Are Escape Rooms a Great Idea for Kids?
Why are Escape Rooms so great for kids? They are great on many levels! Let's visit a few...
Teacher/Parent Blog
St. Patrick's Day Coloring Book Time!
Printable St. Patrick's Day coloring pages for ALL AGES, made from Annette's clip art collection, with front and back cover.
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with Lucky Leprechaun Bingo!
Print and go St. Patrick's Day Leprechaun Bingo for a memorable time!
Draw an Axolotl in 8 Steps. A Free DIY!
Axolotls hold "alotl" interest for many kids! And no wonder, they are simply fascinating little amphibians. But how to draw an axolotl?
The best way to teach your learners how to draw an axolotl, is to draw one yourself first. So go ahead, take 5 from your busy schedule, get your paper, pencil and marker out, and let's give it a go!
Would you rather have a pre-made lesson that includes a printable DIY, fact sheet about the axolotl, achievement certificate and more? See here.
Copyright information: I hold the copyright to these drawings. Do not reproduce, sell, redistribute or post these on the internet. This would be a violation of copyright law. Do feel free to share my blog link for others to see and enjoy. I am happy to answer any questions regarding this.
How to Draw an Axolotl
Step 1 How to Draw an Axolotl - The Eye
Here we go... I would suggest using a pencil throughout the steps, just in case
you need your eraser. After drawing each step, trace over your lines with a marker. You are going to start with the eye of the salamander. Draw a circle, then draw a banana shape on the right side, with a little circle in the middle. Then color the pupil black. Explain to your learners that the pupil is the part of the eye that lets the light in.
Step 2 How to Draw an Axolotl - The Face Contour and Mouth
In this next step you will draw a shape around the eye that looks a bit like a sideways letter "U". Make sure you leave room for the little smile on the axolotl's face.
Step 3 - The Axolotl's Feathery Gills
Now for the fancy gills! Inform your learners that the gills, as well as being stylish, allow the salamander to take in oxygen from the water. There are 6 of them. On my picture, you only see 4 because 2 are on the other side of the salamander's face. Study the ones I drew, then draw your own, adding your own special touch.
Step 4 - The Axolotl's Body and Tail
For step 4, I would definitely encourage using a pencil first. Decide if you want your salamander climbing up like mine will be or perhaps swimming or laying on a flat surface. Draw the long tube-like body, which includes the tail. Leave 2 little spaces where the legs on this side of the axolotl will be.
You are getting there! Will your axolotl be wild or a pet?
Step 5 - The Dorsal Fin
Next, draw a contour line all the way around the back and tail. This is called the dorsal crest or fin.
No doubt about it, it's starting to look like an axolotl!
Step 6 - The Back Legs and Feet
We are getting there! Study the drawing below and add the 2 back legs and the feet. The back feet have 5 toes. Two of the toes are on the back side of the legs in this picture.
Step 7 - Front Legs and Feet
To finish up your sketch, study the drawing below then draw the front legs and feet. Axolotls have 4 toes on their front feet.
Wish I could see your drawing! I bet it is so cute.
Step 8 - Put the axolotl in its habitat
Don't forget to color your creation! In my case, this is a pet axolotl and so I accessorized it with cut and paste vegetation and rocks, after I colored it. Be creative! See here for the entire science and drawing activity, which includes a step-by-step video too!
Hope you enjoyed this drawing lesson!
See here for more.
Blessings, Annette
Why Teach about the Axolotl? 4 Reasons and Fun Activities
Just what is the big deal about the amazing axolotl, also known as the "Mexican Walking Fish" and why are kids so attracted to them? Why should they be given so much glory, and why bother to teach about this salamander?
How I first learned about the Axolotl...
I personally had no idea what an axolotl was 2 years ago. While teaching an online classes about animals, a student in my weekly "Zoo Explorers Club" almost begged me to teach a class talking about this little creature.
I had asked for ideas for future classes, but had never heard of this animal.
"A WHAT?" I inquired.
"An axolotl."
"How do you spell that?" I asked.
"I have NO idea" replied the 3rd grader.
