Hands-On Activities

Homeschool STEM Activities: The Ivory Soap Experiment

June 4, 2026 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Homeschool STEM activities are a wonderful way for your child to explore a wide variety of science topics, from learning about scientific inquiry to what happens when you mix an alkaline and an acid.

If you are looking for a simple science experiment that feels like magic while teaching real scientific concepts, the Ivory soap experiment is one of the best hands-on activities you can try. And that is what I am sharing with you today.

Homeschool STEM Activities: The Ivory Soap Experiment

Using just a bar of Ivory soap and a microwave, kids can watch an ordinary soap bar transform into a giant fluffy cloud right before their eyes. It is quick, inexpensive, easy to clean up, and perfect for homeschool science lessons, rainy afternoons, or family fun nights.

Children get excited because they are able to see chemistry and physics happening in real time.

The dramatic change in size captures their attention immediately, creating an excellent opportunity to spark a conversation about how matter changes.

BOOKS ABOUT NOTABLE STEM FIGURES

First, add a few of these books about famous STEM figures.

We prefer living books. Add a few to your home library.

8 Notable STEM Figures

Add some of these books to your reading day about science and famous inventions.

Michael Faraday: Father of Electronics

Charles Ludwig retells Michael Faraday’s remarkable life story in fictionalized form. Here is the father of the electric motor, the dynamo, the transformer, the generator. Few persons are aware of the brilliant man’s deep Christian convictions and his determination to live by the Sermon on the Mount. For ages 12 to 15.

Albert Einstein and the Theory of Relativity

Einstein's astonishing theory of relativity transformed every aspect of physics-from the study of atoms to the study of stars. Relativity is described here in simple, accurate language that young readers can comprehend.

Nikola Tesla, Electrical Genius

Electrical engineer and inventor Nikola Tesla (1856–1943) was indeed an electrical genius. In language suitable for both young and old, author Arthur J. Beckhard describes all aspects of Tesla’s personal and professional life, including Tesla’s childhood and his education at primary school, at the Higher Real Gymnasium, and at the Polytechnic Institute; his years working for the telegraphic engineering department of Austria, then as an engineer in Paris, and then as an employee of Thomas Edison in America; his substitution of alternating current for direct current—a simpler and more economical method of converting electrical into mechanical energy; his rotary magnetic field, which was used in transmitting the power of Niagara Falls to nearby cities; his independent research at his own electrical laboratories in New Your City; and much more. Originally published in 1959 as part of Messner Publications' "Men of Science" series

Hidden Figures Young Readers' Edition

Before John Glenn orbited the earth, or Neil Armstrong walked on the moon, a group of dedicated female mathematicians known as “human computers” used pencils, slide rules, and adding machines to calculate the numbers that would launch rockets, and astronauts, into space.

This book brings to life the stories of Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden, who lived through the Civil Rights era, the Space Race, the Cold War, and the movement for gender equality, and whose work forever changed the face of NASA and the
country.

Reaching for the Moon: The Autobiography of NASA Mathematician Katherine Johnson

As a young girl, Katherine Johnson showed an exceptional aptitude for math. In school she quickly skipped ahead several grades and was soon studying complex equations with the support of a professor who saw great promise in her. But ability and opportunity did not always go hand in hand. As an African American and a girl growing up in an era of brutal racism and sexism, Katherine faced daily challenges. Still, she lived her life with her father’s words in mind: “You are no better than anyone else, and nobody else is better than you.”

Grace Hopper: The Woman Behind Computer Programming (Little Inventor)

Computers touch our lives everyday, in countless ways, but how do they know what to do? How do we communicate with them and they with each other? Language! Grace Hopper was a pioneer in computer programming, a woman whose scientific research led to computer-language tools and technology still in use today. Her story is filled with trial and error, and readers can follow the journey step by step.

Who Is Jane Goodall? (Who Was?)

Jane Goodall, born in London, England, always loved animals and wanted to study them in their natural habitats. So at age twenty-six, off she went to Africa! Goodall's up-close observations of chimpanzees changed what we know about them and paved the way for many female scientists who came after her. Now her story comes to life in this biography with black-and-white illustrations throughout.

Great Inventors and their Inventions

Can you imagine how different life would be without the printing press? It's unlikely you'd ever have held a book. And your clothes would look very different without the invention of spinning and sewing machines. Without boats, trains, and planes, even our diets would be changed.Read about the fascinating creators of these inventions and the struggles they faced. Some got rich, some fought for every penny, but they all changed the way we live our lives today. Inventors profiled in this collection include James Watt (the steam engine), Elias Howe (the sewing machine), Cyrus McCormick (the reaper), John Gutenberg (the printing press), Alexander Graham Bell (the telephone) as well as many more.This reprinting is complete and unabridged featuring all the original illustrations and reformatted text for easier reading.

Then, here are more fact about the Ivory soap experiment.

ABOUT THE IVORY SOAP ACTIVITIY

To explain simply how this works, Ivory soap contains tiny air pockets that are whipped into the soap during manufacturing. In fact, Ivory soap is famous for floating in water because of the air trapped inside.

When the soap is heated in the microwave, the air and water molecules inside begin to expand rapidly. The heat softens the soap while the expanding air pushes outward, and this causes the soap to puff up into a giant foam structure.

This experiment demonstrates several scientific concepts, including expansion caused by heat, physical changes in matter, air trapped inside materials, and how microwave energy interacts with water molecules. It is a wonderful visual example of how heat can change the properties of a substance.

To keep them engaged, have older kids research why microwaves heat water molecules or compare the results between different soap brands.

For younger children, this experiment encourages observation skills, prediction-making, and sensory exploration. It is especially engaging for those hands-on learners who benefit from seeing science in action rather than simply reading about it.

MORE THAN A KITCHEN SCIENCE ACTIVITY

Children do not expect a hard soap bar to grow into a giant, fluffy sculpture. The rapid transformation creates excitement and wonder, which is exactly what makes science meaningful and fun.

Experiments like this also help children connect learning with everyday life. They begin to realize that science is not limited to textbooks or laboratories. It can happen right in the kitchen using ordinary household items.

The Ivory Soap Experiment is more than just a fun kitchen activity. We can use it to introduce vocabulary words and scientific thinking.

Here are a few questions to ask children during the experiment:

What do you think will happen to the soap?
Why does the soap get bigger instead of melting flat?
How does the texture change after heating?
Is this a physical change or a chemical change?

MORE AMAZING HOMESCHOOL STEM ACTIVITIES

Now look at how to do this activity.

