The Chaos and the Clutter

Sharla Kostelyk

Bug Action Cards for Kids

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Help kids get their wiggles out using these bug action cards with prompts for fun gross motor play. Kids can use these inside or outside. This is such an easy activity for parents to set up. You can easily add some exercise into your child’s day in a fun way.

girl in swing with arms outstretched. Text reads "Bug Action Cards for gross motor play"With prompts for climbing, marching, hopping, and more, kids can get some all important sensory input. These actions engage the visual, auditory, tactile, vestibular, and proprioceptive sensory systems. 

Bug Action Cards:

Supplies needed:

Directions: 

  1. Download the action cards.
  2. Print them.
  3. Cut them apart.
  4. Create a small stack with them. Each child can pull one from the pile and act out the instructions on the card.

These action cards make a fantastic brain break. You can use them right in the middle of schoolwork to have a five minute break before they get back to their task. This will help them refocus and have better concentration.

Get the whole body moving in a fun way. Help kids burn off some of that extra energy they have from being stuck inside or from sitting for too long. These action cards are also a cute activity to add in to a unit on insects. Kids can take the learning a step further by reading up on each of the bugs on the cards. 

Another great way to expand on this activity is to have kids create their own cards with ideas they come up with. You can have them stick with the bug theme or choose something else. 

Type your email in the box below to get your bug action cards so that the learning and fun can begin!

Check out these other gross motor activities for kids:

Dinosaur Action Cube

5 Trampoline GamesTrampoline Games and Activities

Outdoor Sensory Scavenger Hunt

Easy At Home Science for Kids

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If your kids are like mine, they prefer hands-on science experiments over staring at a textbook. I used to be leery of messy experiments because of all the cleanup we had to do afterward, but after giving some a try, we all fell in love with this way of learning. I wish we had tried them sooner! You’ll be amazed at how fun at home science for kids can be. I’ve compiled an amazing list of science experiments that you can make in your own home. They are fun, hands on, safe for kids and many of them use materials you probably already have!

I think that you’re going to really enjoy setting up a schedule for science experiments with your children. They all focus on different topics in science and you will be amazed at how much they are going to learn. Chances are, you’ll learn a thing or two along the way too.

And both you and your kids will have fun along the way. That is learning at its best!

Easy At Home Science for Kids

If you’re new to teaching your child at home, it is easier (especially if you have more than one child) to do things in unit studies. That way, you can explore through books, sensory play, printable activity sheets, hands-on science experiments, and watching videos online.

Science Kits for Learning at Home:

Human Organ ApronHuman Organ ApronHuman Organ ApronPrimary Science Lab Activity SetPrimary Science Lab Activity SetPrimary Science Lab Activity SetDino Egg Fossil Dig KitDino Egg Fossil Dig KitDino Egg Fossil Dig KitSteve Spangler Science Geyser Tube ExperimentSteve Spangler Science Geyser Tube ExperimentSteve Spangler Science Geyser Tube ExperimentCrystal Mining Kit Gem ExcavationCrystal Mining Kit Gem ExcavationCrystal Mining Kit Gem ExcavationSmithsonian Crystal Growing KitSmithsonian Crystal Growing KitSmithsonian Crystal Growing KitNational Geographic Break Open 10 Premium Geodes Geology KitNational Geographic Break Open 10 Premium Geodes Geology KitNational Geographic Break Open 10 Premium Geodes Geology KitLego Chain Reactions Science & Building KitLego Chain Reactions Science & Building KitLego Chain Reactions Science & Building KitSnap Circuits LIGHT Electronics Exploration KitSnap Circuits LIGHT Electronics Exploration KitSnap Circuits LIGHT Electronics Exploration KitToysmith Mineral Science KitToysmith Mineral Science KitToysmith Mineral Science KitDIY Solar Power RoverDIY Solar Power RoverDIY Solar Power RoverAnatomy Models Bundle Set, Brain, Body, Heart, SkeletonAnatomy Models Bundle Set, Brain, Body, Heart, SkeletonAnatomy Models Bundle Set, Brain, Body, Heart, Skeleton

 

 

You may also be interested in reading:

Your Complete Guide to School at Home

Indoor Sensory Activities for Home

Where to Find Free Homeschool Printablesmother sits at table teaching a boy in a green shirt and girl in a purple shirt. Text reads "Mega List Free Homeschool Printables"

School at Home Sample Schedules

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Kids need the security of routine. Right now with everything in their world a little off kilter, they need it more than ever. I know that some of you suddenly find yourself teaching school at home unexpectedly. That may feel overwhelming and scary, but I’m telling you. You can do this. 
 