"I'll tell you what," I told him, "Let's see if I can find some information on this creature. I will let you know next week." Perhaps something mythical, I half-thought to myself.
As I typed in how I thought this animal was spelled into a google search, I was astounded to find out that this was a character in a popular video game called Minecraft that countless kids love to play.
4 Reasons Kids Need to Learn About the Axolotl
1. First of all, it is important to teach about the amazing axolotl because this little salamander is critically endangered
Any animal that is endangered, in my opinion, is important to study.
By bringing attention to the sweet but slimy axolotl, who appears to always be smiling, more people will hear about its plight and hopefully make an effort to help it.
Although there are as many as 1 million in captivity (pets) like the cute little pink ones you see on social media, there are less than 1,000 left in the wild.
And they basically only exist naturally in swampy Lake Xochimilco and Lake Chalco in the southern part of Mexico City. Much of their habitat has been drained, or has become polluted because of human development.
The axolotl is in danger of becoming extinct in the wild within the next decade.
Thankfully, efforts are being made between Mexican farmers and scientists to save the axolotl. For example, the local farmers create "floating gardens" in Lake Xochimilco that make a perfect habitat for the axolotls.
How can your learners make a difference? Here are 3 ideas:
- Learn about the axolotl and tell others about them. Perhaps make posters and post them around the school or neighborhood.
- Host a fundraising party to raise awareness and funds for the axolotl.
- Instead of raising an axolotl as a pet (which decreases genetic diversity because of inbreeding) consider taking that money and giving it to conservation efforts.
2. Scientists are very interested in the amazing axolotl because of its "superpower" of regenerating tissue, thus a biology lesson for learners!
Okay, so maybe they are not quite like the superpowers seen on television, but the axolotl does have the power to regenerate many body parts, with an amazing precision.
Axolotls are one of the most important animals that scientists have for studying regeneration.
Axolotls not only regenerate limbs, but also their lungs, heart, jaws, spines and even parts of their brain!
For over 200 years, scientists have been studying their tissue regeneration ability in the hopes that they can somehow use it to serve humans in the future.
Another "superpower" that they have, is their ability to change several hues lighter or darker, in order to camouflage themselves.
3. The amazing axolotl can be part of a unit study on amphibians
Animal classification is such a fun area of exploration for learners. The axolotl can be an engaging introduction to the amphibian class of animals. Other amphibians to study could include frogs, toads and newts. What fun!
4. It is an opportunity for educators to teach about the axolotl, which is a popular and trending creature
Taking advantage of the trending axolotl, makes for an engaging lesson that learners will soak up like a sponge.
Let's face it, students tend to retain more of what they are interested in. However, when the axolotl is replaced with another trending creature, this little amphibian will still be worth studying!
A look at some fun Axolotl activities...
Getting back to the beginning of my story, the little boy in the class who requested an axolotl lesson, was overjoyed when I informed him that yes, I was going to teach it.
Not only did I teach the class, but I created several engaging resources about Axolotls:
Axolotl Bingo
Axolotl Science and Art Activity
Axolotl Party that includes activities, decorations and favors
Axolotl and frog paper craft
Wishing you "alotl" joy today!
Blessings, Annette
Throw an Axolotl party in 4 Easy Steps!
Time to host an awesome and memorable axolotl party for your classroom or home!
Would you prefer a "print and go" no prep party? See here.
4 Easy Steps to a DIY Axolotl Party
1. Prepare the Axolotl Party Decorations!
Kids love decorations! We need to "wow" your young guests as they walk through your door.
Banner and Posters
No prep option- FREE banner and 3 axolotl posters. See here.
To make your own banner or posters...
You will first need an image of the axolotl amphibian.
Go to Pixabay on the internet and choose some images you like. Read the license terms. Many, if not most, of them are available for personal use.
Many beautiful images can aslo be found for free through the "Creative Commons" on the internet. To find images that you can use, do the following:
Next, open up a document such as Powerpoint (my go-to) or something similar, and place the images on 8 or so different pages. Add text if you would like.
