We had so much fun studying Europe we had to divide all of our activities into two posts.  

Check out our Europe Unit Part 2 with Free Printables

There are so many great activities here.  

The kiddos loved all of the sensory exploration we included.  

You'll also find a few math activities, one about multiplication and the other about symmetry.

Here's what we've been doing around here!

Europe Unit Part 2 with Free Printables

Introduction to Line Symmetry

We've learned a lot about fractions this year, but not so much about line symmetry.  This week the kiddos are receiving a basic introduction to the concept as they practice folding different shapes into equal parts.

The shapes are felt.  When you fold them and then open them up, the crease still shows.  Not only has this been a great math activity, but it's been a great introduction to folding laundry!

Multiplication Grouping

The kiddos are slowly working through their multiplication facts, however they're struggling to fully understand the concept of multiplication.  

Though we worked on skip counting for quite some time, it didn't sink in.  Sigh.

This week I decided to do something a little different with our multiplication activity.  

Instead of finding the answer, the kiddos are showing me the concept of the problem.  

They've all enjoyed this very much, and seem to have a better understanding of what multiplication is.

Source:  I found the idea for this activity at Noor Janan Homeschool.  

The printable for this activity is included in my Europe Unit Math Printable Pack 1.  This is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

European Habitat Invitation to Play

The kiddos are doing so well understanding different habitats, though we still have a few to introduce. 

In this activity the kiddos will use the map provided, to create different types of habitats in Europe.  

Not all are included, as I didn't have animal figures for all of them.  

Bulldozer made sure I went and added ice and glaciers to the activity as well.

I just love Bulldozer's habitats!

Lines of Latitude & Longitude

We've been working with maps for a while.  

This week the kiddos were introduced to the globe. 

It's definitely time to teach the kiddos about latitude and longitude, especially now that they're familiar with the Equator and Arctic Circle from previous units.

Source:  The free printable for this activity is no longer available. My apologies.

Greek & Roman Architecture in Europe

The one thing I remember about Europe, more than anything else, is the architecture.  

When I visited, I just couldn't get over the beauty of the magnificent buildings.  

Knowing Bulldozer is very much into building, I decided to incorporate his new architectural block set into our unit.

There are cards showing examples of different types of Greek and Roman structures as an introduction to the activity, and then the kiddos just build with blocks from there.  

It's been a very popular activity on our shelves.

Source:  The printable for this activity is part of my Europe Unit Geography & Culture Printable Pack 1.  This is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Painting Europe

The kiddos can always use extra practice painting within the lines.  

I thought a map of Europe would provide quite a challenge for them.  

To my pleasant surprise, they've done quite well with the activity.

Source: The printable for this activity is included in my Europe Unit Geography & Culture Printable Pack 1. This is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your copy, follow the directions at bottom of this post.

Spooning Rice

The kiddos will practice transferring rice from one bowl to the other using the spoon provided.  I dyed the rice red to go along with our Europe theme.

Water Drop Activity

The kiddos will carefully place drops of water on the designated spots on the butterfly.  This is a great fine motor activity!

Transferring Pom Poms using Tongs

The kiddos will practicing using tongs to transfer pom poms from one bowl to the other.

Touch Board

About a month ago I ordered a touch board for our classroom.  

When it arrived it was very used and worn.  

Pieces did not match up correctly.  

After sulking for a few weeks, I decided to attempt to refurbish it using materials I had on hand.  This is the result!  

The kiddos LOVE this activity!  

I've included a blindfold with it on our shelves.  

(After taking a picture of the used and incorrect item, and complaining to Amazon about the seller this was purchased from, I was given a full refund immediately.)

European Taste Testing

The kiddos found our cheese and cracker taste testing quite interesting.  

The smells bothered Dinomite quite a bit.  

So, I made some minor changes and we decided to go a different route with our taste testing choices.

We decided to have a European buffet for dinner one night.  Obviously, this is not the healthiest dinner ever, but it was a one night thing and everyone had a blast with it.  

I admit it was a bit of a challenge to make/purchase allergy friendly foods for everyone, but we managed so that each kiddo, including Sunshine, was able to taste test at least three different items. 

Our menu included:  

• Homemade allergy friendly waffles with the option to cover with strawberries and whipped topping
• Focaccia
• Croissants
• Chocolate eclairs
• Cannolis
• Chocolate mousse
• Toblerone chocolate
• Gelato 
• And more !

We served juice with our dinner which was a big deal to the kiddos.  

After our dinner buffet, Princess has declared that she wants to go to Europe someday to visit.  

I couldn't be more excited. I do believe we may plan a trip in the future!

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