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20 Kids Crafts & Activities Inspired by Books

 

I am stoked about our Discover & Explore theme this week — Kids Lit & Book Activities (woohoo!) 

Some people get excited when they win a prize or find money in the couch — I get excited about books 🙂

As a lover of kids lit, I adore finding ways to connect crafts, activities and real-life experiences to books.  We use them when we travel, when we want to explore a new topic, as a way to stretch our creative thinking — there are so many possibilities.

And I’m really excited to see all the different ways parents and educators create activity extensions for books — I know there will be some AWESOME ideas shared in the linky this week!

 

Here’s a quick run-down of how we use books to create enrichment activities:

First, we read the book aloud.  This gives us a good idea of the story and details.

Next, we talk about what type of activity would pair nicely with the story.  Sometimes it will be a science or nature project.  Other times we’ll come up with a fun craft to do.

Then, as we complete the activity or craft, we’ll scan through the book again.  The kids might ask to reference a certain picture or have me re-read a section of the story as they work.  So it’s really good to have the book handy as you work.

Since we’ve done so many literature activities and crafts, I thought I would share a few of our favorites this week. 

 

 

 

Book & Craft Projects

Turn a cardboard box into a castle after you read any fairy tale.

Use recycled materials to make your own boat & books about boats.

Create constellations right in your own home paired with books about the night sky.

Make a mini-Greek world to pair with books on mythology and Ancient Greece.

Paint trees and learn about the seasons with some creative nature art.

Practice colors after you make your own Freight Train.

 

Science-related Stories

Learn about the ocean zones with Dr. Seuss and create your own Sea-scape.

Make your own tornado in a bottle!

Explore trees and learn why they are so important to animals and humans.

Head to the beach to discover tidepools, waves and animal habitats.

Create your own Wizard’s Lab and mix up some fun potions!

Draw your own life-size whale and explore marine animals.

 

Exploration Activities

Grow a few plants or tend to your garden with these fun gardem books & activities.

Head out on an exciting ABC Architecture Scavenger Hunt!

Encourage some engaging banter at the dinner table with your own Family Conversation Jar.

Whip up some fun in the kitchen with a recipe or two from these great kid-friendly cookbooks.

Make advancing to the next grade more fun with these outstanding Back to School Books!

Play the License Plate Game on your next car trip!

Enjoy your next trip to the Zoo with these fun zoo books.

Camping just wouldn’t be the same without a good book to read in the tent!

 

So many fun ways to get kids hooked on books!

 

Activities & Crafts for Kid’s Books

Your turn!  How do you turn a book into a hands-on adventure?  Share any of your amazing kid lit projects with us this week!

 

 Visit our Co-hosts for more fun activities too!

Fantastic Fun & Learning   **  Buddy & Buddy 

 

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Please read the following guidelines for sharing:

  • Share family-friendly posts related to the weekly topic — kids activities, crafts, recipes, nature outings, printables, etc.
  • By linking up, you are giving me permission to share your post including one photo in our weekly feature post and on social media channels.
  • Visit 2-3 other posts that have linked up, find some new ideas & meet new friends!
  • If you’d like, grab a button for your post — we love to share and want to find lots of great activities to highlight for you!
  • Each of the host blogs will feature some of the outstanding posts the week following the linky!