Finally, cut each page into a pennant shape and string them up on the wall or bulletin board. So fun!
To make your own posters, simply add a caption to the images above, and you are good to go.
OTHER DECORATIONS
Perhaps streamers and a few balloons?
2. Axolotl Party - Create Excitement!
Your learners will love to learn about the Axolotl, and may love sharing what they are already know about them!
Here are just a few amazing facts about them...
For more amazing facts about the Axolotl, search the internet, "Axolotl facts for kids", and you will come up with a wealth of information.
You are now prepared to have a lively discussion about Axolotls with your group of children.
3. Party - Choose the Main Event!
A main event at its finest, is an event that learners will remember for years to come.
For the main event, there are so many ideas I can think of. For no prep options take a look at this Axolotl Bingo game which I created or this group Directed Drawing lesson.
A few other ideas for a main event...
4. Party - Choose some Prizes or Party Favors!
Learners love a take-away, also known as a party favor, to take home after a party.
For a homemade option, present each student with a badge to wear or a certificate. You can make these through the same process as for the banner above.
If you want, you can ask each child to say something that they have learned about the Axolotl as you are presenting the prize.
No prep prizes are included in this Axolotl party bundle.
Wishing you a fabulous party with your kiddos!
Blessings, Annette
Throw a Sea Otter Party in 4 Easy Steps!
Yay! It is Sea Otter Classroom Party Time!
Sea Otters are so playful, cute and amazing. I have seen them myself, frolicking around at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California.
And what better way to celebrate them than a Sea Otter classroom party? Or homeschool party, or after-school party?
I am going to propose a party that is so simple, that you may want to use this theme over again, to celebrate other creatures.
Lots of potential for science and art here. Best kind of party, right?
1. Sea Otter Classroom Party - Decorations
One of the most difficult parts of planning a party is selecting the theme, but you have already done that! Yay! Give yourself a pat on the back.
Banner
For decorations, let's make a banner. For the easiest option get your free hand-drawn Sea Otter banner.
If you would like to make your own... you will first need an image of the Sea Otter.
Go to Pixabay. When you find images you like, click on it, and read the license terms.
Or
Many beautiful images can be found for free through the "Creative Commons" on the internet. To find images that you can legally use, do the following:
Next, open up a document such as Powerpoint (my go-to) or Word, and place the images on 8 or so different pages. Add text if you would like.
Finally, cut each page into a pennant shape and string them up on the wall or bulletin board.
Super easy and fun to do!
Here are some free hand-drawn posters if you want to add more Sea Otter decorations.
2. Sea Otter Classroom Party - Create Excitement!
Your learners will love to learn more about the Sea Otter!Here are just a few amazing facts about them...
The internet is a great resource to find facts about Sea Otters. Simple search "Facts about Sea Otters for Kids" and you should find lots of information.
Or
Take a look at my print and go pre-made lesson here that is full of information about the Sea Otter.
Have a lively discussion about Sea Otters with your group of children. They may know some facts of their own, so let them share what they know.
3. Sea Otter Party - Main Event
A main event at its finest, is a memorable event for your learners.
Some ideas:
- Watch a documentary
- Make a Sea Otter craft
- Make some posters together
- Create a Sea Otter bingo game
- Draw a Sea Otter using this step-by-step video. Take a look here for one that is already done for you!
4. Sea Otter Party - Prizes
Learners love a take-away, also known as a party favor, to take home after a party.
For a homemade option, present each student with a badge to wear or a certificate. You can easily make these through the same process as for the banner above.
If you want, you can ask each child to say something that they have learned about the Sea Otter as you are presenting the prize.
A no-prep certificate option is included this Directed Drawing and Science lesson.
Wishing you an "otterly" wonderful Sea Otter celebration! I would love it if you would let me know how your party went, in the comments below.
Blessings, Annette
Kinder and PreK 3 Ways to Make Number Sequencing Fun for your Littles
If math is made to be engaging and fun, students will learn! Number sequencing, also known as putting numbers in order, is no exception. This short article will give you, the educator, practical ideas to help your littles learn this important math skill.
