Toilet Paper Roll Bug Craft (Easy Spring Craft for Kids)

Spring is the perfect time to lean into bug and butterfly learning with hands-on activities that build creativity, fine motor skills, and early learning confidence. This Toilet Paper Roll Bug Craft is a simple, low-prep activity using pastel foam, pipe cleaners, googly eyes, and beads — making it an ideal easy spring craft for kids, homeschool families, and classroom settings.

This activity is featured in Week 10 (March) of the GoodnightFox Homeschool Calendar during Bugs & Butterflies Week, where art, sensory play, and early science come together in a developmentally appropriate way for toddlers and preschoolers.

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Materials Needed

This is a great toddler craft using household items with just a few fun embellishments:

• Empty toilet paper rolls

• Pastel foam sheets

• Pipe cleaners (pastel colors)

• Googly eyes

• Pastel beads

• Glue gun (adult use) or strong craft glue

• Scissors

• Optional: markers or crayons for details

• Free printable wings / head / body template

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Step-by-Step: How to Make Toilet Paper Roll Bugs

1. Prepare the Base
   Wrap a toilet paper roll with pastel foam and glue it in place. This becomes the bug’s body.

2. Create Bug Wings
   Cut simple wing shapes from foam sheets. Encourage kids to experiment with shapes — long, round, or butterfly-style wings.

3. Add Antennae
   Twist pipe cleaners and glue them inside the top of the roll so they stick out like antennae.

4. Decorate the Face
   Glue on googly eyes and draw a small smile if desired.

5. Fine Motor Bead Details
   Thread pastel beads onto short pipe cleaner pieces or glue beads directly onto the wings and body.

6. Let It Dry & Play
   Once dry, these bugs are ready for imaginative play, storytelling, or a spring-themed display.

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Opportunities to Turn This Craft into a Learning Moment

This craft is more than art — it’s educational sensory play:

• Talk about insects vs. butterflies

• Count the beads together

• Compare wing shapes and colors

• Practice color naming and sorting

• Discuss where bugs live and what they need

Ask questions like:

• “How many wings does your bug have?”

• “Is your bug a butterfly, bee, or something new?”

• “What colors do you see on your bug?”

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Vocabulary Words to Weave In

Use these naturally while crafting and playing:

• Bug

• Insect

• Butterfly

• Wings

• Antennae

• Crawl

• Fly

• Color

• Pattern

• Spring

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Homeschool Curriculum

📅 Featured in: Week 10 – March
🦋 Theme: Bugs & Butterflies

This toilet paper roll bug craft is part of a themed week focused on early science, creativity, and fine motor development.

Related activities during Bugs & Butterflies Week include:

• Bug life cycle discussions

• Butterfly color-matching activities

• Sensory bins with pom-poms, beads, and nature fillers

• Bug-themed flashcards and vocabulary games

• Craft-based storytelling prompts

This activity pairs perfectly with:

• GoodnightFox printable busy books

• Bug and butterfly flashcards

• Memory matching games

• Sensory play kits and activity bundles

These resources help extend the learning beyond craft time into structured homeschool days.

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Learning Extensions

To deepen learning, pair this craft with:

• Bug & butterfly printable packs

• Fine motor activity kits

• Memory and matching card games

• Seasonal sensory bin fillers

• Homeschool planner activities from the March calendar

Each extension reinforces early literacy, visual discrimination, and hands-on exploration.

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Why Parents Love This Craft

• Uses recycled materials

• Encourages creativity and independence

• Builds fine motor skills

• Fits perfectly into spring homeschool themes

• Easy prep and budget-friendly

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Book Pairings for Bugs & Butterflies Week

• The Very Busy Spider

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar

• Some Bugs

• Backyard Bugs

• Waiting for Wings

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February Play-Based Learning Activities for Toddlers & Preschoolers

February is a month filled with connection, creativity, and curiosity. With themes like love and kindness, community helpers, weather and rainbows, and cultural celebrations, it’s an ideal time to lean into play-based learning that blends sensory play, arts and crafts, early literacy, math, and pretend play.

This February guide pulls together weekly play-based learning themes, inspired directly by our homeschool planner, to help parents and caregivers create meaningful learning moments without overplanning.

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What We’re Learning in February

This month’s play-based learning focuses on:

• Social-emotional learning and kindness

• Early math and literacy through hands-on play

• Dramatic play and real-world connections

• Weather exploration and pattern recognition

• Cultural awareness and celebration

Best for: toddlers (1–3) and preschoolers (3–5)
Prep level: low to moderate
Style: indoor-friendly, flexible, and routine-based

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Weekly February Play-Based Learning Themes

Week 5: Valentine’s Day & Love

This week centers on love, friendship, and emotional awareness, using hearts, colors, and connection as playful learning tools.

Play-Based Activities

• Heart counting and numbered heart matching

• Patterned hearts and color sorting

• Valentine-themed vocabulary play

• Beginning sounds with heart visuals

Arts & Crafts

• Heart stamping and thumbprint heart art

• Marbled heart painting

• Tissue paper hearts

Storytime Pairings

• The Day It Rained Hearts

• Love, Splat

• The Invisible String

Skill Focus

• Counting and number recognition

• Color words

• Emotional vocabulary

• Fine motor control

Related Content

• Valentine’s play ideas and printable activities

• Emotions-focused learning tools

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Week 6: Community Helpers

This week introduces children to the people who help us every day through dramatic play, storytelling, and hands-on building.

