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Learning In A Winter WonderlandLearning In A Winter Wonderland

Welcome to Camp Learning Resources

Keep the learning going all summer long with our free activities at Camp Learning Resources!

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Printable Camp Learning Resources Merit Badges

Printable Camp Learning Resources Merit Badges

Join our email list for more free activities!

Keep the learning going all summer long with our free activities at Camp Learning Resources and earn your merit badges! Print and color your merit badges as you follow our weekly learning activities!

The Benefits of Coloring:

Coloring is not only a fun activity, but it also has many benefits for children, including:

  • Development of fine motor skills: Coloring requires using small muscles in the hands and fingers, helping to develop fine motor skills.
  • Improves focus and concentration: Coloring can help children focus and concentrate on a specific task, which can be helpful for their academic performance.
  • Reduces stress and anxiety: Coloring can be a calming activity, helping reduce stress and anxiety in children and adults.

Encourage your child to use their favorite colors and get creative with their coloring. You can also use this printable to talk about springtime and narwhals, teaching your child about nature and animals. The Printable Spring Narwhal Coloring Page from Learning Resources is an excellent activity for children of all ages. It promotes the development of fine motor skills, improves focus and concentration, and helps to reduce stress and anxiety. Download the printable today and encourage your child to get creative with their coloring, spending quality time together as a family.

Printable Camp Learning Resources Merit Badges
Printable Camp Learning Resources Merit Badges

Join our email list for more free activities!

Keep the learning going all summer long with our free activities at Camp Learning Resources and earn your merit badges! Print and color your merit badges as you follow our weekly learning activities!

The Benefits of Coloring:

Coloring is not only a fun activity, but it also has many benefits for children, including:

  • Development of fine motor skills: Coloring requires using small muscles in the hands and fingers, helping to develop fine motor skills.
  • Improves focus and concentration: Coloring can help children focus and concentrate on a specific task, which can be helpful for their academic performance.
  • Reduces stress and anxiety: Coloring can be a calming activity, helping reduce stress and anxiety in children and adults.

Encourage your child to use their favorite colors and get creative with their coloring. You can also use this printable to talk about springtime and narwhals, teaching your child about nature and animals. The Printable Spring Narwhal Coloring Page from Learning Resources is an excellent activity for children of all ages. It promotes the development of fine motor skills, improves focus and concentration, and helps to reduce stress and anxiety. Download the printable today and encourage your child to get creative with their coloring, spending quality time together as a family.

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DIY Terrarium Play with Jumbo Insects

Looking to get your hands dirty, practice completing a project in sequence, and engage your little learner in some high-interest insect play? Bring the garden indoors with this toddler- and preschooler-approved DIY Terrarium activity, paired with Learning Resources Jumbo Insects!

Materials we used:

Depending on the size of your jar and what you have on hand, there are many ways to build the various layers of a terrarium (and the internet is ripe with ideas). We collected the items listed above for our creation and set up a station in the backyard, so our toddler could be engaged in the process without worrying about any mess involved with assembly. 

To provide visual cues about each step of the process, we illustrated our jar and the layers we planned to include on the dry erase side of the Double-Sided Tabletop Easel and referred back to it as needed (see photo). From bottom to top, this included a base layer of sheet moss, followed by layers of stone, activated charcoal, more moss, potting soil, and then our plants. We then topped everything off with decorative shells, stones, and some Jumbo Insect specimens (of course)! Each layer added visual interest when viewed through the clear glass and created a wild small world for our Jumbo Insects, ready to inspire all kinds of storytelling and language development.

When you make your terrarium, you’ll first need to choose a container. Anything clear with a wide enough mouth to add your plants will do! Then you’ll need to select plants that can fit and thrive inside -- ask the staff at your local garden center/nursery for advice on what might work best. Next, you’ll need to gather the materials for the other layers -- namely, the moss, stones, charcoal, which act as the drainage layers -- as well as the potting soil and any decorative elements that will peak interest of your little learner.