You were your child’s first teacher. You cheered them on as they took their first steps. You helped them learn their colours and shapes. You know your child best. I’m telling you. You can do this.Sample School at Home Schedules
 
I homeschooled for 19 years. Ironically, this year, most of my kids were in school and I now find myself with them all home again!
 
One of the things the most common questions I’m getting about schooling at home is how to set a schedule. This is obviously something that will vary by family due to circumstances, age of kids, and other factors. But I wanted to give you some general sample schedules to help you plan and find something that’s right for your family.
 
While it’s okay to relax and not keep a perfect schedule, right now, kids are needing some kind of a routine. With all the changes happening, one thing you can do to create a feeling of security for your child is to give them a routine they can count on. 
 
When school were first cancelled, I just assumed we would settle into some kind of natural routine because of all our years spent homeschooling. The first few days were chaos! There were lots of big emotions and little squabbles. It soon became obvious that we were not going to just naturally slip into anything positive. 
 
At the end of day three, we sat down and had a family meeting. We talked about the current situation and its challenges, acknowledged and validated everyone’s feelings, and laid out the new plan. We allowed the kids to have some input into the schedule and I wrote it up on the white board.
 
The next day went much more smoothly as the kids knew what was expected of them, what was coming up when, and they had the security of some structure. 
 
I’ve kept the time slots blanks on these sample schedules so that you can fill in what works for you. Some families are early risers and others, not so much. This is only meant to be a guide and jumping off point to help you create the best routine for your unique family.
 
It’s important to note that depending on their age, grade, and ability, kids only need between 1 and 3 hours of actual sit down schoolwork per day. You are not attempting to recreate a school in your home. Play and connection are still the most essential things you can provide your child with.
 
If you’re looking for information on how to help your kids learn during this time, check out Your Complete Guide to School at Home.

School at Home Sample Schedule:

Wake Up
Breakfast
 
Mindfulness          
Movement            
Reading              
Snack & Water
 
Schoolwork
 
Sensory Break      
Lunch
 
Chores                
  • include heavy work for mood and anxiety
Schoolwork
     
Play                    
Snack & Water
 
Art or Craft          
  • drawing, painting, paper crafts, art tutorial online
Movement
 
Dinner
 
Free Time            
Bedtime

School at Home Sample Schedule (religious):

Wake Up              
Breakfast
 
Devotions & Prayer
 
Movement            
Reading              
Snack & Water
 
Schoolwork
 
Sensory Break      
Lunch
 
Chores                
  • include heavy work for mood and anxiety
Schoolwork
     
Play                    
Snack & Water
 
Art or Craft          
  • drawing, painting, paper crafts, art tutorial online
Movement
           
Dinner
 
Free Time            
Prayer
 
Bedtime

Preschool at Home Sample Schedule:

Wake Up              
Breakfast
 
Mindfulness          
Music & Movement  
 
Snack & Water
 
Fine Motor       
Lunch
 
Chores                
  • include heavy work for mood and anxiety
Gross Motor        
Play                    
Snack & Water
 
Art or Craft          
  • drawing, painting, paper crafts, collage
Movement            
Dinner 
 
Free Time            
Bedtime

Preschool at Home Sample Schedule (religious):

Wake Up              
Breakfast
 
Prayer & Scripture
 
Music & Movement  
 
Snack & Water
 
Fine Motor       
Lunch
 
Chores                
  • include heavy work for mood and anxiety
Gross Motor        
Play                    
Snack & Water
 
Art or Craft          
  • drawing, painting, paper crafts, collage
Movement            
Dinner 
 
Free Time            
Prayer
 
Bedtime
To get printable versions of these sample School at Home Schedules, simply enter your email below. You’ll also receive our Parenting in the Pandemic email series designed to help you through these strange times.
 
 
You may also be interested in reading:
 

Easy Indoor Sensory Activities at Home

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Sensory play is so important. It helps not only with fine and gross motor development, language and communication, and boredom, but it also improves mood and lowers anxiety. And I would say that right now, those things are very needed. I wanted to provide you with a list of easy sensory activities at home that you can do starting today.