Play-Based Activities

• Tool counting and measurement play

• Shape searches using signs and symbols

• Sensory bins inspired by firefighters and construction workers

• Matching helpers to their tools

Arts & Crafts

• Build-a-badge craft

• Paper fire trucks

• Tool belt or hard-hat inspired art

Storytime Pairings

• Clothesline Clues to Jobs People Do

• Officer Buckle & Gloria

• The Berenstain Bears: Jobs Around Town

Skill Focus

• Sorting and categorizing

• Vocabulary development

• Problem-solving

• Pretend and cooperative play

Related Content

• Construction Dramatic Play

• Fire Truck Dramatic Play

• Post Office Dramatic Play

• Travel Agency Dramatic Play

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Week 7: Weather & Rainbows

This week blends science, sensory play, and art, encouraging children to observe, predict, and create.

Play-Based Activities

• Weather graphing

• Counting raindrops and rainbow patterns

• Sensory bins inspired by rain and clouds

• Simple STEM builds like rain shelters

Arts & Crafts

• Rainbow marshmallow dough

• Rain cloud art

• Paper plate sunshine crafts

Storytime Pairings

• Wow! Weather!

• Tap tap boom boom

Skill Focus

• Pattern recognition

• Counting and sequencing

• Cause-and-effect

• Creative expression

Related Content

• Rainbow marshmallow dough recipe

• Weather sensory play ideas

• Weather Station Dramatic Play

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Week 8: Chinese New Year

This week introduces cultural learning through play, focusing on traditions, symbols, and celebration.

Play-Based Activities

• Dragon counting and number order play

• Zodiac animal matching

• Sensory rice bins with red and gold elements

• STEM dragon breath experiments

Arts & Crafts

• Paper lanterns

• Tissue paper dragons

• Cherry blossom art

Storytime Pairings

• Bringing In the New Year

• The Great Race

• Ruby’s Chinese New Year

Skill Focus

• Cultural awareness

• Sequencing and memory

• Fine motor development

• Vocabulary expansion

Related Content

• Cultural sensory play ideas

• Sensory play fillers and tools

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Featured Play-Based Activity for February

Matching and pattern play shows up across every February theme — from hearts and rainbows to tools and zodiac animals. These activities are easy to adapt, require minimal prep, and work beautifully across age ranges.

They’re also a core part of the GoodnightFox homeschool planner, where activities intentionally build skills week by week without feeling repetitive.

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How February Fits Into a Play-Based Homeschool Rhythm

February follows a predictable, flexible rhythm that supports both learning and regulation:

• Morning: math or literacy play

• Midday: sensory, science, or dramatic play

• Afternoon: arts and crafts

• Late afternoon: calm matching, tracing, or storytelling

This rhythm allows children to move, create, and rest while staying engaged — and it mirrors the daily structure inside the GoodnightFox Homeschool Planner.

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Why Play-Based Learning Works

Play-based learning supports:

• Deeper engagement and longer attention spans

• Emotional and social development

• Strong early literacy and math foundations

• Independence and confidence

By combining sensory experiences, art, storytelling, and pretend play, children learn naturally — without pressure or worksheets.

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Materials You’ll Use This Month

Most February activities rely on simple, reusable materials:

• Counting manipulatives

• Scoops, trays, and containers

• Paper, paint, glue, scissors

• Sensory fillers (rice, beans, pasta)

• Small figurines and loose parts

These materials work across multiple weeks and themes.

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Related Play-Based Learning Posts

• Sensory play ideas for toddlers

• Winter play-based learning activities

• Valentine’s themed play ideas

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Save This February Play Guide for Later

Bookmark or pin this February play-based learning guide so you can easily return to each week’s ideas as the month unfolds.

For the Full Reading List:

• The Day It Rained Hearts

• Love, Splat

• I Like Myself!

• In My Heart

• The Invisible String

• Clothesline Clues to Jobs People Do

• Firefighter Frank

• Whose Hands Are These?

• Officer Buckle & Gloria

• The Berenstain Bears: Jobs Around Town

• Wow! Weather!

• Cloudette

• Tap Tap Boom Boom

• The Water Cycle

• A Rainbow of My Own

• Bringing in the New Year

• Dragon Dance

• The Great Race

• Ruby’s Chinese New Year

• Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas

Snow Play Sensory Bags (Mess-Free Winter Play)

If you’re looking for a low-mess winter sensory activity that works for babies and toddlers, snow play sensory bags are one of my favorite go-to setups.

These sensory bags are designed for high chair play, floor play, or quiet table time, and they’re perfect for younger children who love sensory exploration but aren’t quite ready for open bins yet.

This free download includes interactive winter-themed printables that slide right under the bag, turning simple sensory play into early learning through play.

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Why Sensory Bags Are Perfect for Younger Toddlers

Sensory bags are ideal for:

• Babies and toddlers who still mouth materials

• Parents who want mess-free sensory play

• Short attention spans and quick setup

• Fine motor development without loose pieces

They also work beautifully taped to:

• High chairs

• Tables

• Windows

• Floor tiles

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What’s Included in the Free Snow Sensory Bag Download

The free printable pack includes multiple winter-themed designs you can rotate under the bag, such as:

• ❄️ Snowball counting mats (perfect for pom pom counting)

• ❄️ Snowflake ABCs backgrounds (for letter tracing exploration)

• ❄️ Winter Ice Skating tracing paths (great for finger tracking)

• ❄️ SNOW Letters & Character (great for reveal and trace)

Each design is created to face the child correctly when placed under a sensory bag and taped down.

