink to the bottom.

But since their life jacket is made of foam and contains tons of air pockets, when they put one on, they can suddenly displace more water while becoming less dense, and they easily float.

More Simple Science Kids Will Love

Inspire kids to LOVE science with 30 more jaw-dropping experiments they'll beg to repeat! Grab 30 easy-to-follow science experiments (plus a no prep science journal to keep track of their results!) in our shop!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Orange Buoyancy Kids' Science Experiment

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This simple buoyancy kids' science activity requires just a few common household supplies. Kids will love learning why things sink and float!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Open up a world of science from the comfort of your home with NYSIC's at home resources.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Take part in a super fun STEM activity using recyclables and other basic materials in this mystery bag STEM building challenge with free printable STEM challenge cards! Kids will receive a bag of mystery items and then use those materials to complete a design challenge. This activity is perfect to do both in the classroom or at home.
This post contains affiliate links.
Looking for a really fun STEM challenge for your class or kids at home? This mystery bag STEM design challenge will be an absolute hit!

In this design activity, kids are given a bag of mystery materials (an assortment of recyclables and other random items) and then a challenge card stating a building challenge to do with those materials. They then use those "mystery" materials to complete the challenge.

When kids are done completing their design, they can even use the blank set of challenge cards and create other challenges for their peers to do- a great way to extend this STEM activity!

I did this activity with Lucy's 3rd grade class. It was so exciting to see all the cool ideas the students came up with, and the kids loved sharing their creations with each other.

Materials for Mystery Bag Challenge

One bag per student (We used gift bags like these, but you could also use lunch bags, grocery bags, or even large baggies.)

Various kinds of recyclables (cardboard tubes, cardboard, newspaper, aluminum foil etc.)

A variety of other materials (paper plates, plastic cups, string, yarn, pipe cleaners etc.)

Mystery Bag Challenge Cards

Optional: Mystery Bag Labels

How to Set Up Your Mystery Bags

1. Each student will need one bag. Since I was doing this with Lucy's class, I set up 23 bags- enough for each student to have one bag each. (You can leave the bags blank or attach the free Mystery Bag Design Labels to the front of each bag.)

2. Place about 8-12 items into each bag. You'll want to be sure the items are varied. Each bag should contain at least one larger item that can serve as a base for the design, and then an assortment of smaller items. We also made sure no two bags were filled with exactly the same items. That added a level of excitement to the activity. The kids loved seeing which "mystery" materials everyone got in their bags!

3. You can use any materials you have on hand- be creative! Lucy and I saved up recyclables for a few weeks: egg cartons, cardboard boxes that we cut up, plastic containers, plastic lids, empty paper towel rolls etc. We also used small sheets of paper that students would be able to cut up and use, small paper plates, plastic cups, random craft materials like popsicle sticks, straws, buttons, rubber bands, pipe cleaners, string, yarn etc.

Taking Part in the Mystery Bag Challenge

1. Print out the free mystery bag challenge cards. Cut them apart.

2. Give each child a mystery bag (already filled with the mystery items).

3. Give each child a challenge card.

4. Each child should also have access to scissors and tape- either scotch tape or masking tape.

5. Children complete the challenge on the card using only the materials in their mystery bag.

6. When they are finished, ask them about their design or invite them to share their design with each other.

Tips and Other Ideas

The last page of the free challenge cards set is blank and editable. You can type in your own challenges for your students or print out the blank page and invite your students to come up with and write their own challenges for their peers.

Keep this as a permanent center in your classroom. Refill the bags throughout the year with various materials. You could even have the students help with this!

This STEM activity is perfect to save for a rainy day or use as a boredom buster. Have a few bags ready to go and pull out as needed.

The mystery bag challenge would also be fun to do during summer camp or during a playdate.

See more science ideas from Buggy and Buddy!

Be sure to check out STEAM Kids book and ebook for even more creative STEM and STEAM ideas!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Mystery Bag STEM Design Challenge with Free Printable Challenge Cards - Buggy and Buddy

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Take part in a super fun STEM activity using recyclables and other basic materials in this mystery bag STEM building challenge with free printable STEM challenge cards! Kids will receive a bag of mystery items and then use those materials to complete a design challenge.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History virtual tours allow visitors to take self-guided, room-by-room tours of select exhibits and areas within the museum from their desktop or mobile device. Visitors can also access select collections and research areas at our satellite support and research stations as well as past exhibits no longer on display.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Educational games and videos from Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Wild Kratts and other PBS KIDS shows!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This is the second in a series of six articles about Earth Day Network's five campaigns for the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. The first of these is COVID-19 update, April 6, 2020: To comply with federal, state, and local advisories in response to COVID-19, the Earth Day Network announced that most Great Global Cleanup events will be postponed until later in the year. Please see updates on cleanup.earthday.org encouraging volunteers to undertake individual and socially distanced cleanups where possible. Every action counts! , a global call to political action.
Earth Day 2020 on April 22 will be the 50 th iteration of the unofficial holiday. On the first Earth Day in 1970, 20 million Americans - 10 percent of the U.S. population at the time - took to the streets to protest environmental degradation. That initial Earth Day launched the modern environmental movement. Now, Earth Day Network is sponsoring five major campaigns to close out the first five decades of environmental action. One of these is The Great Global Cleanup.