No matter how old your kids are from toddlers up to teens, sensory play can make a big difference in how your days go. If you incorporate sensory play opportunities at regular intervals throughout your day, you’ll be surprised at how much calmer the house will be. I encourage you to participate in some of the play yourself as it will also help lower your anxiety.

These sensory activities don’t need to be complicated. A lot of the supplies you need are probably already in your home. 

Easy Indoor Sensory Activities at Home


Get your free printable alphabet playdough mats by entering your email address below. You’ll also be signed up to receive our email series Sensory Activities and Solutions.

Huge List of Free Homeschool Printables

Huge List of Free Homeschool Deals

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Whether you are looking for free homeschool printables to supplement what your child is learning in school or to create an entire curriculum, I’ve got you covered. I’m sharing a reference list for finding the best online printables for free or almost free.

mother sits at table teaching a boy in a green shirt and girl in a purple shirt. Text reads "Mega List Free Homeschool Printables"Please note that if you are new to having your kids learn at home, you can find everything you need in Your Complete Guide to School at Home.

Free Printable Websites:

The Chaos and The Clutter – Right here on this site, you can find free printables. You’ll find unique printables such as relaxation cards for kids, emotion games, calm down tools, copywork, notebooking pages, and more.

Get your free printable alphabet playdough mats by entering your email address below. You’ll also be signed up to receive our email series Sensory Activities and Solutions.

Teaching Mama – Angela is the author of the very popular preschool curriculum Home Preschool Made Easy but she also offers free preschool printables on her site (as well as great craft and activity ideas!).

STEAM Powered Family – Find free STEM activities for your child or students. Whether it’s science, technology, engineering, or math that you’re looking for, you’ll find the coolest project here.

Productive Homeschooling – Productive Homeschooling has an awesome membership feature that I use, but they also offer some free notebooking pages as well. Notebooking is such a great tool for learning and especially good if you’re new to homeschooling. My kids love it!

Math Geek Mama – As someone who is math challenged, I appreciate this resource SOOOOO much! Bethany has incredible math activities that kids actually like to do and help moms like me who aren’t confident in their own math teaching abilities.

Left Brain Craft Brain – This is the perfect place to go for budding engineers. Find easy craft ideas, educational projects, and printables.

Growing Hands-on Kids – Heather offers printables related to sensory, homeschooling, fine motor and preschool.

Donna Young – Donna Young is often thought of as the original site when it comes to homeschool printables. It is best known for planners and home and school organization sheets but there are homeschool printables there as well.

Free Homeschool Deals – Free Homeschool Deals is one of my favourite homeschool sites (and not just because I’m a contributing writer over there!). I like that they share about free printables that you can find elsewhere on the web as well as their own free printables. I appreciate that they look at homeschooling families as a whole and realize that providing articles about saving money on household items also allows you to have more to put towards homeschooling and that providing encouragement for homeschool parents trickles down into the schoolwork too.

Frugal Homeschool Family – Frugal Homeschool Family also provides both their own free printables and shares printables from others as well as deals for homeschoolers.

Confessions of a Homeschooler – This is the original place I discovered free printables! I have used her Letter of the Week printables as well as many of her others, including lapbooks.

1+1+1=1 – This site has really good quality printables and printable packs, especially for Preschool and Kindergarten.

123Homeschool4Me – This site offers free printables in all homeschool subjects and even includes some in Spanish.

Blessed Beyond a Doubt – There are a lot of free printables here and Jill seems to add more almost every day!

3 Dinosaurs – Cassie creates some of my favourite printable packs and I am very thankful that she keeps them free. Many of them are huge packs and they work well for us for unit studies especially and for seasonal times.

This Reading Mama – Spend a few minutes poking around Becky’s site. She does have a few resources and printables that she charges a fee for and she also has a ton of free printables. Her focus is on literacy and her printables are extremely good quality ones that will enhance your homeschooling.

Homeschool Share – Ami from Walking by the Way runs this site and it is a great place to search for any topic of printable you can think of. It has notebooking pages, educational printables, mini books, and more. I’ve used this site to find sheets to go along with topics we are studying because of its easy search feature.

Picklebums – Some of my favourite printables are from Picklebums. They are cheerful and fun.

Homegrown Learners – Homegrown Learners is best known for their free Lego printables. I am especially a fan of the minifig writing prompts.

Kids Activities Blog – I love this site for so much more than the printables but thought it is known more for the activities, they do have free printables and good ones at that!