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Snow Sensory Bag Recipe (Parent-Friendly & Low Prep)

This setup works like a recipe — simple ingredients, quick assembly, and easy cleanup.

Ingredients

• 1 clear zip-top bag (freezer bags work best)

• Clear school glue

• Clear baby oil

• 1 drop blue food coloring (optional)

• Cotton balls or white pom poms (for snowballs)

• Winter-themed printable

• White painter’s tape

Instructions

1. Add the base

   • Pour a layer of clear glue into the zip-top bag.

   • Add a small amount of clear baby oil to create a slow-moving, slippery texture.

2. Color the snow

   • Add one small drop of blue food coloring.

   • Gently mix inside the bag until it looks like icy snow.

3. Add sensory elements

   • Drop in cotton balls or white pom poms for snowballs.

   • Press out excess air and seal the bag tightly.

4. Secure the bag

   • Place your printable flat on the table or high chair tray.

   • Lay the sealed bag on top, fully covering the design.

   • Tape all four corners with white painter’s tape.

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How to Use the Snow Sensory Bags

Here are a few easy ways to extend play:

• Counting: Push pom poms onto the numbered snowballs

• Fine motor: Squeeze, press, and slide snowballs across the mat

• Visual tracking: Follow tracing paths with fingers

• Language: Talk about snow, cold, winter clothes, and animals

• Storytelling: Make up simple winter scenes using the characters

This activity is intentionally open-ended — perfect for short bursts of play or calm transitions.

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Safety Notes

• Always supervise play

• Double-check the seal before offering to your child

• Tape bags securely and discard if damaged

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Grab the Free Snow Sensory Bag Printables

These snow sensory bag designs are available as a free download, making it easy to try this activity at home with minimal prep.

👉 Download the free snow sensory bag printables here

January Learning Through Play (Winter Activities for Toddlers & Preschoolers)

Welcome to your January Learning Through Play Guide — a month of cozy sensory setups, winter STEM, crafts, literacy, and creative exploration designed specifically for toddlers and preschoolers.

January often brings cold weather, shorter days, and a need for meaningful indoor play. That’s why we’ve curated play-based activities that build early learning skills, support fine motor development, and help you create a gentle daily rhythm at home or in your homeschool.

Whether you’re exploring snow & ice themes, arctic animal worlds, or winter crafts, this month’s activities are designed to be hands-on, simple to set up, and full of learning through play joy.

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Week 1 — New Year & Winter Play

Start the month with activities centered on new beginnings, math, sensory exploration, and calm holiday-to-routine transitions.

🧠 Sensory & Science

• New Year Disco Ball & Mirror Bin — a sparkly sensory invitation to explore light & reflection.

• Mindfulness Foam — sensory foam that doubles as calm-down play and texture exploration.

📚 Storytime

• The Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution — a story about setting intentions and routines.

✨ Calm & Craft

• Make a Calming Corner — create a soothing sensory space for still moments.

Build on this week with activity reflections in your homeschool rhythm: sensory morning, storytime mid-day, craft in the afternoon.

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Week 2 — Snow & Ice

Welcome the heart of winter with snow-themed letters, frozen science, and sensory crafts.

🧊 Snow & Science

• Ice Cube Melting Race — speedy sensory science to explore temperature changes.

• Freeze & Melt Experiment — extend the play with droppers and warm water.

❄️ Crafts & Fine Motor

• Paper Snowflake Cutting — perfect for scissor practice and creating winter décor.

• Snow Globe Craft — a favorite winter craft with visual sensory appeal.

📚 Winter Reads

• The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats — a classic story that captures winter wonder.

👉 For even more snow & ice ideas, check our winter sensory play collection and Flisat table setups like Ice Skating & Snow Play and other snowy activities.

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Week 3 — Arctic Animals

Explore polar life as you create arctic sensory bins, build habitats, and watch little learners make connections to the animal world.

🐧 Arctic Sensory Play

• Arctic Animal Counting — combine counting practice with animal figures.

• Penguin Ice Skating Tray — sensory play inspired by ice and movement.

🎨 Crafts & Art

• Polar Bear Paw Painting — sensory art exploring winter textures.

• Paper Roll Penguin & Polar Bear — upcycle toilet paper rolls into winter mascots.

📚 Storytime

• The Bear Snores On — a cozy read aloud that pairs well with arctic activities.

👉 Dive deeper into arctic sensory play with the South Pole Sensory Bin — snow, ice, and animal habitats inspired by polar landscapes. (Goodnight Fox)

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Week 4 — Food, Health & Winter Wellness

Round out the month with winter food, health exploration, and play invitations that support healthy habits and sensory engagement.

🍎 Healthy Food Play

• Fruit & Veggie Counting — math meets nutrition awareness.

• Taste Test Science — try new foods and talk about texture, taste, and preference.

🧼 Health & Hygiene

• Germs Are Not for Sharing — a playful way to reinforce hygiene habits.

• Handwashing Poster & Activity — add sensory foam and glitter to practice handwashing routines.

🧸 Calm Play

• Fruit Stamp Art — creative exploration after sensory and food sorting.

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Extra Winter Play Extensions

Here are a few seasonal activities from around the blog that you can slot in this month — linked and ready to explore:

❄️ Winter Crafts

• Pipe Cleaner Snowflake Craft — simple, sparkly fine motor fun for winter art projects.

