Little Helps Grade 2+

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

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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

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Throw a Sea Otter Party in 4 Easy Steps!

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!

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

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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).

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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!

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

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Grade 2 and Up Animal Drawing and Science Self Paced Course Open Now!

Open now! This course includes 16 ANIMALS to draw and learn about. It is perfect for homeschool or after school fun. Being self-paced through the Outschool Teacher Marketplace, you have access to the course for 365 days! This class also comes with access to me, Ms. Annette, the teacher for the first 4 weeks. Take a closer look here.

Animals covered during the course...

GROUP 1 MAMMALS

Lesson 1: Sloth
Lesson 2: Kangaroo
Lesson 3: Red Panda
Lesson 4: Beaver

GROUP 2 REPTILES/AMPHIBIAN

Lesson 5: Axolotl Salamander
Lesson 6: Alligator
Lesson 7: Sea Turtle
Lesson 8: Komodo Dragon

GROUP 3 MARINE MAMMALS
Lesson 9: Blue Whale
Lesson 10: Dolphin
Lesson 11: Walrus
Lesson 12: Sea Otter

GROUP 4 BIRDS
Lesson 13: Flamingo
Lesson 14: Snowy Owl
Lesson 15: Turkey
Lesson 16: Emperor Penguin

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE COURSE FOR EACH LESSON...

1. Video narrated by me, all about the featured animal, including where they are from on the globe, as well as facts about their behavior, habitat, conservation and more. Students can follow along with their very own booklets that go with the video.
2. Suggested related videos so learners can see the animal in action, learn more about them and prepare the student for the drawing portion of the lesson.
3. Step-by-step video directed drawing lesson narrated by me.
4. Self-directed bingo game with printable prizes.

The course is a powerful way to learn about animal classification and drawing! Your students will learn many science concepts and new vocabulary, while learning to draw 16 fascinating animals. 

Classes are self-paced so your learner can complete them whenever it is most convenient, and last about 1 to 1 1/2 hours per day.

Self-Paced Animal Directed Drawing Class FAQs

CAN LESSONS BE COMPLETED IN ANY ORDER?

YES! While I suggest that your learner work with one group of animals at a time, for example, marine mammals, the lessons can be completed in any order at any time and last about 1 to 1 1/2 hours apiece. Animal groupings listed above.

HOW MANY WEEKS IS THIS CLASS?

I find that 4 weeks is optimal. If your learner completes one animal group a week, or 4 lessons, they will be done in 4 weeks. However, with this self-paced format, the student is able to stack lessons and finish much sooner if they wish. On the other hand, you can space the lessons out more than 4 weeks, for example if you want to use these as a reward or a change of pace once a week. Your choice!

HOW LONG DOES MY LEARNER HAVE ACCESS TO ME, THE TEACHER, FOR COURSE HELP?

Your learner has access to me, the teacher, for the first 4 WEEKS, starting from the date you register for the class. For example, if your learner would like to show me their artwork for friendly feedback, or if they have questions or comments, I am available every weekday for the first 4 weeks. I will usually reply within the day, except weekends.

I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS. HOW CAN I GET IN TOUCH?

Feel free to leave a question in the comments:)

**A VERY SPECIAL NOTE… this course collectively took me over 300 hours to assemble! I know, I can't believe it myself! I do have to say I enjoyed every minute of preparation as I love both life science and art. Take a peek here for more details.