By asking our toddler to help us follow step-by-step instructions for filling our terrarium jar, we practiced organizing items and acting on information in sequence -- essential skills for fostering patience, problem-solving, scientific inquiry, and story comprehension. We also gave her the agency to choose and place the final decorative elements, such as the shells, colorful stones, and (above all) the Jumbo Insects, so even a toddler who might balk at having to follow a specific order in creating the overall terrarium would be engaged and invested to the very end.

What’s more, throughout the entire process, she had many opportunities to engage her senses by both smelling and touching the various elements of our jar, from tickly moss and rich soil to smooth stones and bumpy shells. We also had an entry-level discussion of what all plants need to grow and thrive and developed our insect-related vocabulary by observing, describing, and sharing facts about each of the Jumbo Insects (the Activity Guide that comes with the set includes facts for each insect). All-in-all, this project provides so many learning opportunities and leaves us with a beautiful terrarium to enjoy long after.

Are you looking to adapt or extend your play and learning even further? 

  • Counting, Sorting & Imaginary Play: Pair this activity with Learning Resources “In the Garden Critter Counters” for additional opportunities to extend your bug-themed learning, including everything from sensory bins or small world play, to counting or color sorting activities. The possibilities are nearly endless! 
  • Outdoor Bug Hunt: Get inspired by Jumbo Insects and head outdoors to the backyard or neighborhood park for a real insect hunt! Grab a bug net, magnifying glass, or binoculars (ours are made out of cardboard TP rolls!) and get ready for some simple, science-based exploration.
  • Bookish Play: Complement and extend your child’s learning by pairing this activity with bug/insect-themed books. Some of our favorites include:
    • Hank’s Big Day: The Story of a Bug (Evan Kuhlman)
    • The Big Book of Bugs (Yuval Zommer) 
    • Some Bugs (Angela DiTerlizzi)
    • Mrs. Peanuckle’s Bug Alphabet (Illus. Jessie Ford)
    • Pairs! In the Garden (Smriti Prasadam-Halls)
    • Plus any number of Eric Carle picture books! 

DIY Terrarium Play with Jumbo Insects

Looking to get your hands dirty, practice completing a project in sequence, and engage your little learner in some high-interest insect play? Bring the garden indoors with this toddler- and preschooler-approved DIY Terrarium activity, paired with Learning Resources Jumbo Insects!

Materials we used:

Depending on the size of your jar and what you have on hand, there are many ways to build the various layers of a terrarium (and the internet is ripe with ideas). We collected the items listed above for our creation and set up a station in the backyard, so our toddler could be engaged in the process without worrying about any mess involved with assembly. 

To provide visual cues about each step of the process, we illustrated our jar and the layers we planned to include on the dry erase side of the Double-Sided Tabletop Easel and referred back to it as needed (see photo). From bottom to top, this included a base layer of sheet moss, followed by layers of stone, activated charcoal, more moss, potting soil, and then our plants. We then topped everything off with decorative shells, stones, and some Jumbo Insect specimens (of course)! Each layer added visual interest when viewed through the clear glass and created a wild small world for our Jumbo Insects, ready to inspire all kinds of storytelling and language development.

When you make your terrarium, you’ll first need to choose a container. Anything clear with a wide enough mouth to add your plants will do! Then you’ll need to select plants that can fit and thrive inside -- ask the staff at your local garden center/nursery for advice on what might work best. Next, you’ll need to gather the materials for the other layers -- namely, the moss, stones, charcoal, which act as the drainage layers -- as well as the potting soil and any decorative elements that will peak interest of your little learner.

By asking our toddler to help us follow step-by-step instructions for filling our terrarium jar, we practiced organizing items and acting on information in sequence -- essential skills for fostering patience, problem-solving, scientific inquiry, and story comprehension. We also gave her the agency to choose and place the final decorative elements, such as the shells, colorful stones, and (above all) the Jumbo Insects, so even a toddler who might balk at having to follow a specific order in creating the overall terrarium would be engaged and invested to the very end.

What’s more, throughout the entire process, she had many opportunities to engage her senses by both smelling and touching the various elements of our jar, from tickly moss and rich soil to smooth stones and bumpy shells. We also had an entry-level discussion of what all plants need to grow and thrive and developed our insect-related vocabulary by observing, describing, and sharing facts about each of the Jumbo Insects (the Activity Guide that comes with the set includes facts for each insect). All-in-all, this project provides so many learning opportunities and leaves us with a beautiful terrarium to enjoy long after.

