Terri Thompson

Rain and Raindrop Crafts for Kids

January 23, 2022 By Terri Thompson

Instead of dreading the next rainy day, why not celebrate the rain?

These fun rain crafts for kids are all fun ways to make a stormy day less gloomy.

Are you ready? It’s time to get creative and celebrate the rain.

These fun rain and raindrop crafts for kids of all ages are perfect for a rainy day, a weather unit, or any day in between.

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Fun Rain Crafts for Kids

All of these fun crafts are easy to do. You’ll find some classic art techniques and some unique twists.

These ideas are perfect for kids of all ages. Your youngest kids can get creative with a Raindrop Mobile or a Toddler Rain Cloud Craft. Let your older kids create some Silhouette Rainy Day Art or Monoprint Rainstorm Art. You can even use the rain to help you create!

If you’re looking for toddler crafts, check out these Weather Crafts for Toddlers that are all fun and age-appropriate.

Come on, let’s get creative and find a fun project (or two) to do with our kids!

Rain Crafts for Kids

These rain and raindrop crafts for kids are perfect for a rainy day, a weather unit, or any day in between. You'll find crafts for all ages of kids from toddlers to preschoolers to elementary.

Raindrop Mobile Kids Craft

Use a fun drip-painting technique to make this rustic raindrop moblie.

Sun and Rain Sensory Bottles

Create glittery sensory bottles inspired by both the sun and rain with this craft.

Preschool Paper Plate Umbrella Craft

This simple paper plate umbrella craft is great for toddlers and preschoolers.

Rain Cloud Suncatcher Craft

Photo Credit: preschoolinspirations.com

Make a simple puffy cloud and rain suncatcher with this fun craft.

Rain Painting Craft for Developing Prewriting Skill

Photo Credit: theeducatorsspinonit.com

Use watercolor resist to make this fun rain art project.

Bubble Wrap Rain Craft

Photo Credit: www.123homeschool4me.com

Try printmaking with bubble wrap for this simple rain and umbrella craft.

Rainy Day Window Art

Photo Credit: playteachrepeat.com

Create a rainy window with this fun rainy day art project.

3D Umbrella Rainy Day Card for Kids to Make

Photo Credit: www.craftymorning.com

This cute 3D umbrella card would be a fun homemade gift for family and friends.

Raindrop Suncatchers

Photo Credit: www.pre-kpages.com

Decorate your windows with these beautiful raindrop suncatchers.

Clouds and Rain Weather Windsock Craft

Photo Credit: www.adabofgluewilldo.com

This adorable windsock craft would be so much fun for preschoolers!

Rain Cloud Craft

Photo Credit: www.giftofcuriosity.com

Use drip painting to make this fun and simple rain craft.

Thunderstorm Art Project

Photo Credit: buggyandbuddy.com

Create your own interpretation of a thunder storm with this awesome weather art project.

Painting Rain with Printable Art Prompt

Photo Credit: www.adventure-in-a-box.com

Use printable silhouettes to make this fun rainy day artwork.

Rain Cloud Paper Craft with a Paper Plate Sun

Photo Credit: www.easypeasyandfun.com

This simple rain cloud craft is perfect to make on your next rainy day.

Rain Cloud Toddler Craft

Photo Credit: myboredtoddler.com

Your toddler can get in on the fun with this simple rain cloud craft.

3D Rain Clouds Craft

Photo Credit: iheartcraftythings.com

Use the free printable to help you make this cute 3D rain clouds craft.

Wind & Rain Process Art

Photo Credit: playtolearnpreschool.us

Use a rainy day to inspire some beautiful artwork with this wind & rain process art activity.

Weather Mobile Craft for Kids

Photo Credit: buggyandbuddy.com

Include the rain, storm clouds, rainbows, and other images of weather on this pretty mobile.

Rainbow Rainy Day Art STEAM Project for Kids

Photo Credit: rhythmsofplay.com

Use the rain to create beautiful artwork with this fun STEAM project.

Kids art :: Painting With The Rain

Photo Credit: nurturestore.co.uk

You could also try this simple rainy day art project and use the rain to help you create.

Butterfly Rain Art

Photo Credit: www.muminthemadhouse.com

Use the rain to help you blend your colors with this pretty butterfly art project.

Watercolour Pencils Rain Art

Photo Credit: www.adventure-in-a-box.com

Use watercolor pencils to create your artwork, then let the rain help you blend them together with this fun art project.

April Showers Rain Drop Craft

Photo Credit: simplytodaylife.com

Decorate your windows with these simple rain drop suncatchers.

Paper Plate Rain Craft

Photo Credit: www.craftsonsea.co.uk

Use a free template to make this cute paper plate rain cloud craft.

Combine Your Craft With a Book About Rain

It’s always fun to combine a craft with a great book to go along with the topic. So, if you’re planning a rain craft, try one of these books about rain to go along with it.

I find it’s always helpful to have a good book to read while you’re waiting for paint to dry!

Come on, Rain! by Karen Hesse and Jon J. Muth

Singing in the Rain by Tim Hopgood

Down Comes the Rain by Dr. Franklyn M. Branley

The Rain Came Down by David Shannon

Storm is Coming! by Heather Tekavec and Margaret Spengler

The Storm Book by Charlotte Zolotow and Margaret Bloy Graham

Rain: Ready-to-Read Level 1 by Marion Dane Bauer and John Wallace

Rain! by Linda Ashman and Christian Robinson

Fun Nonstandard Measurement Games

January 20, 2022 By Terri Thompson

It’s fun to explore measurement with some fun Nonstandard Measurement Games.

How many things can you measure? Measure a room, your foot, or even your full body.

This fun selection of measurement games are hands-on and engaging. They’re perfect for learning at home!