IVORY SOAP EXPERIMENT

You will need:

One bar of Ivory soap
A microwave-safe plate
A microwave
Optional: safety gloves or oven mitts

Start by placing the bar of Ivory soap on a microwave-safe plate. You can use the whole bar or cut it into smaller pieces if you prefer.

Put the plate in the microwave and heat the soap for about one to two minutes.

Watch carefully through the microwave window as the soap begins to puff up dramatically.

Within seconds, the soap expands into a large, soft, cloud-like structure that looks almost like whipped foam.

Once the microwave stops, allow the soap to cool slightly before touching it. The texture becomes light, crumbly, and surprisingly airy.

Kids love exploring the finished product because it feels completely different from the original solid bar. Let them scratch it with fingernails, skewers, crumble it apart with their hands, and observe it under a magnifying glass.

The expanded soap can then be used after the experiment for sensory play or used over time as a gigantic fun soap to wash hands with.

A few tips for success…

Use only Ivory soap for the classic fluffy effect; other brands don’t produce the same reaction.
Watch the experiment carefully while microwaving; do not overheat the soap. One to two minutes is usually enough.
Allow the soap to cool before handling.
Place a paper towel under the plate for easier cleanup if desired.

How to Teach Science Through A Story – Middle & High School

May 28, 2026 | 120 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

When you teach science through a story that is powerful. Using storytelling as a powerful teacher is not a new concept to homeschoolers. Also, look at my page Homeschool Middle School, How to Homeschool High School and How to Choose the Right Homeschool High School Science pages for more fun tips.

Not only do we love reading stories but we understand their power to captivate and convince readers.

How to Teach Science Through A Story - Middle & High School

I stalked the mailman waiting for these books from Beautiful Feet Books. I was given this product free, and I was compensated for my time. However, paid for my time does not mean paid off or that a company will receive a glowing review. I don’t roll that way. ALL opinions are my own and for sure I will always tell you what is on my mind. When I do accept a product it’s because I’m giddy to tell you about it. Read my full disclosure here. Now on to the fun stuff!

However, until I started using Beautiful Feet Books I wasn’t so confident that teaching science through a story or through biographies would benefit my kids all the way through to high school.

First, I need to back up and explain what curriculum we’ve been poring over.

For the past couple of months, it has been a delight to use the History of Science. (update: This curriculum has now been retired but the approach is timeless.) I leave my thoughts here for you.

I knew it was geared toward the 3rd to 7th grade level.

But we were over the top excited to ditch the science textbook and learn the history of science through living literature.

Besides, science biographies can be used for older kids.

History of Science Living Literature

In addition, I had already figured out that my worksheet approach, as academic and bookish as it sounds, didn’t work because my boys retained lessons better using a learn-by-doing approach.

Next, early on in my homeschooling journey, I had stumbled upon Early American History with my then first kindergartner.

After using it with him, I learned that other equally important elements which stir a child’s thinking are living literature and absorbing history through a story.

There has not been a more enriching way to teach him or my other sons to high school than a literature-based approach.

What I’m saying is that storytelling, learning-by-doing, and living literature are inextricably linked.

Using those same elements while teaching science are the same ones used in teaching the History of Science and used for teaching an older child.

7 Creative Ways to Adapt Curriculum for Older Homeschooled Kids

Learning how to adapt a multiple age curriculum for upper grades can be challenging, but look at some ways I did this with the features of History of Science.

They are the same tips I used with my sons all the way through middle school and into high school.

With a yearlong program geared toward 3rd to 7th grade, there is a lot of room to allow exploring topics in more depth. Using a yearlong program is key.
Even though the biographies are geared toward a lower reading level, they are likable by an older child. Many essay points can be gleaned from each biography. For example, previous to studying this curriculum, we hadn’t researched much about George Washington Carver. Reading about this American Pioneer and his many uses of peanuts made for a fun rabbit trail or research project. Even though your younger kids can join in the project to list the many uses of peanuts, I had Tiny delve deeper into this since it piqued his interest. I required that he explain the history of the peanut. I had questions like what is the history of the peanut, why was Carver encouraging farmers during the American Civil War to break away from cultivating just cotton, and explain the growing process of the peanut. For example, he had to know that it wasn’t a peanut at all but a seed and understand that the boll weevil could devastate cotton crops.
Another fascinating point to glean from the History of Science is understanding and seeing science through the eyes of great scientists. We use this concept for history all the time. We want to learn history through the eyes of a character who lived in a particular time period. Learning science through biographies of Archimedes, Leonardo da Vinci, Galileo, Sir Isaac Newton, Marie Curie, George Washington Carver, Wright Brothers and Albert Einstein keeps kids equally inspired to learn about the wonders of science instead of dry, boring facts.

In addition, with many notebook pages, vocabulary words, and hands-on ideas the study guide is just that. It’s a springboard for you to use and add your own ideas.A guide on the other hand gives me a nudge or jump to another teaching concept that my son is interested in.
After I abandoned my wrong and stereotypical view that hands-on learning means no learning at all, I’ve been touting for years how hands-on learning needs to be used through to high school. The best books have been culled through and selected for easy hands-on activity that can be used for a variety of ages. Not only did we start our science portfolio notebook, but we did many hands-on learning activities like this one Day 4. Ancient Greece (Hands-on Science) 3 EASY Activities, ice cutting, and writing the Greek alphabet.

One more fun way to engage older kids through a story is to let them learn through a timeline. A timeline is a visual and natural way to learn. Kids can race ahead and place figures on a timeline while they read about scientific discoveries, events, and biographies. This is another key benefit to this curriculum. The timeline can stand on its own. It can be used completely separate. Instead of quickly placing the key events or scientists in order, challenge your older kids to learn about them before seeing the dates. Which significant event happened first, next and so on? Your middle school kids can memorize the events in order. It’ll give your kids foundational pegs as they fill in with more information with each time period.
Another tip that makes this curriculum especially useful to me is that it has scientists from different time periods. It’s organized into 3 parts that coincide with history, which are Ancient Scientists, Medieval & Renaissance Scientists, and Modern Scientists. I can easily add one section in depth this year and come back to this resource another year to focus on a different time period.
One last tip I do is to completely turn the teaching guide and everything over to my older kid. When you’re finished with the younger kids, let your middle or high school kid work through the lessons at their pace or at their will. For example, Tiny skipped all over the place when it came to reading and what interested him. That is such a liberating feeling for any learner and it’s the way to encourage independent learning. A lot of Beautiful Feet Books curriculum can be used that way, which is why I’ve been a user for a long time and couldn’t be more pleased.

The last thing I know you want to know about is whether it’s Christian or secular. I guess that depends on your definition of those two concepts.

It’s easier to tell you that it’s very friendly toward both type of views which I appreciate.