Are you looking to adapt or extend your play and learning even further? 

  • Counting, Sorting & Imaginary Play: Pair this activity with Learning Resources “In the Garden Critter Counters” for additional opportunities to extend your bug-themed learning, including everything from sensory bins or small world play, to counting or color sorting activities. The possibilities are nearly endless! 
  • Outdoor Bug Hunt: Get inspired by Jumbo Insects and head outdoors to the backyard or neighborhood park for a real insect hunt! Grab a bug net, magnifying glass, or binoculars (ours are made out of cardboard TP rolls!) and get ready for some simple, science-based exploration.
  • Bookish Play: Complement and extend your child’s learning by pairing this activity with bug/insect-themed books. Some of our favorites include:
    • Hank’s Big Day: The Story of a Bug (Evan Kuhlman)
    • The Big Book of Bugs (Yuval Zommer) 
    • Some Bugs (Angela DiTerlizzi)
    • Mrs. Peanuckle’s Bug Alphabet (Illus. Jessie Ford)
    • Pairs! In the Garden (Smriti Prasadam-Halls)
    • Plus any number of Eric Carle picture books! 

 READ MORE
DIY Elephant Toothpaste!

If you are looking for a “wow factor” outdoor science experiment for the kids this summer, you have come to the right place!

 READ MORE

DIY Overnight Crystals Craft!

Are you hosting a sleepover? Pack your child’s overnighter with a fun science craft! Here’s a fun and safe way to grow rock crystals during the night when your child and their buddies catch some ZZZ’s.

Read more

DIY Overnight Crystals Craft!

Are you hosting a sleepover? Pack your child’s overnighter with a fun science craft! Here’s a fun and safe way to grow rock crystals during the night when your child and their buddies catch some ZZZ’s.

 READ MORE
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DIY Unpoppable Bubbles Experiment!
This warmer weather brings out everyone’s favorite pastimes: Bubbles!
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3 Backyard Science Activities

3 Backyard Science Activities!

Scientific discoveries are as close as your backyard! As the weather warms up, the opportunities to explore and learn outside abound, bringing science to life. From insects and worms, to the composition of dirt and compost, to plants and flowers beginning to blossom and bloom, every square inch of backyards, gardens and neighborhoods are home to hundreds of interesting things just waiting to be discovered.Using the Outdoor Discovery Set and the Sand and Water Fine Motor Tool Set, my three daughters aged two, four and six and I set out on a mission to uncover the mysteries and treasures in our backyard. We were pleasantly surprised to learn that even in a small space there are plenty of things to unearth.

Insect Investigation

What will you find when you dig in the dirt or the compost?backyard science discoveryWith dozens of organisms living underground, what will kids find when they start digging? After a few minutes working through the dirt in the garden, the girls found plenty of worms and an insect they’d never seen before.Using the handy scooper, my eldest daughter carefully placed the bug in the Bug View jar.With its handy twist top, the Bug View jar gives kids freedom and control to independently inspect their discoveries. The Bug View jar also has a built-in magnifying glass which means kids can examine and analyze what they’ve discovered up close and personal.We talked about what kind of insect we thought it was – most likely a Click Beetle larvae - and how it is different than other bugs we are familiar with. We also discussed the bug’s unique features and characteristics. Did it have eyes and legs? What other distinctive traits could we see?backyard science discovery 

Creating and Experimenting with Gardening

The Outdoor Discovery Set includes guided activity cards for experiments, tests and observations. We used the Growing Garlic activity card as a launching point. How fun to make the connection that some of the very things we eat and cook in our kitchen can be planted just as they are in our backyard and produce new food.For this experiment, we used garlic cloves from our kitchen!backyard science garlicFirst, we filled one of the plant pots with soil.backyard science garlicNext, we made a hole in the dirt larger enough to fit a clove of garlic. Then, we planted the garlic in the plant pot, making sure to pop the clove in the right way up.backyard scienceAfter planting the garlic, we covered it up with fresh soil, then watered it.Voila! The last step is to wait see what happens. How long will it take for the garlic to sprout?