🐻 Winter Sensory Play

• Winter Arctic Animals — Ice Sensory Bin — meltable ice, arctic animals, and sensory exploration all in one bin.

⛸️ Ice Skating & Snow Play

• A variety of ice, coconut snow, and sensory bin ideas perfect for January indoor play.

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How This Fits Into a Homeschool Rhythm

January play doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. Try this simple daily rhythm:

• Morning: Sensory or math invitations (e.g., counting, ice play)

• Midday: Storytime + craft

• Afternoon: Independent sensory play or themed extension activity

This gentle rhythm supports skill building without extra stress — perfect for winter months when cozy, engaging play is more important than rigid schedules.

Want a done-for-you way to organize these themes into a full homeschool plan? My GoodnightFox Homeschool Curriculum Planner includes weekly themes, activity suggestions, worksheets, and seasonal structure so you don’t have to reinvent your weekly planning.

👉 Explore the planner here: https://goodnightfox.myshopify.com/products/homeschool-curriculum

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Books to Pair With January Play

Reading aloud strengthens language and builds anticipatory play. Pair sensory bins or crafts with seasonal reads like:

• The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

• Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner

• If You Were a Penguin (various editions)

These books compliment sensory, art, and animal exploration throughout January.

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Your Turn: Winter Play Checklist

To help you keep track this month, use this simple checklist:

• ❏ Arctic animal sensory bin

• ❏ Ice science or melt experiment

• ❏ Snow globe craft

• ❏ Pipe cleaner snowflakes

• ❏ Healthy food & habits play

• ❏ Storytime with a winter book

Don’t feel like you must do everything — pick a few favorites each week and let play grow from there.

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January Wrap-Up

January is the perfect time to slow down, build rhythms, and connect through play. These activities are designed to support learning, curiosity, and meaningful moments at home.

Start with one activity each day or rotate them through the week. If you ever want help organizing these ideas into a full homeschool rhythm that fits your family’s life, the GoodnightFox Playschool Planner was created with exactly that goal in mind.

👉 Check it out here: https://goodnightfox.myshopify.com/products/homeschool-curriculum

How to Help Kids Handle Big Emotions (Without Punishment or Power Struggles)

Big emotions are a normal and healthy part of childhood — especially for toddlers and preschoolers. Meltdowns, tears, yelling, and shutting down aren’t signs of bad behavior. They’re signs that a child’s developing brain needs support.

In this post, you’ll find research-backed strategies to help children recognize, express, and regulate big emotions in a developmentally appropriate way. These techniques are gentle, practical, and designed to work with how young brains actually develop — not against them.

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Why Big Emotions Are So Hard for Young Children

Young children feel emotions intensely, but they don’t yet have the neurological tools to manage them.

Research shows:

• The prefrontal cortex (responsible for impulse control and emotional regulation) is still developing well into early adulthood

• The amygdala (the brain’s threat detector) is highly reactive in young children

• Language skills often lag behind emotional experiences

This means children often feel more than they can explain — and behavior becomes their communication.

The goal isn’t to eliminate big emotions. The goal is to teach children what to do with them.

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Tip 1: Name the Emotion Before Trying to Fix the Behavior

Studies in emotional development show that emotion labeling helps calm the nervous system and builds long-term emotional intelligence.

Instead of:
“You’re fine. Stop crying.”

Try:
“I see you’re feeling really frustrated. That’s hard.”

Naming emotions helps children:

• Feel understood and validated

• Build emotional vocabulary

• Calm more quickly

Visual supports make this especially effective when children are dysregulated and language processing is harder.

Helpful resource:
Emotions Flashcards – Learn and name feelings through play

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Tip 2: Create a Calm-Down Space (Not a Time-Out)

A calming corner is a supportive space, not a consequence.

Research on self-regulation shows children develop emotional control best when they have:

• Predictable routines

• Safe spaces to decompress

• Tools they can access independently

A calming corner might include:

• Soft seating or a cozy mat

• Emotion visuals

• Breathing or grounding prompts

• Simple sensory tools

When introduced proactively, a calming corner teaches skills rather than reinforcing shame.

Helpful resource:
Calming Corner Guide – Build a regulation-friendly space at home

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Tip 3: Teach Regulation Skills Outside the Emotional Moment

One of the most important insights from neuroscience is this:

Children cannot learn new skills when they are in fight-or-flight.

That means coping strategies should be taught:

• During calm moments

• Through play

• As part of everyday routines

Effective approaches include:

• Practicing breathing when children are already calm

• Using visuals to walk through calming strategies

• Modeling regulation skills together

Helpful resource:
Mindfulness Flashcards – Practice calming strategies proactively

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Tip 4: Normalize Emotions Instead of Minimizing Them

Phrases like:

• “You’re okay.”

• “There’s nothing to be upset about.”

• “Big kids don’t cry.”

are often meant to help — but they can unintentionally teach children to suppress emotions rather than process them.

A more effective approach is:

1. Validate the feeling

2. Guide the behavior

For example:
“It’s okay to feel angry. It’s not okay to hit. Let’s find a safe way to let that anger out.”

Helpful resource:
Emotions Poster Set – Visual emotional literacy support

Displaying emotion visuals at a child’s eye level reinforces the message that all feelings are allowed, even when certain behaviors are not.

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Tip 5: Support Emotional Regulation On the Go

Big emotions don’t only happen at home. They show up:

• In the car

• At the grocery store

• During transitions

• At school or daycare

Portable tools help children regulate emotions in real-world settings where they may feel overstimulated or overwhelmed.