10 Resources to Teach Science Through a Story

Books of any level can be read and used in depth to create a science curriculum. Adding hands-on resources like a timeline and activities help too.

The Picture History of Great Inventors

Have you ever wondered who invented the calculator? Or what the first map of the world was made of? Or how lasers work?Here is an entertaining and fact-packed introduction to the great inventors of the world and their inventions. Follow the lives and work of over 50 major innovators as you set off on a journey from the earliest inventions in recorded history to the most recent developments in science and technology. Colorful, decade-by-decade catalog of the world's greatest inventors. Illustrated with 800+ drawings, and bursting with facts, Great Inventors celebrates ingenuity of people throughout the ages. Fascinating read for those curious about the notable, and not so notable, technical achievements that have shaped our lives.

Starry Messenger: Galileo Galilei

In every age there are courageous people who break with tradition to explore new ideas and challenge accepted truths. Galileo Galilei was just such a man--a genius--and the first to turn the telescope to the skies to map the heavens. In doing so, he offered objective evidence that the earth was not the fixed center of the universe but that it and all the other planets revolved around the sun. Galileo kept careful notes and made beautiful drawings of all that he observed. Through his telescope he brought the starts down to earth for everyone to see.

Archimedes and the Door of Science

Jeanne Bendick, through text and pictures, admirably succeeds in bringing to life the ancient Greek mathematician who enriched mathematics and all branches of science. Against the backdrop of Archimedes' life and culture, the author discusses the man's work, his discoveries and the knowledge later based upon it. The simple, often humorous, illustrations and diagrams greatly enhance the text.

The Way Science Works

The perfect introduction to how science explains the world around us! Eye-opening experiments and exceptional photography bring science to life. Discover science in action from the principles that explain everyday occurrences to the theories behind the technology in today's fast-moving world. Test the theories in more than 100 hands-on projects. Next-generation visuals and cutting-edge content help illuminate key scientific developments. Packed full of facts about famous scientists, technology newsflashes, and more. An exciting way to keep ahead of the curriculum and discover science for yourself.

George Washington Carver: A Picture Book Biography

Shampoo from peanuts? Wallpaper from clay? Ink from sweet potatoes? With imagination and innovation, George Washington Carver (1864–1934) developed hundreds of unexpected products from everyday plants.Carver was an exceptionally uncommon man: trailblazing scholar, innovative scientist, pioneering conservationist, and impassioned educator. This book follows his life from enslaved orphan to his student days as the first African American to attend Iowa State College (where he later taught) and on to his work in the field of agriculture. Illustrated with historical photographs, and published with The Field Museum, Chicago, the book traces Carver’s life, discoveries, and legacy.

The Wright Brothers for Kids: How They Invented the Airplane, 21 Activities Exploring the Science and History of Flight

This activity book tells the amazing true story of how two bicycle-making brothers from Ohio, with no more than high-school educations, accomplished a feat that forever changed the world. At a time when most people still hadn’t ridden in an automobile, Wilbur and Orville Wright built the first powered, heavier-than-air flying machine. Woven throughout the heartwarming story of the two brothers are activities that highlight their ingenuity and problem-solving abilities as they overcame many obstacles to achieve controlled flight. The four forces of flight—lift, thrust, gravity, and drag—and how the Wright brothers mastered them are explained in clear, simple text. Activities include making a Chinese flying top, building a kite, bird watching, and designing a paper glider, and culminate with an activity in which readers build a rubber-band-powered flyer. Included are photographs just released from the Wright brothers’ personal collection, along with diagrams and illustrations. The history of human flight and its pioneers, a time line, and a complete resource section for students are also provided.

Leonardo da Vinci: An Orbis Pictus Award-Winning Biography About the Renaissance Artist and Inventor

In this magnificent addition to a distinguished series that includes Cleopatra, Joan of Arc, and Bard of Avon: The Story of William Shakespeare, award-winning author-artist Diane Stanley blends wonderful storytelling with gorgeous illustrations to convey the stunning scope of Leonardo da Vinci's genius in a book that has won many awards and earned two starred reviews. This nonfiction picture book is an excellent choice to share during homeschooling, in particular for children ages 6 to 8. It’s a fun way to learn to read and as a supplement for activity books for children.

Photo Credit: bfbooks.com

Early American History Timeline

This collection features 28 illustrations of key events and figures from 1000 to the Thirteenth Amendment in 1865. Notable milestones like the Declaration of Independence and the Abolitionist Movement are depicted, with figures such as the Founding Fathers, Harriet Tubman, and Frederick Douglass.Students can color, cut, and paste the images onto card stock strips, creating a personal visual timeline. It’s a great way for students to showcase what they’ve learned throughout the year.

Marie Curie for Kids: Her Life and Scientific Discoveries, with 21 Activities and Experiments (65)

Marie Curie, nicknamed “Manya” by her family, reveled in reading, learning, and exploring nature as a girl growing up in her native Poland. She went on to become one of the world's most famous scientists. Curie’s revolutionary discoveries over several decades created the field of atomic physics, and Curie herself coined the word radioactivity. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the first person ever to win in two different fields—chemistry and physics.

Isaac Newton: A Life From Beginning to End (Biographies of Physicists)

Isaac Newton seemed to be a most unwanted child of the world. Ignored by his mother, scorned by contemporaries, seemingly at war with the world in which he lived, Newton turned his energies to things unseen. His laws of motion and law of universal gravitation would set the stage for a most extraordinary life.

While it has some parts that ask your child to write a Bible verse, you can leave it, use it, or add your own. That part shows they support a Christian view.

However, their goal with their curriculum is to leave it up to you as the parent to add your worldview.

Using storytelling as a powerful teacher is not a new concept to homeschoolers. Not only do we love reading stories but we understand their power to captivate and convince readers. However, until I wasn’t so confident that teaching science through stories works for all ages of my kids. Click here to read 7 creative ways to teach older kids!

I can say it’s more easily done with this curriculum than many I use which saturate their curriculum with their Christian or secular worldview and makes it almost impossible to tweak.

If you’re wanting to use curriculum that teaches science through storytelling with a focus on hands-on learning by using a part unit study approach and part Charlotte Mason, you’ll love this curriculum like I do.

Read about the other curriculum I’ve used here at Early American and World History which is not available anymore, but it is now two separate levels and revamped, the Medieval History Sr. High levels and Medieval Intermediate Pack.

How to Purchase It.