Exploring the World of Water

For toddlers and children in the younger preschool years who may be less interested in gardening experiments and investigating insects, exploring outside with water and testing fine motor skills might be right up their alley. The Sand and Water Fine Motor Tool Set is a fun starting point to challenge a child’s dexterity while having fun.water and sand backyard science experimentFirst, we filled a big bucket of water in the backyard. Then we used the droppers and scoops to squeeze, squirt and spurt water. The toys can be used with sand too! Do sand and water squish and spray differently?backyard science experimentWe found more than meets the eye as we explored our backyard. What new scientific discoveries will you capture, observe and create as you head outdoors?

Looking for more screen-free science? Click here for some more activities!

3 Backyard Science Activities
3 Backyard Science Activities!
Scientific discoveries are as close as your backyard! As the weather warms up, the opportunities to explore and learn outside abound, bringing science to life. From insects and worms, to the composition of dirt and compost, to plants and flowers beginning to blossom and bloom, every square inch of backyards, gardens and neighborhoods are home to hundreds of interesting things just waiting to be discovered.Using the Outdoor Discovery Set and the Sand and Water Fine Motor Tool Set, my three daughters aged two, four and six and I set out on a mission to uncover the mysteries and treasures in our backyard. We were pleasantly surprised to learn that even in a small space there are plenty of things to unearth.

Insect Investigation

What will you find when you dig in the dirt or the compost?backyard science discoveryWith dozens of organisms living underground, what will kids find when they start digging? After a few minutes working through the dirt in the garden, the girls found plenty of worms and an insect they’d never seen before.Using the handy scooper, my eldest daughter carefully placed the bug in the Bug View jar.With its handy twist top, the Bug View jar gives kids freedom and control to independently inspect their discoveries. The Bug View jar also has a built-in magnifying glass which means kids can examine and analyze what they’ve discovered up close and personal.We talked about what kind of insect we thought it was – most likely a Click Beetle larvae - and how it is different than other bugs we are familiar with. We also discussed the bug’s unique features and characteristics. Did it have eyes and legs? What other distinctive traits could we see?backyard science discovery 

Creating and Experimenting with Gardening

The Outdoor Discovery Set includes guided activity cards for experiments, tests and observations. We used the Growing Garlic activity card as a launching point. How fun to make the connection that some of the very things we eat and cook in our kitchen can be planted just as they are in our backyard and produce new food.For this experiment, we used garlic cloves from our kitchen!backyard science garlicFirst, we filled one of the plant pots with soil.backyard science garlicNext, we made a hole in the dirt larger enough to fit a clove of garlic. Then, we planted the garlic in the plant pot, making sure to pop the clove in the right way up.backyard scienceAfter planting the garlic, we covered it up with fresh soil, then watered it.Voila! The last step is to wait see what happens. How long will it take for the garlic to sprout?

Exploring the World of Water

For toddlers and children in the younger preschool years who may be less interested in gardening experiments and investigating insects, exploring outside with water and testing fine motor skills might be right up their alley. The Sand and Water Fine Motor Tool Set is a fun starting point to challenge a child’s dexterity while having fun.water and sand backyard science experimentFirst, we filled a big bucket of water in the backyard. Then we used the droppers and scoops to squeeze, squirt and spurt water. The toys can be used with sand too! Do sand and water squish and spray differently?backyard science experimentWe found more than meets the eye as we explored our backyard. What new scientific discoveries will you capture, observe and create as you head outdoors?

Looking for more screen-free science? Click here for some more activities!

 READ MORE

Science Up Your Summer!

Looking for summer activities that will help beat summer brain drain? Look no further than your backyard. Using materials from home, these fun science activities are practical and deepen each child’s experience with the natural environment.

Read more

Science Up Your Summer!

Looking for summer activities that will help beat summer brain drain? Look no further than your backyard. Using materials from home, these fun science activities are practical and deepen each child’s experience with the natural environment.

 READ MORE