Helpful strategies include:

• Reviewing emotions before transitions

• Offering simple calming prompts

• Using familiar visuals outside the home

Helpful resource:
Emotions To-Go Cards – Portable emotional support for real life

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Tip 6: Model Emotional Regulation Yourself

Children learn emotional regulation primarily through co-regulation — watching how trusted adults handle stress.

Modeling doesn’t mean being perfectly calm. It means being honest and reflective:

• “I felt frustrated, so I took a breath.”

• “I made a mistake. I’m going to try again.”

Using the same tools alongside your child reinforces consistency and trust.

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How Sensory Play Supports Emotional Regulation

Sensory play plays a powerful role in emotional development by:

• Regulating the nervous system

• Providing physical outlets for emotions

• Improving focus and body awareness

Activities like scooping, squeezing, sorting, and deep-pressure play can significantly reduce emotional overwhelm. Many families integrate emotion visuals and mindfulness prompts directly into sensory play routines.

This approach aligns naturally with a learning-through-play philosophy and supports both emotional and cognitive development.

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Final Thoughts: Big Feelings Need Gentle Tools

Big emotions are not something to “fix.” They’re something to teach through.

When children are given:

• Language for their feelings

• Visual tools they can understand

• Safe spaces to calm their bodies

• Supportive adult guidance

They build emotional skills that last a lifetime.

GoodnightFox resources are designed to support this process gently — through play, visuals, and connection — without pressure or overwhelm.

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Featured GoodnightFox Resources

• Emotions Flashcards

• Mindfulness Flashcards

• Emotions Poster Set

• Emotions To-Go Cards

• Calming Corner Guide

Free Dress Up Kids Printable (Creative, Open-Ended Play for Toddlers & Preschoolers)

Open-ended play is one of the easiest ways to support creativity, fine motor skills, and independent play at home — and it doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.

This free dress up kids printable was designed as a simple, reusable activity that works across ages and materials. Kids can decorate, redesign, and reimagine outfits again and again using things you already have at home.

Whether you’re looking for easy sensory play ideas for toddlers, a quiet time activity, or a low-prep homeschool resource, this printable fits beautifully into play trays, morning baskets, and dramatic play setups.

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What’s Included in the Free Dress Up Printable

This printable includes:

• A child figure template designed for decorating

• Simple outlines that invite creativity (not perfection)

• A format that works with multiple materials (art, sensory, dramatic play)

It’s intentionally minimal so kids can take the lead — adding outfits, textures, colors, and details in their own way.

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Ways to Play (3 Easy Setups)

1. Play Dough Dress Up (Sensory + Fine Motor)

This is one of the most engaging ways to use the printable and works especially well for toddlers and preschoolers.

Materials

• Printed dress up page (laminated if possible)

• Play dough in multiple colors

• Optional tools: rolling pin, dough knife, textured rollers

How to Play
Invite your child to use play dough to “dress” the character:

• Roll dough flat for shirts, dresses, or pants

• Use small pieces for buttons, pockets, or shoes

• Mix colors to create patterns

Learning Focus

• Fine motor strength

• Bilateral coordination

• Creative expression

This setup pairs beautifully with calm-down sensory play or independent work time.

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2. Dry Erase Dress Up (Reusable & Mess-Free)

This version is perfect for travel, restaurants, or quick table activities.

Materials

• Laminated printable or page inside a dry erase sleeve

• Dry erase markers

• Cloth or felt eraser

How to Play

• Draw outfits, accessories, or costumes

• Practice patterns (stripes, dots, zigzags)

• Erase and redesign as many times as they like

Learning Focus

• Pencil grip and control

• Early writing readiness

• Imaginative storytelling

This is a great option for parents looking for mess-free sensory play ideas.

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3. Nature Dress Up (Outdoor + Creative Thinking)

This version turns a simple walk outside into a creative play experience.

Materials

• Printed dress up page

• Leaves, grass, petals, sticks, small stones

• Glue stick or tape (optional)

How to Play
Encourage your child to use natural materials to create outfits:

• Leaves as skirts or capes

• Petals for patterns or accessories

• Twigs for belts or buttons

Learning Focus

• Nature exploration

• Texture awareness

• Open-ended problem solving

This is a lovely way to combine outdoor sensory play with art and imagination.

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How This Fits Into Your Play Rotation

This printable works well as:

• A morning basket activity

• A low-prep sensory tray

• A dramatic play invitation

• A quiet afternoon reset activity

Because it’s open-ended, you can revisit it again and again using different materials as your child grows.

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Want to Extend the Play?

If your child enjoys dressing characters, role-play, or imaginative setups, this activity pairs naturally with dramatic play printables that encourage storytelling, social skills, and longer play sessions.

You can extend this activity by:

• Creating a themed dress up day (farm, community helpers, animals, seasons)

• Pairing it with dramatic play setups that include signs, props, and role cards

• Using it as a warm-up before a full sensory or pretend play invitation

(If you’re looking for structured dramatic play kits with matching signs, props, and learning prompts, those pair especially well with this type of creative activity.)

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Download the Free Dress Up Kids Printable

This printable is free to download and designed to be used again and again.

👉 Download the free dress up kids printable here

Pin it, save it, and come back to it whenever you need a simple, creative play idea that keeps kids engaged without screens.