►Product Name: History of Science
►Website: Beautiful Feet Books – BFBooks
► Don’t Miss: The Getting Started page. It’s been such a helpful guide for me through the years.
►Type of product: These is a physical product but the study guide is available as a digital download too. From their site: Our newly revised and updated History of Science is a popular and exciting read-aloud approach to the study of science! Rebecca’s course uses biographies to tell the life stories of famous scientists like Archimedes, Galileo, Leonardo da Vinci, Marie Curie, George Washington Carver, Einstein, and others as well as hands-on experiments to prove the scientists’ theories and test their discoveries. An enriching way to introduce biology, chemistry, and physics. For grades 3-7, this one-year study will cover basic scientific principles and the history of scientific study beginning in ancient Greece and continuing through the 1990s. Contains 85 lessons, dozens of experiments, lab reports, and much more.

How To Make An Ancient Phoenicia Alphabet Clay Tablet & Free Chart

May 27, 2026 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

The study of ancient civilizations is one of the most interesting parts of history to me, especially Ancient Phoenicia. Also, look at my page Free Ancient Phoenicia Lapbook For Kids Who Love Hands-on History I’ve enjoyed teaching about Ancient Civilizations and their contributions that have led to some of the great inventions and resources that we still use today.

In this lesson, kids can learn about the ancient Phoenicians and the alphabet that they developed as well as creating their own clay tablet with Phoenician writing.

How To Make An Ancient Phoenicia Alphabet Clay Tablet & Free Chart

Phoenicia was actually a group of city-states. It was established in the area that we now know as Syria, Lebanon, and northern Israel.

These city states began forming around 3200 BC and around 1500 BC, Two of it’s most well-known city states were Tyre and Sidon.

In Scripture, Phoenicia is the area known as Canaan.

The Phoenicians were an ocean people.

ANCIENT PHOENICIA RESOURCES & BOOKS FOR KIDS

Then, look at a few of these resources.

7 Ancient Phoenicia (Modern Day Lebanon, Syria & Northern Israel) Books or Set In Ancient Phoenicia

Add some of these fun resources to your unit study or study for the day of Ancient Civilizations.

Ancient Israelites and Their Neighbors: An Activity Guide (Cultures of the Ancient World)

Children can try their hand at re-creating ancient Israelite culture—along with the cultures of their neighbors, the Philistines and Phoenicians—in a way that will provide perspective on current events. The book covers a key period from the Israelites’ settlement in Canaan in 1200 B.C.E. to their return from exile in Babylonia in 538 B.C.E. This part of the Middle East—no larger than modern-day Michigan—was the birthplace of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. More than 35 projects include stomping grapes into juice, building a model Phoenician trading ship, making a Philistine headdress, and writing on a broken clay pot. Israelites', Phoenicians', and Philistines' writing and languages, the way they built their homes, the food they ate, the clothes they wore, and the work they did, and of course, their many interesting stories.

Photo Credit: store.homeschoolinthewoods.com

Activity Study: Great Empires

Included in this study are over 35 projects, games, recipes, links, and the history of fourteen empires! Generally, each empire's materials can be covered in 1-3 days

History Pockets: Ancient Civilizations, Grades 1-3

The book includes the following pockets:

What Is History?
Ancient Mesopotamia
Ancient Egypt
Ancient Greece
Ancient Rome
Ancient China
Ancient Aztec World

This resource contains teacher support pages, reproducible student pages, and an answer key.

Explore the Old City of Aleppo: Come with Tamim to a World Heritage Site

Other Words for Home: A Newbery Honor Award Winner

A gorgeously written, hopeful middle grade novel in verse about a young girl who must leave Syria to move to the United States, perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds and Aisha Saeed.

Jude never thought she’d be leaving her beloved older brother and father behind, all the way across the ocean in Syria. But when things in her hometown start becoming volatile, Jude and her mother are sent to live
in Cincinnati with relatives.

The Source: A Novel

In his signature style of grand storytelling, James A. Michener transports us back thousands of years to the Holy Land. Through the discoveries of modern archaeologists excavating the site of Tell Makor, Michener vividly re-creates life in an ancient city and traces the profound history of the Jewish people—from the persecution of the early Hebrews, the rise of Christianity, and the Crusades to the founding of Israel and the modern conflict in the Middle East. An epic tale of love, strength, and faith, The Source is a richly written saga that encompasses the history of Western civilization and the great religious and cultural ideas that have shaped our world.

The Phoenician Cities of Sidon and Tyre | Ancient Mediterranean Cultures

In this book, your child will learn to identify on the map where the ancient world of Phoenicia was located. He/she will also learn how unique Phoenicia was compared to the present-day countries in the sense that it was made up of city-states. The most important of these city-states are Sidon and Tyre, both of which will be explained in this book. Grab a copy today.

Phoenicia was a very popular place for trading and manufacturing. They worshiped many gods and goddesses.

About the Phoenicians

One was their god of the sea- Yamm, and they put horses heads on their mighty ships to honor him. They were known for the manufacturing of the powerful ships, for glass-making, and for the making of their famous purple dye.

The name Phoenicia comes from the Greek word for purple. In fact, they were sometimes called the “purple people” because the dye they made would stain their skin purple.

The famous historian Herodotus gives Phoenicia the credit for the invention of the alphabet.

They supposedly brought the alphabet to Greece sometime before the 8th century BC.

Hands-on Ancient Phoenicia: Alphabet Clay Tablet Craft. Your kids will love this easy hands-on history craft if you’re looking to study the Ancient Phoenicians.

Most of the western languages that we know today came from the Phoenician alphabet.

And the Phoenician city of Byblos where papyrus was manufactured and traded gave the Bible its name- through the Greek words Ta Biblia, “the books”.

The Phoenician Alphabet

The Phoenician alphabet that was later passed on to other countries and cultures developed around the 15th century BC. Before that, the Phoenicians used a form of cuneiform writing.

The alphabet spread so rapidly and to so many places because the Phoenicians were such avid traders and sailed around trading with many different peoples.

Most of the writings that have been discovered from the Phoenicians have to do with trade and business.

The alphabet had twenty-two letters. It was read from right to left in diagonal lines. The shapes of the letters came from an earlier Egyptian form of hieroglyphics.

Their shapes came from the meanings of the symbols. For example, the first letter- aleph– means ox. And it’s shape looks a little like the head of an ox.

All of the letters in the Phoenician alphabet are consonants. The vowel sounds were added in when the language was spoken.

The Phoenician alphabet was different from other systems of writing that came before because instead of having a symbol to represent every word, the symbols actually represented letters that were put together to make words.

Occasionally- but not always- the Phoenicians put a straight line in between words to separate them.

This is what the Phoenician alphabet looked like.