Take a look at my pre-made farm puzzles here!
3 Ways to Make Number Sequencing Fun...
1. Make Number Sequencing a Game!
There are so many possibilities. Here are just a few number sequencing games...
Host a number scavenger hunt in your class or home. Grab some colorful index cards and number them 1 to 10, 1 to 5, or skip counting like by 2s or 10s, whatever your learners are working on. Hide the cards.
Next, have your learners look for the cards and place them in the correct order. If you have a large group for this game, divide the children into groups of 5 or so. Color code the cards so that each group has a certain color. As the groups are finding the cards have them place the numbers in order on a tray in front of the room.
Another game...
Try this one, the timeless game of hopscotch. Go outside and draw the outline of a traditional hopscotch up to the number 10, for example, with colorful chalk. Have your learners "hop" into the squares you have drawn in the correct order.
For even more educational value, ask different students to write in the numbers in the hopscotch squares.
One more number sequencing game...
How about an obstacle course? Students love these! Set up a simple obstacle course with number cards taped to orange cones or something similar, indoors or outdoors, and have the students complete the tasks in order.
Competing teams are always exciting when completing an obstacle course. Divide the group into groups of 4-5 students and have a timer handy to see which team can complete the course in order in the shortest amount of time.
2. Number Sequencing during Story Time
When I was in the classroom, and later when I had my own children, story time was such a special time of day for my young ones as well as for me! We would all get lost in a good book together, sharing laughs and serious moments. Why not integrate it with number sequencing?
Read your story together, then discuss what happened first, second, third etc. Extend this idea by creating a time line!
With this idea, you can also introduce the vocabulary of ordinal numbers, or words that show rank such as first, second, third, fourth etc.
3. Use Puzzles for Number Sequencing
These are super fun to make and very effective when teaching how to put numbers in order.
DIY- Grab a magazine page or coloring book page and cut it into strips, let's say 10 strips. At the bottom of each strip write the numbers 1 to 10 in order. Mix the strips up and have the learner put them in order, thus putting the "puzzle" together. Some of your learners may want to make these themselves!
Take a look here for my inventory of pre-made puzzles.
Hope these ideas are useful to you!
Blessings, Annette
Grade 2 and Up How to Create a Gigantic Paper Snowman for your Classroom and Home!
Start a new Holiday Fun tradition with this DIY gigantic snowman. It will be a big hit, guaranteed!
How do I know?
Because over the years I have built him several times in my classroom and home! Follow-up this collaborative project with songs and a snowman book, or use him as a backdrop for a "Photo Op" at your Holiday Party!
Take a close look at the image above. Do you see the embedded Christmas trees, jingle bells, snowmen and candy-canes?
See here for a pre-made gigantic snowman kit.
Snowman Do it Yourself ...
***Please note that this collaborative snowman can be built by children of all ages. However, the younger the child, the simpler the snowflakes should be to make. For instance:
- KINDERGARTEN | BASIC SCISSOR SKILLS- Fold the paper twice (fold in half, and then in half again) before cutting out wedges on the folds, when creating the snowflakes. You may want to round off the edges to make a more circular snowflake.
- 2nd GRADERS AND UP | GOOD SCISSOR SKILLS- Fold the paper 3 times before cutting out designs. Watch this 2-minute VIDEO to see how to fold the paper before cutting out your snowflake design. (you can create your own design or let the kids make their own) If you pay close attention, you will also notice how I embedded a Christmas tree design right into the snowflake!
STEP 1 Classroom Snowman - Creative some paper snowflakes as in "LOTS" of them!
Watch video. (link in previous paragraph)
A tip for success is to remind your students not to completely cut out a fold line or else when they unfold the snowflake, they will end up with snippets of paper instead of a beautiful snowflake. (which has happened to me more than once:)
STEP 2 Classroom Snowman - Cover your wall space with dark paper
Why dark paper? Because... It will make your paper snowflakes POP!
First, think about how large you want to build your classroom snowman. Perhaps you want to make more than one? Cover your wall with some dark butcher paper or something similar.