January Homeschool Reading List (Ages 3–5)

Books + Sensory Play Ideas to Extend Learning Through Play

January is one of my favorite months to homeschool. The slower pace after the holidays, cozy winter themes, and natural focus on reflection make it the perfect time to lean into literature-based learning paired with sensory play.

This January reading list comes straight from our homeschool planner for ages 3–5, and I wanted to share it here on the blog so you can:

• Easily revisit the book list

• Pair stories with hands-on sensory activities

• Extend learning beyond read-aloud time

• Bookmark it as a monthly rhythm resource

Many of these titles are also included as links in my planner, so having them here creates a helpful, searchable reference for homeschool moms planning month by month.

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How We Use Monthly Reading Lists

Each week, we focus on:

• 1–2 anchor books

• Short daily read-alouds

• A sensory bin, craft, or fine-motor activity inspired by the story

This approach supports:

• Language development

• Emotional regulation

• Fine motor skills

• Theme-based vocabulary

• Longer attention spans through play

If you’re homeschooling toddlers or preschoolers, this style keeps learning gentle, playful, and developmentally appropriate.

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January Homeschool Reading List (Ages 3–5)

🌟 New Year, Feelings & Growth

The Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution
Pair with:

• Goal-setting sensory tray (scoops + labeled cups like “kind,” “try,” “help”)

• Acorn counting or color sorting

• Simple “New Year promises” drawing page

The Night Before New Year’s
Pair with:

• Countdown number cards

• DIY ball drop using recycled tubes

• Fireworks sensory bin (black beans + glitter stars)

The Stars Will Still Shine
I Am Peace
Pair with:

• Calm-down sensory bottles

• Breathing cards

• Soft textures tray (felt, pom-poms, smooth stones)

🛠 Perseverance & Creativity

The Most Magnificent Thing
Pair with:

• Loose parts building tray

• Cardboard engineering challenge

• Magnets or recycled materials bin

This book is perfect for reinforcing growth mindset during the first month of the year.

❄️ Snow & Winter Exploration

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
A Big Snow by Jonathan Bean
Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner
Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin

Pair with:

• Fake snow sensory bin

• Ice excavation with pipettes

• Snowflake pattern matching

• Magnifying glasses for “snow science”

These titles align beautifully with Week 2: Snow & Ice in your January homeschool schedule.

🐻 Arctic & Animal-Themed Reads

The Bear Snores On
Penguin Problems
Little Polar Bear
Way Up in the Arctic
If You Were a Penguin

Pair with:

• Arctic animal small world play

• Sink or float experiments

• Ice cube habitats

• Animal movement games

This set supports vocabulary, science concepts, and imaginative play—perfect for extending winter themes without worksheets.

🍎 Food, Nutrition & Health

Eating the Alphabet
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato
Good Enough to Eat

Pair with:

• Food sorting trays

• Felt fruits & vegetables

• Counting snacks

• Grocery store dramatic play

These books pair naturally with fine motor work, early literacy, and healthy habit discussions.

🧼 Health & Social Skills

Germs Are Not for Sharing

Pair with:

• Glitter “germ” transfer experiment

• Handwashing sensory station

• Role-play scenarios with dolls or figures

This is a wonderful January reset book as kids return to routines and group settings.

Sample Weekly Flow Using This Reading List

Monday:
Read-aloud + sensory bin

Tuesday:
Book-inspired fine motor activity

Wednesday:
Craft or art invitation

Thursday:
Vocabulary + movement activity

Friday:
Free play using the week’s sensory setup

This rhythm mirrors the structure in your January homeschool planner and keeps prep minimal.

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Why Pair Books With Sensory Play?

When books are paired with hands-on activities, children:

• Retain vocabulary longer

• Stay engaged past their typical attention span

• Make emotional and real-world connections

• Develop fine motor and problem-solving skills

This is the heart of learning through play, and it’s exactly why I design my homeschool resources and sensory kits the way I do.

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Want This Done for You?

Many of these activities are already built into:

• My homeschool planner

• Printable activity kits

• Sensory play setups and flashcards

If you’re looking for low-prep, play-based learning, you’ll find plenty of support inside the Goodnight Fox shop.

Toilet Roll Arctic Animals Craft for Kids

Easy Winter Craft + Arctic Animals Homeschool Activity

Looking for a simple winter craft that doubles as an educational activity? This Toilet Roll Arctic Animals Craft is a hands-on way for toddlers and preschoolers to explore Arctic animals through creative play. Using recycled toilet paper rolls, kids can create adorable polar bears and penguins while building fine motor skills and learning about animals that live in cold climates.

This low-prep craft fits perfectly into Arctic Animals themed learning, making it an ideal activity for winter homeschooling, classroom centers, or cozy indoor afternoons.

How-to video showing a kids craft using toilet paper rolls to make a polar bear and penguin. The video demonstrates painting the rolls, cutting and gluing paper shapes, and assembling the Arctic animals step by step.

Materials

• Empty toilet paper rolls

• White cardstock or white paint

• Black cardstock or black paint

• Cotton balls

• Googly eyes

• Black pom poms or small paper dots

• Yellow/orange paper (for penguin beak and feet)

• Glue

• Scissors

• Optional: markers or crayons

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How to Make Toilet Roll Arctic Animals

Polar Bear

1. Wrap or paint the toilet roll white and allow it to dry.

2. Glue googly eyes onto the front.

3. Add a small black pom pom for the nose.

4. Pull apart cotton balls and glue them around the top, sides, and bottom to create fluffy fur and paws.

5. Add small black dots to the cotton for paw details.

Penguin

1. Cover or paint the toilet roll black and let dry.

2. Cut an oval from white paper and glue it to the front for the penguin’s belly.

3. Add googly eyes.

4. Cut a small triangle from yellow/orange paper for the beak and glue below the eyes.

5. Cut flippers and feet from black and yellow paper and attach.

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Opportunities to Make This a Learning Moment

While crafting, invite conversation and curiosity with questions like:

• Where do polar bears and penguins live?