Clay Tablet With Phoenician Writing

Although the Phoenicians often wrote on papyrus, they also occasionally wrote on stone tablets or gold panels and later on parchment and wax tablets.

When they wrote in clay, they used a stylus to inscribe the letters into the clay. In our activity, we’re going to use clay to write on and a wooden dowel as our stylus. So we’ll create a clay tablet with Phoenician writing.

Materials Needed:

Clay- You can use a variety of clay types, but you want a clay that is going to dry and maintain its shape- not just crumble like playdough. Modeling clay works well or a homemade clay that will dry out well without crumbling.
Wooden dowel or toothpick to write with
Phoenician alphabet chart – (You can grab it at the bottom by adding your email and downloading it instantly.)

Procedure:

Roll out your clay and shape it into a rectangle- or as close as you can get. We tried for a rectangle because we wanted our clay tablets to look “authentic.”

Use your wooden dowel or toothpick to copy the letter shapes from the chart onto your clay. You can also use the tip of a broken pencil. (We like to adapt and use what we have.)

Remember that this alphabet only contains consonants, so you won’t use the vowels of your name.

See what other words you can write using the alphabet. Because there are no vowels used, you can write words and see if others can decipher what you’ve written. Although this alphabet is supposed to be read diagonally from right to left, we used the traditional straight across left to write because it was easier.

Also, I wanted to let you know about this. If you’re looking for more hands-on history, we love using Home School in the Woods.

Once you’ve written the name or message you want to keep, let your clay tablet harden over night. If you use a colorless flour-based clay, you could paint your tablets as well. I use an all-natural dough that comes in earthy colors, so we didn’t paint ours.

Most historians agree that the most important legacy that the Phoenicians left behind was their alphabet. It’s been changed and added to, but it is the basis for the alphabet that we still use today.

Now, how to grab the freebie. It’s a subscriber freebie.

HOW TO GET THE FREE PRINTABLE PHOENICIAN ALPHABET CHART

That means when you sign up to follow me, you get my emails in your inbox and you get this freebie.

1) CLICK HERE ON THIS LINK TO SIGN UP ON MY EMAIL LIST & TO GET THIS FREEBIE.

2) Grab the freebie instantly.

3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me!

You’ll love these other activities:

Written by Leah from As We Walk Along the Road

How To Make A Fun Intertidal Zone Diorama

May 26, 2026 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I am going to show you how to make a fun and easy intertidal zone diorama that helps your child understand the makeup and creatures of the shoreline. Also, look at my page Seashore Beach Watching Unit Study and Seashore Lapbook.

The intertidal zone is one of the most unique ecosystems on Earth. It is the area along the shoreline that is underwater during high tide and exposed to air during low tide. Because the tides change every day, the environment in the intertidal zone is constantly changing.

How To Make A Fun Intertidal Zone Diorama

The animals and plants that live here must be able to survive the crashing waves, salty water, bright sunlight, strong winds, and changing temperatures. Despite these challenges many organisms still thrive in this habitat.

To create my intertidal zone diorama, we used paper mache made from toilet paper- inexpensive, and always easy to find. It is a great art medium.

FUN SEASHORE BOOKS FOR KIDS

And adding books to your day can make this a full unit study or science outside day.

Next, add some of these books to your home library.

7 Seashore & Beach Books for Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

Choose a few of these seashore themed books to go along with your study of the beach and seashore. Whether you're looking for a spine for a unit study or literature, you'll love this roundup.

The Burgess Seashore Book for Children in color

Join Danny Meadow Mouse, Jimmy Skunk, and Reddy Fox as they explore the seashore and take a closer look at the habits and habitats of the creatures they find. Discover the Seahorse, Shrimp, Crab, Anemone, Gull, and so many more.

The Burgess Seashore Book for Children is a wonderful way to introduce young ones to the fascinating world beneath us and is a perfect compliment to earlier books in this series, the Bird, Animal, and Flower books.

This edition is complete and unabridged with all of the beautiful illustrations by W.H. Southwick and George Sutton

Seashore Watcher (Watcher Guide)

What lives on the beach? What lives in the shallow water? Can you track a Fiddler Crab? Learn how to spot tracks, identify markings and discover secret hideaways at the seashore. Packed with fascinating fact files, stunning photographs and plenty of hands-on activities, it’s the perfect tool to find out about what lives in the different habitats where the land meets the sea. It even comes in a waterproof ziplock bag to keep it safe and dry during your seashore expeditions. What are you waiting for, head out to the sea and be amazed!

Seaside Naturalist: Seaside Naturalist

Seaside Naturalist is an illustrated guide to marine plants and animals includes the characteristics of protozoa, arthropods, sponges, mollusks, reptiles, birds, fish, and mammals.

Ocean Anatomy: The Curious Parts & Pieces of the World under the Sea

Follow Rothman’s inquisitive mind and perceptive eye along shorelines, across the open ocean, and below the waves for an artistic exploration of the watery universe. Through her drawings, discover how the world’s oceans formed, why the sea is salty, and the forces behind oceanic phenomena such as rogue waves. Colorful anatomical profiles of sea creatures from crustacean to cetacean, surveys of seafaring vessels and lighthouses, and the impact of plastic and warming water temperatures are just part of this compendium of curiosities that will entertain and educate readers of all ages.

Pagoo

An intricate study of tide pool life is presented in text and pictures through the story of Pagoo, a her-mit crab.

A Shell Is Cozy

Poetic in voice and elegant in design, this carefully researched book is sure to inspire lively questions and spark the imaginations of young readers. This beautiful volume will be equally at home being read to a child on a parent’s lap as it is in a classroom reading circle. EVERYONE LOVES SHELLS!: The perfect book for amateur naturalists, vacation-goers, and armchair travelers for whom beaches, and their shells, hold a special place in the heart.

Seabird: – A Carved Ivory Gull's Journey Through American Maritime History for Kids

The history of America at sea is presented through the travels of Seabird, a carved ivory gull.

We also included plastic sea animals.

CREATURES OF THE INTERTIDAL ZONE

And some made out of air-dry clay and paint to show you that you can use one or all of these to fill in your sea creatures and plants.

CRABS

One of the most common animals in the intertidal zone is the crab. Crabs are crustaceans with hard exoskeletons that protect them from predators and rough waves. They move sideways quickly and often hide under rocks or inside crevices to stay safe and moist when the tide goes out. Many crabs are scavengers, meaning they help clean the ecosystem by eating dead plants and animals.

STAR FISH

Sea stars use hundreds of tiny tube feet on the underside of their bodies to grip rocks tightly and avoid being swept away by waves. They are predators that feed on mussels and clams by prying open their shells. One amazing fact about sea stars is that they can regrow lost arms if they become injured. Some species can even regenerate an entirely new body from a single arm.