The Great Global Cleanup

"The goal is to remove a billion pieces of trash from parks, beaches, cities, waterways, our neighborhoods - wherever waste is found," said Kathryn Stoddard, vice president of marketing and development for Earth Day Network. The cleanup aims to reduce waste and plastic pollution, improve habitats, and prevent harm to wildlife and humans.

Collecting one billion pieces of garbage takes a collective effort. Earth Day expects up to 4 million Americans to volunteer and up to 50 million volunteers globally. From the last week in March through the first week in May, global cleanup events registered with Earth Day Network will contribute to the challenge.

"We are coordinators of this campaign, but a vast network of partners on the ground makes it possible," said Stoddard. Presenting partners of The Great Global Cleanup include World Cleanup Day, Let's Do It World, National Cleanup Day, and Keep America Beautiful, but hundreds of others are involved, and even small community groups can be part of the Great Global Cleanup by sponsoring a local event.

Anyone planning a cleanup event can register the event online to appear on the Great Global Cleanup live map to be counted and attract more volunteers.

Litter Hurts

Even though outdoor cleanup efforts may have stemmed from a sense of tidiness, litter is more than just an eyesore.

Garbage in the environment - especially plastic - can have serious ecological results. A few years ago, a sea turtle with a plastic straw stuck in its nostril became a symbol of the harm plastics can do to wildlife. But the impacts of unmanaged waste are often less visible and more severe, with indigestible plastic pieces filling animals' stomachs. Microplastics can work their way from ocean garbage gyres into the food chain, eventually risking human health as well as wildlife.

Cleanups Are for Everyone

Groups of people have always come together to make physical improvements to their communities. Cleanups are a natural extension of that impulse. You don't have to understand climate science or subscribe to any particular political philosophy to hate seeing garbage clogging waterways.

"Nobody wants to live on a dirty planet!" said Kathleen Rogers, Earth Day Network president.

"Our goal for Earth Day 50 was to create pathways for people to be engaged wherever they live and wherever they are in their personal journeys," said Stoddard.

Joining the Great Global Cleanup

In consideration of the coronavirus pandemic, many protesters may choose to join cleanup events instead. Spreading out over an area in search of litter is much more compatible with social distancing than marches or rallies.

"We're still planning events, although we are monitoring the coronavirus situation and there may be changes," cautions Stoddard. Visit the Great Global Cleanup live map to find and join a cleanup event near you.

If you are new to cleanups, there are some safety considerations not related to viruses. To learn about the safe handling of waste and everything else you need to know for a successful cleanup, read Earth Day Network's 15 Cleanup Tips. You can have an even bigger effect using the Earth Challenge app, which helps track what you collect. Contributing data about the amount and types of waste you find helps scientists understand how waste spreads in the environment.
Read part three of this six-part series : Earth Challenge - Earth Day 2020.
Spending a day picking up someone else's trash might sound a bit depressing, but it doesn't have to be.

"Cleanups are really fun. People really like them," assures Stoddard. "It's a social act and at the end of a cleanup event there's a real sense of satisfaction."

So many global problems seem overwhelming. It can be hard to believe individual actions can make a difference. Joining a cleanup - or having your own private cleanup - is an action that provides concrete results at the end of the day.

You Might Also Like...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Great Global Cleanup - Earth Day 2020

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This is the second in a series of six articles about Earth Day Network's five campaigns for the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. The first of these is COVID-19 update, April 6, 2020: To comply with federal, state, and local advisories in response to COVID-19, the Earth Day Network announced that most Great Global Cleanup events will be postponed until later in the year.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn touch typing online using TypingClub's free typing courses. It includes 650 typing games, typing tests and videos.

# data[].attributes.body
Watch this inspiring story about a group of young adults who transformed trash into a full orchestra's worth of musical instruments. Then...
Create your own musical instrument using materials around your house or from your recycling bin!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Landfill Harmonic -  the "Recycled Orchestra"

# data[].attributes.body
Commit to making some changes this year to help the earth. What will you do to make a positive change?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Science Video for Kids: How to Care for the Environment

# data[].attributes.body
Did you know that 8 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans every year? That is equal to one garbage truck being dumped into the sea every minute. So...
When you see something, DO something! If you see garbage on the sidewalk, pick it up and toss it.! (Be sure to use gloves and wash your hands)

# data[].attributes.body
Grab your art supplies and draw something about the Earth that you think is worth protecting like flowers, animals, oceans or habitats!

# data[].attributes.body
We find whatever it is we are looking for... so FIND THE GOOD! Look around you. Start small and work your way bigger. Write down the "good things" that are around. See how long your list can get!

# data[].attributes.body
It may sound silly but.....
When you hug someone, it relaxes muscles, increases circulation and releases endorphins in your body. This can reduce tension and may even help soothe aches and pains. Elevates your mood. Hugging can also increase levels of dopamine and serotonin, which can boost your mood and relieve symptoms of depression

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Being a teen is stressful! Whether it's school, friends, or dating, the teen years are full of difficult changes-both mentally and physically. If you're like many teens, you may have difficulty dealing with stress in effective ways. You aren't alone, and there are things you can do to stay calm, no matter how stressful life becomes. All you need to do is stop, breathe, and be mindful and aware in the present moment.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Being a teen is stressful! Whether it's school, friends, or dating, the teen years are full of difficult changes-both mentally and physically. If you're like many teens, you may have difficulty dealing with stress in effective ways. You aren't alone, and there are things you can do to stay calm, no matter how stressful life becomes.