Homeschool Creations – Perhaps best known for its great Homeschool Planner which is available for purchase, Homeschool Creations also offers free printables. There are a LOT but it takes a bit of navigating to find them all.

Living Montessori Now – There is a very large list of places here to find free printables Montessori materials.

Every Star is Different – Renae is regularly adding free printables for Montessori style unit studies.

Montessori Print Shop – While many of the printables here need to be purchased, there is a section for free Montessori printables.

Teach Beside Me – There are a wide range of printables here and I like that there are some that can be used for older kids which are generally harder to find.

Simply Vicki – Vicki has some nice out-of-the-ordinary free printables.

Education.com – Education.com has a large variety of free worksheets for all age levels. The selection is huge but you do have to put up with there being a fair amount of ads and many are only available through membership.

Handwriting Worksheets.com – Make your own handwriting printables.

Royal Baloo – Royal Baloo has free printables that focus mainly on preschool, kindergarten and the lower grades.

File Folder Fun – If file folder games is what you’re looking for, this is where you’ll want to visit.

In All You Do – This site has a selection of free homeschool printables, particularly for holidays, even the more obscure holidays.

Free Printable.com – While not expressly homeschool focused, there are printables here that can be used.

Homeschool Encouragement – Many printables available including some Lego printables.

Gift of Curiosity

The Crafty Classroom

Making Learning Fun

Of course Pinterest is a huge resource all on its own and a good source for finding printables.

Membership Sites:

Membership sites can still be a frugal choice because many have a one time fee so once the cost is recovered, everything else after that can be considered as free.

Productive Homeschooling – We have a lifetime membership to NotebookingPages and use them often for all kinds of learning opportunities. They have a huge selection and what’s even better is that you can even use their creator to make your own.

Enchanted Learning – I haven’t used this membership site myself but it looks to have a lot available.

Education.com – Education.com has a membership option.

Teacher Share Sites:

Many of the products on teacher share sites such as these are paid but there are also free unit studies and printable worksheets that can be found. Some of them allow you to search by cost so it’s easy to find the free resources.

Teachers Pay Teachers

This list is by no means exhaustive, but by using the links on this list, you can create curriculum, organize and plan entire homeschool years, and best of all, save a lot of money doing so.

You may also want to read Your Complete Guide to School at Home.

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Sensory Bottle

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In case, my matching Minnie purse and wallet weren’t evidence enough, I’m a big Disney fan. I’m especially partial to Mr. and Mrs. Mouse! That is the inspiration behind this Mickey and Minnie Sensory Bottle.

clear bottle filled with liquid, gold glitter, white beads, and Disney figures on red background with text reading "Mickey and Minnie Sensory Bottle"If you’re also a Disney fan, you’re going to love this adorable sensory tool. It’s easy to make yourself. In the same spirit as our Minnie Mouse Slime, you can bring a bit of that Disney magic right into your own home.

If you’re hosting a Mickey Mouse themed birthday party, these would make adorable party favours for your guests to make and then take home.

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Sensory Bottle:

Supplies needed:

Directions:

  1. Pour clear dish soap into the container until it’s 2/3 full.
  2. Add the glitter, beads, mini elastics, and Mickey and Minnie Mouse buttons.
  3. Fill the remaining space with water.
  4. Replace the lid. If you’re going to be using this jar with younger kids, then I highly recommend that you Superglue the lid in place and allow the glue to dry before giving it to your child to play with. You can instead secure it with hot glue.

As with all sensory activities, adult supervision should be used at all times. Even if you have glued the lid in place, it can come undone and the small parts inside are potential choking hazards.

Sensory and Learning Opportunities:

While the main sensory system targeted with sensory bottles is the Visual system, children also engage their tactile and proprioceptive sensory systems when interacting with this activity.

This activity presents many math opportunities. Kids can compare if there are more Mickeys than Minnies or vice versa or if there are an equal amount. They can count the number of characters inside or the number of one specific character. They can also guess how many white beads there are by counting them in one section and then multiplying that by the number of same size sections there are.

Thanks to the slow falling movement, this can also serve as a calm down jar, helping kids regulate their breathing and behaviour.

Are you looking for more easy sensory play ideas? Join us for a five day email series on Sensory Activities and Solutions and get a free sample of our Sensory Play Recipes eBook.

Check out some of other sensory bottles:

Insect Sensory Bottle

Lego Sensory Bottle

Nature Sensory Bottles