My kiddos love sharks.  And just when I think they're moving on, the countdown to Discovery Channel's Shark Week begins and the craze starts all over again.

This summer, the craze has been bigger and longer than ever, continuing through the beginning of Fall.  We couldn't resist creating our Shark Unit 2 with Free Printables.  

The kiddos have loved each and every activity and are still begging for more. We hope your kiddos enjoy them just as much!

Here's what we've been up to!

Shark Unit 2 with Free Printables

Shark Vocabulary

The kiddos' knowledge of shark vocabulary continues to grow.  This activity helps develop their knowledge even further.  Kids match up picture cards to description cards.

Source:  Jason and I created the printable for this activity as part of the Shark Unit Language Printable Pack 2. This is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your copy follow the directions at the bottom of this post. 

Shark Tooth Subtraction

It's no secret that sharks loose teeth often.  In this activity the kiddos practice subtraction using shark teeth as counters and glass beads as markers.  

Source:  I created the printable for this activity as part of my Shark Unit Math Printable Pack 3. This is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your copy follow the directions at the bottom of this post. 

  Sand Tiger Shark Multiplication

Sand tiger sharks are known for staying in groups.  In this activity the kiddos are multiplying groups that they see.  

Sand tiger sharks are being used as counters.  Glass beads are being used as markers.  

Bulldozer is loving the chance to practice more multiplication.

Source:  I created the printable for this activity as part of my Shark Unit Math Printable Pack 3.  This is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your copy follow the directions at the bottom of this post. 

Hammerhead Shark Division

Hammerhead sharks also stay in groups.  In this activity the kiddos are dividing sharks into groups that they've seen.  Hammerhead sharks are used as counters.  Glass beads are used as markers.

Source: I created the printable for this activity as part of the Shark Unit Printable Pack 3.  This is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your copy follow the directions at the bottom of this post. 

Shark Word Problems

The kiddos have been working on adding and subtracting large numbers. They've also been working on solving word problems. 

This activity combines the two skills with a shark theme.  The kiddos are matching up word problems to number problem cards and then solve them.

Source:  Jason and I created the printable for this activity as part of our Shark Unit Math Printable Pack 3. This is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your copy follow the directions at the bottom of this post. 

Oceanic Zones Coloring Page

We have learned about the oceanic zones before, but it's always best to review when we have the chance.  I'm excited to have this beautiful coloring page on our shelves.  The kiddos have loved it!

Source:  The free printable for this activity can be found at Natural Beach Living.

Who Am I? Shark Cards

Once again the kiddos have requested Who Am I? cards as part of our shark unit.  They have loved them in past units.  I must say, these are some of our best.

Source:  Jason and I created the printable for this activity as part of our Shark Unit Science & Culture Printable Pack 2.  This is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your copy follow the directions at the bottom of this post. 

Are All Sharks Dangerous?

Dinomite and Bulldozer have a deep love and respect for sharks.  They have spent years learning about them.  

When they are made aware of others speaking negatively or harming sharks, they become quite upset. This activity has been created in their behalf to educate others about sharks, because not all are alike.

Source: Jason and I created the printable for this activity as part of the Shark Unit Science & Culture Printable Pack 2. This is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your copy follow the directions at the bottom of this post. 

Prehistoric Shark Match Up

Sharks have been around for a very long time, some even before dinosaurs.  The kiddos love learning about prehistoric creatures.  In this activity they match prehistoric shark figures to their corresponding cards.

Source: Jason and I created the printable for this activity as part of our Shark Unit Science & Culture Printable Pack 2.  This is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your copy follow the directions at the bottom of this post. 

Orchestra Instruments in the Jaws Theme

The boys are so into music right now.  Not pop music or anything like that, but classical music, more specifically film scores.  I thought it would be fun to use their new found passion to my advantage. 

 As the kiddos watch and listen to the Jaws theme conducted by John Williams (their favorite composer right now), they will identify instruments they see.  The orchestra instruments cards are provided as a control.

Source:  I created the printable for this activity. For your free copy, click HERE.

Fun with Magnets

Sharks are very sensitive to magnetic fields. They detect them in the water, helping them hunt for prey and avoid things that may be dangerous.  

The boys thoroughly enjoyed learning more about this during Shark Week.  In honor of all that they learned, we decided to add a magnet kit to our shelves. 

Shark Sensory Bin

The kiddos are always up for a fun sensory bin, especially if it includes water and sharks.  This one is quite simple including decorative rocks, blue glass beads, shark figures, random plants we have on hand, and water. They are loving it!

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We hope you enjoy learning about sharks as much as we do!

If you're looking for other shark activities, printables and resources, be sure to visit the posts below.

Bulldozer, age 8, and in second grade, just completed all five levels of the BOB Book Series.  

To ensure he continues reading, we've created a 1st grade reading list for Bulldozer this year.  