• What do Arctic animals need to survive cold weather?

• How is a penguin different from a polar bear?

• Why do some animals have fur and others have feathers?

This turns a simple craft into educational sensory play for toddlers and preschoolers.

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Vocabulary Words to Weave In

• Arctic

• Polar

• Habitat

• Mammal

• Feathers

• Fur

• Cold climate

• Ice

• Snow

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Make your own arctic week!

This craft is featured in the GoodnightFox Homeschool Planner – January Week 3: Arctic Animals Theme.

During this week, children explore:

• Arctic habitats

• Animal characteristics

• Cold weather adaptations

• Fine motor and creative expression

This toilet roll craft pairs beautifully with Arctic-themed books, animal flashcards, and sensory play trays included in your January learning flow.

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Learning Extensions

Extend the activity with these GoodnightFox Arctic Animals resources:

• Arctic Animals Flashcards – perfect for vocabulary building and animal recognition

• Arctic Animals Printables – matching, tracing, and early learning activities

• Winter & Arctic Sensory Play Ideas – pair the craft with cotton “snow,” white pom poms, or icy blue sensory fillers

These materials help reinforce learning through play while keeping your homeschool days simple and cohesive.

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Why We Love This Craft

✔ Uses recycled materials
✔ Budget-friendly and low prep
✔ Supports fine motor skills
✔ Encourages creative expression
✔ Fits seamlessly into homeschool planning

If you’re building a winter homeschool routine filled with easy sensory play setups, educational crafts, and themed learning, this Toilet Roll Arctic Animals Craft is a must-add to your January plans.

Want more Arctic Animals activities? Explore the full GoodnightFox Arctic collection and homeschool planner for done-for-you learning that feels fun, not overwhelming ❄️🐧🐻‍❄️

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Arctic Week Reading List

If you’re following along in the Homeschool Planner, don’t forget to check out these great Arctic Themed Books.

• The Bear Snores On

• Penguin Problems

• Little Polar Bear

• Way Up in the Arctic

• If You Were a Penguin

How to Create a Daily Homeschool Rhythm That Actually Works (Without the Stress)

Creating a daily homeschool rhythm for preschool doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In this post, you’ll learn how to build a flexible homeschool schedule for ages 3–5 using play-based learning, simple routines, and a repeatable daily flow that actually works in real life. This approach supports early literacy, math, sensory play, and creativity—without rigid time blocks or burnout. Perfect for homeschool parents looking for an easy, low-stress daily routine.

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If homeschooling has ever felt overwhelming, chaotic, or like you’re constantly “behind,” you’re not doing it wrong — you’re just missing a rhythm, not a rigid schedule.

A daily homeschool rhythm gives your day structure without pressure. It creates predictability for your child while giving you flexibility as a parent — especially important in the preschool years when attention spans are short and curiosity changes by the minute.

In this post, I’ll walk you through how to build a simple, realistic homeschool rhythm that actually works for real life (snacks, meltdowns, and all).

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What Is a Homeschool Rhythm (and Why It Works Better Than a Schedule)?

A schedule tells you exactly what to do at a specific time.
A rhythm tells you what comes next — without locking you into the clock.

For young children, rhythms work better because they:

• Reduce power struggles

• Support emotional regulation

• Build independence and confidence

• Allow learning through play

• Adapt easily to energy levels and moods

Instead of “Math at 9:00, Reading at 9:30,” a rhythm sounds like:

“We do math in the morning, literacy later in the day, and creative play every afternoon.”

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The 6-Block Daily Homeschool Rhythm (Preschool-Friendly)

This rhythm is designed specifically for ages 3–5, with short, engaging learning blocks and plenty of movement and play.

1. Morning Block (Math)

This is when attention is highest, making it the perfect time for:

• Counting games

• Number recognition

• Simple patterns

• Shape sorting

• Hands-on math manipulatives

Keep it playful and short — 10–15 minutes is plenty.

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2. Snack or Meal

Snack time is learning time too!
Use this block to:

• Practice independence

• Talk about colors, shapes, or quantities

• Encourage conversation and connection

No worksheets required — just real life.

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3. Midday Block (Sensory or Science)

This is the heart of play-based learning:

• Sensory bins

• Simple science experiments

• Water play

• Dough, rice, beans, or themed trays

Sensory play helps children regulate emotions, build focus, and engage deeply with learning.

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4. Storytime

Storytime resets the nervous system and builds language skills.

• Read aloud

• Ask simple questions

• Connect stories to your weekly theme

This is also a great transition into quieter activities.

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5. Afternoon Block (Arts & Crafts)

Creative time allows children to process what they’ve learned:

• Painting

• Cutting and gluing

• Open-ended art

• Themed crafts

The goal isn’t a perfect project — it’s exploration and fine motor development.

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6. Late Afternoon Block (Literacy)

Save literacy for later in the day when it can be:

• Low pressure

• Short

• Familiar

Ideas include:

• Letter recognition

• Phonics games

• Tracing

• Matching activities

Think exposure, not mastery.