BARNACLES

Barnacles are small animals that permanently attach themselves to rocks, docks, and even whales. At first glance, they may look like shells or rocks, but they are actually crustaceans related to crabs and lobsters. Barnacles protect themselves with hard outer plates that close tightly during low tide to keep water inside their bodies. When the tide returns, they open and use feather-like appendages called cirri to catch tiny plankton from the water. Large groups of barnacles often form crowded colonies along rocky shores.

MUSSELS AND CLAMS

Mussels attach themselves to rocks using strong, thread-like fibers called byssal threads. These threads help them stay anchored even during strong waves. Clams, on the other hand, bury themselves in sand or mud for protection. Both mussels and clams are filter feeders, meaning they filter tiny food particles and plankton from the water.

SEA ANEMONES

Soft-bodied animals related to jellyfish and corals. They may look like underwater flowers, but they are actually predators. Their tentacles contain stinging cells used to capture fish and small marine animals. Sea anemones are commonly found in tide pools where water remains trapped during low tide. Some species can survive out of water for short periods by keeping moisture inside their bodies.

SEAWEED AND ALGAE

Seaweed provides shelter and food for many marine creatures. It is flexible, allowing it to bend with waves instead of breaking. Some seaweeds also contain air bladders that help them float closer to sunlight for photosynthesis. Different colors of algae grow at different tide levels depending on how much sunlight and water they need.

OYSTERS

Shellfish, found in some intertidal zones, especially in estuaries and coastal wetlands. Oysters attach themselves to rocks and to each other, forming large oyster reefs. These reefs provide shelter for fish, crabs, and other marine animals. Oysters are filter feeders and can clean large amounts of water every day by removing algae, dirt, and pollutants.

SEA CUCUMBERS

Soft-bodied marine animals related to sea stars and sea urchins. They move slowly along the ocean floor using tiny tube feet. Sea cucumbers are important because they help clean the ecosystem by eating decaying matter and organic material found in the sand. After digesting the nutrients, they release cleaner sand back into the environment. Some sea cucumbers can even defend themselves by releasing sticky threads or parts of their internal organs to distract predators.

SEA SPONGES

Sponges attach themselves to rocks and remain in one place for their entire lives. They survive by filtering water through tiny holes in their bodies and collecting microscopic food particles. Sponges provide shelter for small fish, shrimp, and other marine creatures. Even though they may look like plants, sponges are actually animals and are very important for keeping ocean water clean.

IDEAS TO EXPAND THE INTERTIDAL ZONE DIORAMA

Next, look at more activities to add to this study.

HOW TO MAKE A FUN INTERTIDAL ZONE DIORAMA

You will need:

Toilet Paper
Water
School glue
Plastic ocean animals- crab,
Clay
Bowl
Strainer
Craft paints/brushes

Use a scrap of cardboard from a leftover box as a base.

Soak the entire roll of toilet paper in a bowl of water until soaked through then remove the center. Depending on the size of your diorama you may need two or more

Squeeze out excess and allow it to drip in a strainer until the majority of the water is out.

Tear toilet paper into small pieces and place them back into the bowl (without the water) and then mix in about one cup of white glue. Stir the mixture until it forms a thick pulp.

Use your pulp to recreate the ocean floor at the shoreline, creating a gentle slope at one end by laying it on thickly and then adding less paper as you go. I included some dry paper at the start to help as filler, the water and glue will bind it all together.

Use a roller to squeeze out excess moisture and press everything together so it sticks well.

To smooth everything out a bit better I finished with a layer of dry toilet paper and pressed it into the wet.

After shaping the design, allow it to dry completely, which may take one or two days.

After your ocean floor is dry you can paint it to resemble sand and allow that to dry for an hour or two.

Now you are finally ready to add your ocean creatures. While everything is drying it is the perfect time to gather your plastic sea creatures, make some from leftover paper mache, or clay and finish them off with paint. This is great for sea weed, sea cucumbers, sponges, and to create the body of a hermit crab

We were also able to incorporate shells that we had from previous beach trips to make a hermit crab, a snail, and even an oyster with a pearl.

Place everything where you would like it and you have a simple intertidal zone diorama model.

Fairy Tale Story Stone Ideas & How to Use Them

May 21, 2026 | Leave a Comment
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I’m excited to share these fairy tale story stone ideas with you today. You can use them with preschoolers through elementary to add another layer of creativity to your homeschool day.

In a world filled with screens full of flashing lights and constant stimulation, simple hands-on activities can create some of the most meaningful learning experiences for children.

One timeless activity is the use of story stones.

Fairy Tale Story Stone Ideas & How to Use Them

These small painted rocks spark imagination, encourage storytelling, and help children connect deeply with classic fairy tales and creative play.

Story stones are smooth stones or pebbles decorated with pictures, symbols, characters, or scenes.

Each stone represents part of a story. Children can pick stones randomly or arrange them in a sequence to create their own tale.

Some story stones are designed around traditional fairy tales like Little Red Riding Hood, The Three Little Pigs, or Jack and the Beanstalk, while others feature animals, objects, emotions, or made-believe creatures that inspire original stories.

FAIRY TALE BOOKS FOR KIDS

Next, I rounded up fairy tale books.

We prefer living books when we can find them.

15 Books for Kids Who Love Reading and Being Read To About Fairy Tales, Legends, and Folk Tales

You’ll love adding these books to your home library about fairy tales, legends and folk tales.

The Complete Grimms' Fairy Tales

For over a century, the Grimm brothers' fairy tales have captivated the popular imagination. Their enduring magic and wonder have led to countless adaptations in film, theatre, opera, and animation, firmly establishing them as part of our cultural heritage. Now, in this exquisite leather-bound edition, experience the timeless enchantment of two hundred fairy tales and ten children's legends. Translated from German by Margaret Hunt, these cherished stories, including Cinderella, Hansel and Gretel, Snow White, Rapunzel, and Rumpelstiltskin, offer a treasure trove of imagination for both children and adults. Step into a world of enchantment and embrace the legacy of the Grimm brothers' extraordinary tales.

Fairy Tales Treasury: A Timeless Collection of Favorite and Classic Fairy Tales Stories for Children

Dive into the magical worlds of your most beloved fairytales with this adorable storytime treasure both kiddos and their grown-ups will enjoy. Young readers will be whisked away to 8 wondrous adventures designed to entertain and spark one’s imagination. This deluxe treasure trove of stories celebrates all the well-loved classics including: The Gingerbread Man, Cinderella, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Little Red Riding Hood, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Hansel and Gretel, and The Three Little Pigs. An enchanting collection of favorites boys and girls will love!