OR, If you are doing this at home, an alternative is to build your snowman against the backdrop of a large glass window or door. At night, this will also produce the dramatic effect of making your snowflakes really stand out against the dark sky.
STEP 3 - Turn on some Holiday Music and arrange the Snowflakes
Take a look at the picture below for an idea of how to arrange the paper snowflakes. Of course, you can make him much taller. (The accessory cut-out ideas are in the next step.)
Do you have any leftover snowflakes? Hang them around your gigantic snowman, put them in your windows, or hang them from your ceiling!
STEP 4 - Cut out Accessories such as Eyes, Nose and Mouth, then affix to your snowman
You don't need to make it fancy, or you can if you want:) Here are a few examples. Your learners could even do these!
Don't forget to take pictures with your giant snowman!
Follow Up Fun...
How about having your students give the snowman a name, singing carols around your new snowman and/or reading a snowman book together?
Here are a few recommended books about a snowman.
- The Snowman by Raymond Briggs (It is wordless, but has great illustrations and is great to get children discussing what they understand from the pictures.)
- How to Catch a Snowman by Adam Wallace and Andy Elkerton (This one is sure to cause a few giggles!)
- The Biggest Snowman Ever by Steven Kroll and Jeni Bassett (Kind of goes with the gigantic snowman theme we have here!) It is a very simple but sweet story of two little mice that are in a snowman-building competition.
Also, make sure to invite the classroom next door, your neighbor, and friends to see your "biggest snowman ever"!
***As mentioned earlier, I have put together a printable PRE-MADE KIT that can save you time and includes really special snowflake templates with embedded designs in them. Scroll up to the image at the beginning of this post. See if you can find the hidden Christmas trees, candy-canes, jingle bells and snowmen. The kit is intended for grades 2 or 3 and up (depending on scissor skills).
Blessings, Annette
Grade 2 and Up How to Create Beautiful Christmas Snowflakes
Traditional snowflakes, made from paper and scissors, create such magical holiday wonder displayed in a window, against a dark winter sky.
For the above patterns, take a closer look here!
Would you like to learn how to create your own snowflakes in just a few easy steps? Watch this video to create your own Christmas Tree snowflake.
I have been designing theme-based snowflakes for the last 10 years at least. I never know exactly how my idea will turn out until I unfold the snowflake, and that is the specialness of it all!
**Note: From my experience, my snowflake patterns are best for grades 2 and up, but with some exceptions, if your learners are younger but have above average scissor skills. I once had a 2nd grader who was amazing and was able to cut out the challenging patterns. He insisted that I let him try like the bigger kids, and I am so glad I did! You never know, but as a rule I would go with grades 3 and up.
Snowflakes as part of art education lessons...
Designing snowflakes may seem like pure fun, but let's think about it a little. First of all, look at the radial symmetry it produces. In case you are wondering, radial symmetry means symmetry that is formed around a central axis, like a starfish or a tulip flower. A paper snowflake produces a radial symmetry effect.
Also, designing a snowflakes that is pleasing to the eye, requires the art concept of balance while creating the snowflake.
Lastly, these are what I consider one of the best examples of positive and negative space. Take a look at the images and see how the negative space, or the dark background, creates a beautiful image in itself.
So there you go, these are great as a part of your art education program!
If you would like to see my entire inventory of snowflake patterns, including non-holiday, take a look here.
My Snowflake Journey...
When I was a classroom teacher and later a homeschool mom, one of my favorite holiday activities was making traditional paper snowflakes. I loved hanging them on the wall against a dark backdrop, on the window and even from the ceilings. It resembled a real-life snow flurry!
Now, many years later, I still create snowflakes, but with a different twist. I create themed snowflakes. What is that, you might ask? I embed designs inside of the snowflake. Take a look at my pictured examples to see what I am talking about. For example, I have embedded a Christmas tree, candy canes, jingle bells and a snowman inside of the snowflakes. I hope you give it a try. Maybe it will even become a new hobby of yours!
Blessings and happy holidays! Annette