BONUS FEATURES ALSO INCLUDED PRINTABLE OPTIONS TO ENHANCE STUDENT LESSON/COURSE EXPERIENCE (attached to lessons)

1. Explorer Passport card for students to keep track of which lessons they have completed
2. Individual Animal Achievement certificates attached to each lesson color or black and white
3. Entire course (16 animal lessons) color certificate for completion of course- Certificate attached to each lesson, but you only need to print one.
4. Follow-along booklets that go with the "5 Fabulous Facts" video for each animal
5. Art maps that go with each animal for future fun!
6. Featured animal color page for each animal to help with learner differentiation or preference
7. Cut and paste habitat elements that go with each animal
8. Bingo card for each group of animals (There are 4 groups of 4 animals in this course: Land Mammals, Reptiles/Amphibian, Marine Mammals and Birds) The bingo cards are attached to each lesson, however, you only need to print one for each "group". On the bingo card, learners can choose from many animal related tasks. When they have completed 4 in a row, whether going up, sideways or diagonal, they have earned a prize!
9. Bingo prize for each group of animals, see #8. Prizes are attached to each lesson, however, you only need to print one prize for each group as they are the same. For example, the printable prize for getting 4-in-a-row on the Marine Mammal bingo card is a Polar Bear art lesson, and it is attached to each of the marine mammal lessons for convenience.

***STUDENT ACCESSIBILITY :

***For students who may have trouble drawing but would really like to participate in the class and learn about these animals, there is also a coloring page option (a printable black and white master of the featured animal that students can color and cut out, as well as a cut-and-paste habitat accessories page to use for the habitat).

***Lessons are all narrated by me and do not require reading skills. Students who have difficulty reading may need some help reading the bingo card. 

What Parents have to say about my Directed Drawing & Science classes...

Such an awesome and rich class! I was just sharing with some parent friends how wonderful this class was, so now I’ll share with you! This class checks so many boxes for little animal lovers who love to draw! Miss Annette made it so fun! She had bingo, five interesting facts about each creature, a cool YouTube video for each one, certificates and info sheets you could download. She also gave incredible instructions on drawing each animal with tips they can carry with them throughout other projects! Thank you!

-Amanda

My daughter really enjoyed the class. She enjoyed the flexible schedule. She absolutely loved watching all the videos.

-Angela

Great Class! Ms. Annette is wonderful and very patient with my daughter and she loved the class. Will be looking to book for classes with Ms. Annette.

-Nancy

Fun class and educational

-William

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Please feel free to ask questions through the comments below.

Blessings,  Annette

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Teacher Clip Art Matching Puzzle Templates AND Popular Ways to Use Them

4 Puzzle Clip Art Templates featuring Egg Shapes. Black and White pngs included

This free clip art is part of a larger set available here.

A Few Ideas on What to Create with your Puzzle Clip Art Templates...

There are so many ways you can use your puzzle templates. You may already have something in mind. If not, here are a few ideas to help get you started…

1. NUMBER SENSE PRACTICE PUZZLE-

2. SCIENCE ACTIVITY PUZZLE-

3. COMPLETE THE PUZZLE ACTIVITY-

4. READING PRACTICE PUZZLES-

Draw or find a clip art with a noun, for example, a tree. For the other side, write the word. This can also work with short sentences instead of nouns.

You are welcome to use my clip art as a design element in the resources you create. You are also allowed to sell these resources. See terms of use attached to the puzzle templates for more clarification.

Please do not share any of the images you see here on the internet, as many times the copyrighted clip art is ultimately stolen and that can hurt my small business:(

You may be interested in this also ...

Young Children Clip Art here.

Butterfly Clip Art with Moveable Rights here.

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Grade 2 and Up Color by Code Haunted House Math Fun!

Haunted Tree Color by Code includes:

--Color by Code Pages: (Code pages available in black/white as well as a gray color which hides the code a bit more)

--Review Even/Odd Activity

--Colored answer key for easy reference

--Student size number chart 1-100

--Build your own color by code (for students and/or educators)

--Halloween stationary for you, the teacher

--Halloween happy notes for you and your learners

Challenge your Learners with this Color by Code in this way...

... not telling them it is a haunted tree before they begin working on it! Let them discover the mysterious tree as they are filling in the grid, and slowly uncovering it one square at a time. It will make the activity even more fun!

More Halloween Color by Codes...

Take a look at this set of 8 Color by Code Halloween Mystery Pics product here that contains several other Halloween favorites, including the Haunted Tree: 

 Enjoy,

Annette

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