Rapunzel

This retelling of a favorite fairy tale, illustrated by award-winning artist Trina Schart Hyman in an edition Publishers Weekly called "spellbinding," has been lovingly restored. Digital technology brings back the clarity and brightness of Hyman's original watercolor paintings to illuminate the terrifying woods, handsome prince, and Rapunzel's lustrous hair, as Hyman originally painted them.

Little Red Riding Hood

Traveling alone, deep in the woods, Elisabeth suspects her basket of treats isn’t the only thing a sly wolf is after . . .Surrounded by an abundance of wildflowers, mushrooms, pinecones, and birds, Elisabeth heads off in her red cloak to visit her ailing grandmother. She's all alone—until she is joined by a wicked wolf, who urges her to stray from her wooded path.Framed with hand-drawn patterns and textured vignettes, Trina Schart Hyman's illustrations add intrigue to the familiar story, filled with subtle detail and depth.With the help of a brave woodsman, Elisabeth and her grandmother are saved—and Little Red Riding Hood learns a valuable lesson.

Snow White: Silver Anniversary Edition

Retells the familiar story of the beautiful young princess, the wicked stepmother, the seven gold-mining little men, and the handsome prince

The Blue Fairy Book

Once upon a time in a certain country there lived a king whose palace was surrounded by a spacious garden. But, though the gardeners were many and the soil was good, this garden yielded neither flowers nor fruits, not even grass or shady trees. The King was in despair about it, when a wise old man said to him: “Your gardeners do not understand their business: but what can you expect of men whose fathers were cobblers and carpenters? How should they have learned to cultivate your garden?” “You are quite right,” cried the King. “Therefore,” continued the old man, “you should send for a gardener whose father and grandfather have been gardeners before him, and very soon your garden will be full of green grass and gay flowers, and you will enjoy its delicious fruit.” So the King sent messengers to every town, village, and hamlet in his dominions, to look for a gardener whose forefathers had been gardeners also, and after forty days one was found. “Come with us and be gardener to the King,” they said to him. “How can I go to the King,” said the gardener, “a poor wretch like me?” “That is of no consequence,” they answered. “Here are new clothes for you and your family.” “But I owe money to several people.” “We will pay your debts,” they said. So the gardener allowed himself to be persuaded, and went away with the messengers, taking his wife and his son with him; and the King, delighted to have found a real gardener, entrusted him with the care of his garden. The man found no difficulty in making the royal garden produce flowers and fruit, and at the end of a year the park was not like the same place, and the King showered gifts upon his new servant.

Tales from Grimm (Fesler-Lampert Minnesota Heritage)

Renowned children’s book author Wanda Gág presents these classic Grimm tales, accompanied by whimsical illustrations. Drawing on her peasant heritage and childlike sense of wonder, Gág translated the fairy tales in a uniquely American vernacular tongue. In Tales from Grimm we find her touch on timeless stories like “Hansel and Gretel,” “The Musicians of Bremen,” “Rapunzel,” and others. No other editions of Grimm’s fairy tales for children can match Gág’s richness of prose and the humor, beauty, and sheer magic of her pictorial interpretation. Best known for her Newbery Honor winner Millions of Cats, Wanda Gág (1893–1946) was a pioneer in children’s book writing, integrating text and illustration. Born in New Ulm, Minnesota, she rose to international acclaim. In recognition of her artistry, she was posthumously awarded the 1958 Lewis Carroll Shelf Award for Millions of Cats and the 1977 Kerlan Award for her body of work.

Chinese Fairy Tales and Legends: A Gift Edition of 73 Enchanting Chinese Folk Stories and Fairy Tales

Chinese folklore is as colourful and captivating as the Arabian Nights or the work of the Brothers Grimm or Hans Christian Andersen, yet the stories themselves remain largely undiscovered in the West. Written with economy and wit, the short, one- or two-page tales exhibit those distinct aspects of the Chinese character and approach to life which derive from the values of Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism. These include moderation, the value of promises, respect for one's elders, justice and injustice, and the power of wisdom.

Tales of East Africa: (African Folklore Book for Teens and Adults, Illustrated Stories and Literature from Africa)

Translated and transcribed by folklorists and anthropologists in the early 20th century, these stories evoke the distinctive beauty and irresistible humor of East African folklore.• The tales come alive alongside bold, contemporary art in this special illustrated edition.• Each story transports readers to an enthralling world.• Part of the popular Tales series, featuring Tales of Japan, Celtic Tales, and Tales of IndiaTales of East Africa will enthrall fans of fairytales and captivate those interested in East Africa's rich history and culture.Readers will encounter mischievous animals, plucky heroes and heroines, and monsters, and artist Jamilla Okubo pairs each tale with a bold and vibrant illustration.

Once on a Time: An English Fairy Tale For Adults (Annotated)

"Once on a Time" is a delightfully satirical and sophisticated fairy tale by A. A. Milne, inspired in part by his wife and the captivating character of Countess Belvane. Set in the fantastical realms of Euralia and Barodia, this enchanting narrative offers a fresh take on traditional fairy tale tropes through Milne's signature wit and keen sense of humor. The tale follows the charming King Merriwig, the misguided King of Barodia, the enchanting Princess Hyacinth, and the alluring Countess Belvane, among other colorful characters. With its playful storytelling and richly layered narrative, this fairy story captures the hearts and imaginations of discerning adult readers, showcasing Milne's versatility as a writer and his unique ability to craft timeless stories that resonate.

Rumpelstiltskin (Paul Galdone Nursery Classic)

Paul Galdone’s masterful storytelling brings new life to this familiar high-stakes tale of a mysterious little man who makes a devastating deal with the miller’s daughter. Sold to a king who expects her to spin straw into gold, she promises Rumpelstilstkin the most valuable thing of all in exchange for his help, and she must outwit him when he comes to claim his due.

Children will delight in the illustrations, replete with details and rich colors. This new addition to the Folk Tale Classics series is an outstanding addition to any fairy tale collection.

Jack and the Beanstalk (Paul Galdone Nursery Classic)

Young readers are sure to delight in Galdone's version of this classic story, and the lively illustrations and rhythmic storytelling make it perfect for reading aloud with little ones. With a gorgeous cover in keeping with the rest of the Folk Tale Classics series, the story of Jack and his magic bean has never been more irresistible.

The Three Billy Goats Gruff (Paul Galdone Nursery Classic)

Can the three Billy Goats Gruff cross the troll’s bridge without being eaten? Find out in the perfect introduction to the beloved must-have classic by two-time Caldecott Honor-winner Paul Galdone.