He is to choose one book per month, or ten books throughout the school year. 

He's been my slowest learner as far as reading and writing are concerned, but is enjoying the process.  In my opinion, that's what matters most.

Bulldozer's books are not chapter books.  

They do not take long to read.  

His goal with each book is to learn to read the words fluidly and accurately with expression, while at the same time, understanding the main points of the story.

Here is 1st Grade Book Recommendations for Kids, aka Bulldozer's personal reading list.

1st Grade Book Recommendations for Kids

1. Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena

This book isn't something that Bulldozer would pick up on his own, but we're hoping since it's on his book list he may give it a try.  We feel he'll definitely relate to the boy in the book as he's always asking questions and trying to understand the world around him.

2. Doctor De Soto by William Steig

We have heard nothing but wonderful things about this book.  Bulldozer always enjoys a good story with humor, so we thought this would be a perfect fit for him.

3. Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems

This book is yet another funny read.  Bulldozer is one who wants to make sure people are following rules at all times.  It will be quite entertaining to see his responses as he reads through each new idea the pigeon has to get what he wants.  We're also intrigued to see how Bulldozer responds to the pigeon's behaviors.

4. I Need My Monster by Amanda Noil and Howard McWilliam

Bulldozer's anxieties soar at bedtime.  He's frightened so easily by anything and everything. We thought this book might put a humorous spin on night time anxieties for him, helping him cope with them just a little bit better.

5. The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers

This book is absolutely adorable, and the first that Bulldozer has chosen from his list.  The personalities given to each color crayon are so entertaining. For a boy who loves colors, the artwork is perfect.  Have I mentioned that Bulldozer is a little obsessed with crayons, especially his purple crayons?

6. Rosie Revere Engineer by Andrea Beaty and David Roberts

Bulldozer has always had the makings for a great engineer.  He builds and creates on a daily basis.  We're hoping that this book inspires him to continue his work.  The message in the book, that one can only truly fail when they quit, is one we hope Bulldozer will be able to absorb and keep with him.

7. A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee by Chris Van Dusen

Over the summer our family went on our first real camping trip.  Bulldozer thoroughly enjoyed it and has asked to go again and again.  Due to this new found love, we thought he would delight in reading about all of Mr. Magee's mishaps.

8. Moonshot:  The Flight of Apollo 11 by Brian Floca

One of Bulldozer's passions is astronomy.  He's quite obsessed with it.  It was only appropriate to add an astronomy themed book to his list.  This one in particular will be fun, because it tells the story of Apollo 11, which is something he hasn't learned about yet.

9. Titanic:  Lost and Found by Judy Donnelly

Bulldozer was introduced to the story of the Titanic a couple of years ago. He's even watched some of the movie with me (skipping parts that were inappropriate) and thoroughly enjoyed it.  We're pretty sure he'll be delighted to read about this.  It's also fun knowing it's a nonfiction account.

10. Pompeii:  Buried Alive! by Edith Kunhardt

It's no secret that Bulldozer loves extreme weather, volcano eruptions included.  He is not aware of the story of Pompeii.  This will be a great way to introduce him to yet another event in history about something he loves.

11. The Little Island by Margaret Wise Brown

Bulldozer's family on Renae's paternal side, comes from an island in the middle of the St. Lawrence River.  We've visited the island and vacationed there many times.  Bulldozer loves everything about our experiences there, including the boats.  We're thinking this book will be a happy reminder of our beloved island experiences.

12. Hill of Fire by Thomas P. Lewis

This is another book about a volcano, with a cultural spin to it.  It may not be Bulldozer's first choice, but we're hoping that because it's on his list, he may decide to try it.

13. Greg's Microscope by Millicent E. Selsam

Bulldozer has shown much interest in his big brother's microscope.  Just how does it work? What can you see?  This book will be a great way to answer some of his questions and enhance his desire to learn more.

14. The Bravest Dog Ever by Natalie Stanford

All book lists must include a book about a dog right?  If the dog doesn't hook Bulldozer, the snow storm should.  We look forward to Bulldozer's excitement as he learns more about the story of Balto.

15. The Big Balloon Race by Eleanor Coerr

Bulldozer has always wanted to ride in a hot air balloon. For that reason, we thought he would thoroughly enjoy this story.

We are so excited to watch him continue to read this year, with so many fabulous stories to enjoy!

If you liked this post, you may also enjoy the resources below.

Today, I'm sharing Sunshine's Shark Activities for Tots and Preschoolers with Free Printables.  

She always wants to do what her siblings are doing.  Since their activities are too difficult, we decided to make more age appropriate ones for her.  She is loving them all!

My kiddos are going crazy for sharks these days.  

Discovery Channel's Shark Week seems to do that to them.  What's been fun this year, is that the desire to learn more about sharks has lasted all Summer and into the Fall.  

Here's what's on her shelves!