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Why This Rhythm Reduces Stress (for You and Your Child)

✔️ No rushing
✔️ No guilt if something gets skipped
✔️ Built-in flexibility
✔️ Predictable flow for kids
✔️ Easy to repeat daily

Children thrive when they know what comes next — even if the activities change.

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Editable daily homeschool planner sheet designed for preschool and pre-K homeschooling. This page allows parents to customize activities while still following a predictable daily rhythm. Includes space for math, snack time, sensory or science activities, storytime, crafts, and literacy. Designed to reduce overwhelm and help families build a calm, consistent homeschool routine.

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How Themes Make This Even Easier

When you pair your rhythm with weekly themes, planning becomes almost effortless.

For example:

• One theme per week

• Same daily rhythm

• Different activities within each block

This is exactly why I designed my Preschool Homeschool Planner — to take the guesswork out of planning while still leaving room for creativity and play.

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The Biggest Mistake Parents Make with Homeschooling

Trying to do too much.

Preschool learning happens through:

• Repetition

• Play

• Conversation

• Exploration

If your child is engaged, curious, and connected — you’re doing enough.

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Want This Done for You?

My Preschool Homeschool Planner (Ages 3–5) is built around this exact rhythm:

• Daily 6-block schedule

• Weekly themed plans

• Literacy, math, sensory, STEM, art & more

• Organized in Google Sheets for easy use

It’s designed to be:

• Simple

• Flexible

• Play-based

• Stress-free

✨ Perfect for parents who want structure without overwhelm.

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Final Reminder

You don’t need a perfect homeschool day.
You need a rhythm that supports your child, your home, and your energy.

Start simple. Stay flexible. And trust that learning is happening — even on the messy days 🤍

Nature Walk Dress-Up Craft for Kids (Free Printable Template!)

A nature walk becomes magic when kids discover they can turn leaves, petals, and flowers into beautiful outfits for little illustrated characters. This hands-on craft combines outdoor exploration, sensory learning, creativity, and fine-motor development—all while giving children a fun way to engage with nature. In this activity, kids collect natural materials during a walk and then use the free GoodnightFox dress-up printable template to design whimsical outfits.

This is a beautiful, low-prep, screen-free project perfect for preschool, kindergarten, and early elementary learners.

Materials

• Free GoodnightFox Nature Dress-Up Printable

• Cardstock or thick paper

• Glue dots or school glue

• A small collection bag or basket for the nature walk

• Flowers, leaves, herbs, petals, seed pods, grasses, or other safe natural materials

• Optional: crayons, colored pencils, washi tape

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How to Guide / Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Go on a Nature Walk

Take a relaxing stroll through the backyard, neighborhood, park, or garden. Encourage your child to look for:

• Leaves in different shapes and sizes

• Flower petals (fallen or gently picked with permission)

• Interesting textures like sage leaves, mint sprigs, pine needles, or soft grasses

2. Collect Your “Fashion Materials”

Give kids their own nature bag or basket. Let them collect anything safe, non-toxic, and not protected. Try to focus on items found on the ground to keep the activity eco-friendly.

3. Print the Free Dress-Up Templates

Your free GoodnightFox Dress-Up Dolls Printable features simple character outlines ready for kids to decorate. Print on cardstock for best results.

4. Create Your Natural Outfits

Spread out your nature treasures and invite kids to start arranging them on top of the character templates:

• Use large leaves as skirts

• Overlap colorful petals to create ball gowns

• Use tiny herbs or buds as hair accessories

• Long grasses make great scarves or belts

5. Glue Everything in Place

For young children, glue dots make this easy and mess-free. Older kids may enjoy using regular glue to create more elaborate designs.

6. Add Details

Let kids draw shoes, jewelry, sleeves, or background scenes. This part sparks storytelling and imaginative play.

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Opportunities to Make This a Learning Moment

Use this activity for meaningful conversations about nature, observation, and creativity. Here are prompts parents can use:

• “What colors did we see the most today?”

• “Which leaf feels soft? Which one feels rough?”

• “Why do you think the leaves have different shapes?”

• “What season do you think these colors remind you of?”

• “How does nature inspire fashion?”

• “Do petals or leaves make a stronger material?”

This is also a great activity for building early science vocabulary and developing descriptive language skills.

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Vocabulary Words to Weave In

• texture

• petal

• leaf vein

• stem

• season

• color palette

• detail

• symmetrical

• pattern

• natural materials

• arrange

• gather

• observe

• variation

• environment

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Homeschool Curriculum

This activity pairs perfectly with weeks covering seasons, plants, senses, nature, fine motor skills, and creative arts inside the GoodnightFox Homeschool Curriculum.

Families following the curriculum can use this activity as a hands-on enrichment project on days focused on outdoor learning, observational science, and art exploration.

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Learning Extensions

Encourage deeper play and learning with related GoodnightFox resources:

• Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt Printable

• Seasonal Flashcards

• Plant Life Cycle Worksheets

• Outdoor Exploration Activity Pack

• Fine Motor Cutting Strips (leaf + flower themes)

These add structure and educational depth to your themed weeks.

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Download Your Free Nature Dress-Up Printable

Turn your next walk into a magical kids’ craft!

➡️ Download the FREE template at GoodnightFox.com

This printable is perfect for classrooms, playdates, parkschools, and homeschool families looking for a simple, creative, screen-free project that children love.