Homeschool Den Making Homeschooling Hands On Engaging Meaningful

by Liesl - Homeschool Den · Published September 29, 2025 I have just started my second year teaching a Hands-On Science class for lower elementary students K-3 (ages 5-9 or so). This is an in-person class that I teach once a week and I teach three different sessions (same material/different group of kids). I thought I would share some of the activities I am doing this year with my students in science class – so in this series I will... Ages 2-6: Toddler/Preschool Activities / Homeschool Den / Kindergarten / Science: Animal Characteristics / Science: Vertebrates - Invertebrates by Liesl - Homeschool Den · Published September 10, 2025 · Last modified September 11, 2025

This 30+ page Farm Animal Unit includes matching pages, tracing, cut-and-paste activities, Farm Animals (and their babies) Montessori 3-part cards, as well as interactive notebook (lapbook) pieces. It is FREE to download through Oct. 10, 2025! Making Homeschooling Hands-On, Engaging, Meaningful & Memorable! Be inspired by all the possibilities!! Check out our unit studies...

Homeschoolden.com most likely does not offer any malicious content. Homeschoolden.com provides SSL-encrypted connection. Homeschoolden.com most likely does not offer any adult content. Making Homeschooling Hands-On, Engaging, Meaningful & Memorable! Be inspired by all the possibilities!! Check out our unit studies, packets and printables!

Check out what's new at Knowledge Crates! If you're new to homeschooling, you’ve probably heard the phrase "hands-on learning," but what does that really mean? Think about how kids naturally learn when they play—they touch, build, and explore. Hands-on learning taps into that curiosity by letting kids engage with materials and activities instead of just listening to explanations or filling out worksheets. Let me give you an example. Imagine you're teaching your child how to count money.

The traditional way might be having them memorize coin values from a worksheet, which—let's be honest—can feel a little dull (not to mention, result in some less-than-idea enthusiasm and cooperation from your little learner). Now, imagine setting up a pretend store where they "buy" and "sell" items using real coins. They get to handle the money, count it out, and problem-solve when making change. Suddenly, math feels like a fun game instead of a chore! Hands-on learning makes concepts stick because kids are experiencing them rather than just reading about them. It works well for all learning styles and helps children develop problem-solving skills through exploration.

I know what you might be thinking—sure, hands-on learning sounds great, it's the dream ... but we've got a lot of stuff to get done! Can’t we just stick to the books and get through the lessons? I GET IT. But let's take a second to talk this out, and believe me, I'm writing this as much as a reminder to myself as advice to you on why this matters. These days, it seems like hands-on homeschool is a buzzword of sorts.

What’s all the fuss about? It’s best to define hands-on first because I think its overall meaning might surprise you. You see, hands-on learning can actually mean several things. Most obviously, hands-on means “touching” things during lessons. For instance, rather than reading about simple machines, you actually use simple machines to learn about their characteristics. Or, when learning about the rock cycle, you make your own rocks by taking them through a rock cycle simulation.

Similar to the definition above, hands-on can also mean learning by doing. When you learn about Colonial history and actually do several of the tasks that would have been done during that era, that’s hands-on. As are cooking or baking. Hands-on can also mean connecting somewhat abstract ideas to experiences that build concrete understanding. In other words, real-life experiences become building blocks in the brain, allowing more complex concepts to make sense. For example, using snap cubes to help a child “see” the formulas for calculating perimeter, area, and volume.

Or, using beans to teach how scientists determine a taxonomy. Free. Exclusive. Just for you. Four unique services that make learning easier, faster, and smarter - only on our website. Begin by understanding your child's interests, as they offer valuable insights into their preferences and learning styles.

Combine these interests with engaging and playful learning activities to spark excitement about acquiring new skills. Collaborate with your child to design a visually appealing poster featuring characters or themes that capture their interest. Together with your child list different learning areas you aim to cover daily, empowering your child to take ownership of their educational journey. Laminate the schedule for durability and encourage your child to check off each learning area daily. This blog is a repost of an article that was recently featured on Rent.’s blog, a Redfin subsidiary. PlanIt Homeschool is honored to be named an expert in this Rent.

article. Check out the featured article: Homeschool Activities | Rent. Homeschooling offers a unique opportunity for parents to engage with their children in a way that fits their individual needs and learning styles. One of the best ways to keep kids motivated and excited about learning at home is by incorporating fun, hands-on homeschool activities that enhance learning and get them thinking critically. Whether you’re homeschooling in your new home in Idaho Falls, ID, apartment in Murray, UT, or rental house in Westminster, CO, we’ll explore a variety of activities that will keep your kids engaged while... From science experiments to arts and crafts, there’s something exciting for every child.

Homeschooling younger children can be a fun and creative process, especially when you incorporate simple DIY activities and indoor toys. These homeschool activities can help little ones develop their fine motor skills, color recognition, and focus. “One of my favorite toddler homeschool activities right now is a color sort I made using cardboard, paint/markers, scissors, and some large pom-poms,” Dannin Clutter, blogger at PlanIt Homeschool, shares. This post may contain affiliate links. When you click and purchase from any of our links, we may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, please see our affiliate disclosure.

STEM kits, ever heard of them? They’re these super cool boxes packed with activities and materials focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Think of them as an adventure you can unbox, tailored for hands-on learning. They’re not just about solving a science problem or building a robot. It’s about sparking curiosity and feeding that thirst for knowledge kids naturally have. Perfect for making learning feel like playtime.

Why are these kits such a hit, especially with homeschoolers? It’s all about the hands-on experience. Kids love using their hands, figuring things out, and getting a sense of accomplishment when they see a project come together. STEM kits offer that in bucketloads! They turn abstract math or science concepts into something you can touch, see, and understand. Plus, they’re great for all ages, letting you tailor your educational journey according to your child’s pace.

Learning at home doesn’t have to mean rows of textbooks and hours of lectures. With STEM kits, it becomes an exhilarating journey filled with experiments and discoveries. Whether your kid is building a little circuit board or growing a crystal garden, they’re learning problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and the beauty of trial and error—all while having a blast. And as a parent, you get to watch their love for learning grow right in front of your eyes. That’s pretty rewarding! There’s this magic in watching kids light up when they figure something out on their own.

STEM kits help create those moments. So, if you’re looking to add some zest to your homeschooling routine, these kits might just be the secret weapon you’ve been searching for. With everything from coding games to chemistry sets, there’s something to ignite every child’s passion for learning.

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