Shark Activities for Tots and Preschoolers with Free Printables

Shark Themed Prewriting Sand Tray

Sunshine continues to work on prewriting activities, using a sand tray.  Right now we're using blue sand to resemble water.  The prewriting tasks resemble shark fins or waves in the ocean.

Source:  The free printable for this activity can be found at Walking By the Way.

Shark Themed Nomenclature Cards

Nomenclature cards are great for children when trying to develop vocabulary and letter recognition.  Sunshine uses the control cards provided to help her match up picture and word cards.  She really enjoys these cards and is using new words in conversation on a regular basis.  Yay!

Source:  I create the printable for this activity as part of my Shark Unit Printable Pack 3.  This is a subscriber's only freebie.  See directions at the bottom of this post on how to access your free copy.

Shark First Letter Sounds 

This activity is recommended after introducing the shark themed nomenclature cards.  Sunshine uses the control cards provided (if needed) to determine the first letter sound of each shark vocabulary word.  She places a glass bead on the correct answer.  

Note:  Not all cards in the printable are being used.

Source:  I created the printable for this activity as part of my Shark Unit Printable Pack 3.  This is a subscriber's only freebie.  See directions at the bottom of this post on how to access your free copy.

Counting Sharks Clip Cards

Sunshine practices counting sharks using the cards provided.  She uses the glass beads provided to mark her answers.

Source: I created the printable for the activity as part of my Shark Unit Math Printable Pack 2.  This is a subscriber's only freebie.  See directions at the bottom of this post on how to access your free copy.

Shark Themed Greater Than/Less Cards

Sunshine is learning to identify greater than, less than, and equal signs.  We're having loads of fun explaining that sharks open their mouths to the bigger bite.  She uses glass beads to mark her answer on each card.

Source: I created the printable for this activity as part of my Shark Unit Math Printable Pack 2.  This is a subscriber's only freebie.  See directions at the bottom of this post on how to access your free copy.

I Spy Lots of Sharks!

Sunshine completes this activity, marking each shark as she counts them.  She then circles how many of each shark she finds.

Source:  This free printable is available at Simple Fun for Kids.

For those interested in free printables, follow the directions below.

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For those who are looking for more shark activities, printables and resources, be sure to check out the posts below.

 

We have thoroughly enjoyed these children's books about camping.

The beauty of the great outdoors has been a source of  inspiration for writers and artists for generations. 

There is something about being in touch with nature that enlivens our creative energy. 

They have been fabulous preparation for our first camping trip with the kids, and also a great way to reflect when we returned.

Here are our favorites!

Montessori-inspired Children's Books About Camping

My Camp-Out 

This is a Level 1 reader for toddlers and preschoolers. It's almost like a social story, sequencing events, and even pointing out things that might be scary for a first-time camper.

Into the Great Outdoors Camping for Kids 

This is a guide for the older child who is ready to go camping beyond the backyard. This book covers camping basics such as gear for different environments, what to do while at the campsite, and how to prepare for emergencies. 

We love how the book teaches readers to be responsible for themselves and the environment.

S is for S'mores: A Camping Alphabet

This book takes the reader through a wide-ranging tour of the wonders and joys of the great outdoors. We are big fans of this series. 

The combination of poetic verse and historical background on each page is a winning formula. 

The Kids Campfire Book 

This book is a wonderful resource that is overflowing with good ideas, tips, fun activities, songs, games and more. 

The book takes the reader through every detail, from deciding on the right campsite all the way through the last ghost story told around the dying embers of the fire. 

This book will provide value for years and through dozens of camping adventures. 

When We Go Camping 

This book does a superb job of putting the sensory experiences of camping into words and pictures. 

Each page features a few lines of evocative sensory imagery, combined with whimsical yet life-like paintings. Be sure to watch for disguised animals faces in the backgrounds. 

Toasting Marshmallows

This is a book of simple, fun rhymes accompanied by warm, impressionistic illustrations. Each poem focuses on a particular element of camping, everything from hiking in the woods to mosquitos buzzing in your ear.  This is an easygoing and fun read. 

Fun with Nature: Take Along Guide

This book is one of the most pleasant surprises on our shelf this week. We have enjoyed a few different volumes of the Take-Along Series, but little did we know that there was one book that combined seven of them into one binding. 

This book is perfect for the young naturalist who plans on exploring nature in search of wildlife.

Book of Nature Poetry

This book is a collection of poems inspired by nature, selected and edited by J. Patrick Lewis, the former Children's Poet Laureate of the United States. Some of the poems are beloved classics.  

Others are less known but just as valuable and earn their place in this collection. This is a fantastic way to introduce poetry to children, especially nature lovers.

If you enjoyed this post and are looking for more book recommendations, be sure to subscribe to our free newsletter by clicking the link below.

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For more camp related activities and experiences, be sure to visit the posts below.