The three Billy Goats Gruff are hungry! They want to go over the bridge and up the hillside to a fine meadow full of grass and daisies where they can eat and eat and eat.

But under the bridge lives a troll who's as mean as he is ugly… How will they ever get past him?

An energetic, predictable chorus makes for a wonderful read-aloud of this classic tale.

Don't miss Paul Galdone's favorite board books, including:

The Gingerbread Boy Board Book
Henny Penny Board Book
The Three Little Pigs Board Book

The Gingerbread Boy (Folk Tale Classics) (Paul Galdone Nursery Classic)

“The classic tale of the old couple, with no children of their own, who bake a gingerbread boy to keep them company. Just as the little old woman is about to take him from the oven, he slips away and runs out the door past a cow, a horse, a group of threshers, mowers, etc. All follow in hot pursuit until the gingerbread boy meets up with a wily fox, and ‘at last and at last he went the way of every single gingerbread boy that ever came out of an oven . . . He was all gone!’ A wonderfully frenetic cross-country chase is depicted in Galdone’s broadly humorous color wash drawings. Of the eight editions of this well-known story now in print, this hilarious version is the most delectable.” —School Library Journal, starred

The Three Bears

When three bears leave their house to go for a walk in the wood, leaving their porridge to cool, a young girl named Goldilocks comes calling....and what a mess she makes!

Great Big, Middle-Sized, and Little Wee readers alike will love Paul Galdone's delightful depiction of the original folk tale.

Story stones are easy to make at home using acrylic paint or paint pens.

Because they are tactile and durable, children enjoy handling them, sorting them, and using them during imaginative play.

5 WAYS TO USE YOUR STORY STONES

One of the best things about story stones is their flexibility. They can be used in classrooms, homeschool lessons, libraries, speech therapy sessions, or simply during family story time.

1. RETELLING FAIRY TALES

Choose a familiar fairy tale and create stones featuring the main characters and important story elements. For example, for Goldilocks and the Three Bears, you might include stones with Goldilocks, Papa Bear, Mama Bear, Baby Bear, the cottage, bowls of porridge, chairs, and beds.

Invite children to place the stones in order while retelling the story. This strengthens memory, sequencing skills, and comprehension. Younger children can simply identify characters, while older children can retell the story with greater detail.

2. CREATING ORIGINAL STORIES

Mix stones from different sets together and encourage children to invent their own adventure. Imagine a dragon meeting Cinderella in a forest beside a pirate ship. Children naturally become storytellers when given visual prompts.

This activity develops creativity, language skills, and confidence in self-expression. It also encourages flexible thinking because there is no “right” answer.

3. SUPPORTING EARLY LITERACY

Story stones are excellent tools for developing vocabulary and communication skills. Adults can ask questions such as:

What happens next?
How does the character feel?
What problem does the hero need to solve?
Can you think of a different ending?

These discussions help children build narrative structure, descriptive language, and critical thinking.

4. GROUP STORYTELLING GAMES

In groups (like co-op) or family settings, children can sit in a circle and take turns choosing a stone to continue the story. This encourages listening skills, cooperation, and social interaction. Even shy children often feel more comfortable participating when they have a visual object to guide them.

5. SENSORY AND CALMING ACTIVITIES

Because story stones are smooth and tactile, they can also be calming tools for children who benefit from sensory play. Keeping a basket of story stones in a reading corner creates a quiet invitation for imaginative exploration.

Story stones can be added to read aloud time, placed throughout the yard for your child to find like a treasure hunt that they can then relate as a story to you, or pull random stones from the basket and take turns telling the next part of the story.

MORE STORY STONE IDEAS TO BUILD YOUR COLLECTION

HOW TO MAKE STORY STONES

Your story stones can be created to highlight specific stories like Little Red Riding Hood, Beauty and The Beast, The Three Little Pigs or you can simply use easily identifiable images for your child to recreate their own story from scratch.

I like to include 1-2 “characters”, a place like a castle or toadstool, a protagonist for added drama-a wizard, a dragon, or troll work well.

You will need:

Smooth flat stones
Clear sealant
Paint pens
Acrylic pain/brushes
A basket or bucket to hold your stones
A pencil

I also like to keep a book of fairy tales close by for inspiration.

You can also read it aloud and have your child grab the stone that relates to where you are in your stories.

First, decide what designs you would like to include.

Lightly sketch out the designs on your stones with a pencil, this helps you place and fit it before you begin with paint.

You can paint with a small paintbrush and acrylic paint.

But I find that paint pens work well and give you such good control.Paint the base of your design and allow that to dry, they dry pretty quickly.

Continue painting and adding detail until you are satisfied with your design.

Once fully dry, flip them over and paint more designs on the other side to double your usage.

Here is one side…

And then the other…

To help them last longer, spray both sides with clear sealant or a couple layers of modge podge.

Once the sealer is dry, place them in a bucket or basket, you can also scatter them on your child’s bookshelf as an appealing invitation.

Hands-On Activities

BOOKS ABOUT NOTABLE STEM FIGURES

ABOUT THE IVORY SOAP ACTIVITIY

MORE THAN A KITCHEN SCIENCE ACTIVITY

MORE AMAZING HOMESCHOOL STEM ACTIVITIES

IVORY SOAP EXPERIMENT

History of Science Living Literature

7 Creative Ways to Adapt Curriculum for Older Homeschooled Kids

How to Purchase It.

ANCIENT PHOENICIA RESOURCES & BOOKS FOR KIDS

About the Phoenicians

The Phoenician Alphabet

Clay Tablet With Phoenician Writing

Materials Needed:

Procedure:

HOW TO GET THE FREE PRINTABLE PHOENICIAN ALPHABET CHART

FUN SEASHORE BOOKS FOR KIDS

CREATURES OF THE INTERTIDAL ZONE

CRABS

STAR FISH

BARNACLES

MUSSELS AND CLAMS

SEA ANEMONES

SEAWEED AND ALGAE

OYSTERS

SEA CUCUMBERS

SEA SPONGES

IDEAS TO EXPAND THE INTERTIDAL ZONE DIORAMA

HOW TO MAKE A FUN INTERTIDAL ZONE DIORAMA

FAIRY TALE BOOKS FOR KIDS

5 WAYS TO USE YOUR STORY STONES

1. RETELLING FAIRY TALES

2. CREATING ORIGINAL STORIES

3. SUPPORTING EARLY LITERACY

4. GROUP STORYTELLING GAMES

5. SENSORY AND CALMING ACTIVITIES

MORE STORY STONE IDEAS TO BUILD YOUR COLLECTION

HOW TO MAKE STORY STONES

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