What is Nonstandard Measurement?

Nonstandard measurement is when you use an object, other than a ruler, to measure the length or width of an object.

So, let’s go have some fun and use our feet, our hands, our toys, or even straws to explore measurement.

Fun Nonstandard Measurement Games

Measure with hearts, handprints, LEGO Bricks, and more with these fun math activities.

Nonstandard Measurement Games

Explore measurement with these fun nonstandard measurement games for kids. These hands-on math activities with make learning fun for your kids.

Valentine Nonstandard Measurement Activity

This Valentine's Day activity uses heart doilies to measure different items. But you can adapt it for any holiday by cutting shapes out of paper. (For example, you can measure with shamrocks for St. Patrick's Day.)

Measuring with Kind Hands

Photo Credit: rainydaymum.co.uk

Make Kind Hands, which are your handprints labeled with acts of kindness, to measure just how tall you are.

Measuring with the Foot Book by Dr. Seuss

Photo Credit: inspirationlaboratories.com

Place one foot in front of the other to measure all sorts of items with this fun idea inspired by Dr. Seuss's The Foot Book.

Fun Body Measurement Activities with a Piece of String

Photo Credit: igamemom.com

Use a piece to string to measure and compare the length of different parts of your body.

Measuring With Straws

Photo Credit: lifeovercs.com

Paper straws are a great tool to use for nonstandard measurement. Use them to measure and record the lengths of different items.

Measuring Activity For Preschoolers

Photo Credit: littlebinsforlittlehands.com

Use small blocks, such as Unifix Cubes to measure your hands and feet.

Handprint Measuring and Number Lines

Photo Credit: theimaginationtree.com

Use cutouts of your handprint to measure and then make a fun handprint number line with this fun activity.

Measuring Length in Non-Standard Units with Candy Hearts

Photo Credit: jdaniel4smom.com

Use candy hearts as a measuring tool with this great activity. Includes fun printables to help you measure.

Space Nonstandard Measurement Activity

Photo Credit: www.totschooling.net

Use some fun space-themed measurement printables to explore nonstandard measurement.

Measuring with Magna-Tiles

Photo Credit: www.andnextcomesl.com

Do you have Magna-Tiles at home? They're a fun tool to use to explore measurement with this activity.

Preschool Math Lesson : Lego Measurement

Photo Credit: www.notimeforflashcards.com

How many LEGOs tall is your drinking glass? Use LEGOs to explore measurement all around the house.

How to Make Bean Rulers

Photo Credit: pocketofpreschool.com

Make your own ruler out of dry beans to use while you explore nonstandard measurement.

Which one of these fun ideas do you think you’ll try with your kids?

My Favorite Math Resources

We love using games to practice our math. It definitely makes learning fun. Here are some great ones you’ll love playing.

Top Family Movies on Amazon Prime

January 18, 2022 By Terri Thompson

We don’t always plan ahead for family movie night.

Sometimes, it’s a last minute idea and there’s just not any time to go and find a great family friendly movie.

So, now what? Well, just head over to one of your streaming services and take a peek. For instance, here are some of the best family movies on Amazon Prime right now.

What are you going to watch for your next family movie night? You don't need to look any further than these top family movies on Amazon Prime.

Note: The age suggestions came from Common Sense Media. Please use your own discretion when choosing a movie. You know your family best!

Note: These fun family movies are available with your Amazon Prime subscription as of January 18, 2021.

Best Family Movies on Amazon Prime

There are so many reasons why I love my Amazon Prime subscription. One favorite part is the movie and TV selection.

So, you don’t have to look any further for your next family movie night.

Here are my family’s suggestions of Prime movies you may love for your next movie night.

Fun Animated Family Movies

Despicable Me (rated PG, good for kids 6+) This popular film featuring those lovable minions is my number one choice if you’re planning a fun family movie night. Kids and adults both love this movie!

Puss in Boots (rated PG, good for kids 6+) If you’re a fan of Shrek, then you’ll love to see the back story of the swashbuckling Puss in Boots. This is another top choice for family movie night.

Monsters Vs. Aliens (rated PG, good for kids 7+) In this movie, a ragtag group of monsters try to save the earth from an alien mastermind. If you’ve got sensitive little ones, this may not be the best choice because of all the action. But, it’s similar to what you’d find while watching The Incredibles so most kids will be ok.

Hotel Transylvania: Transfomania (rated PG, good for kids 7+) Oops! A new invention has gone haywire and the monsters have turned into humans and the humans into monsters. Can they fix the problem before the change becomes permanent?

Anamalympics (rated 7+) This fun throwback animated feature (from 1980) features a fun bunch of animals as they compete in the Olympic Games. I remember watching this as a kid and it would be a fun one to watch to get ready for the upcoming Winter Olympics.

Live Action Family Movies

Snow Day (rated PG, good for kids 5+) After an unexpected snowfall, the whole town shuts down. Of course, lots of hijinks ensue as the kids try to keep the school shut down longer. This would be a fun choice if your kids are home for a snow day!

Mr. Popper’s Penguins (rated PG, good for kids 6+) This fun movie is funny interpretation of a classic children’s book where a business man inherits 6 penguins.

Cinderella (rated PG, good for kids 8+) There are many different versions of Cinderella, but the one currently available is a Prime exclusive. This live action version starring Camila Cabello and an all-star cast is fun and modern and a great choice to watch with your older kids (or for a mother/daughter movie date).

Sister Act (rated PG, good for kids 10+) This is another fun throwback choice about a nightclub singer forced to hide from the mob in a convent. This movie is fun, heartwarming, and full of music. It’s a great choice for a movie night with older kids.

What’s the last movie you’ve watched on Amazon Prime?

All the best family movies on Amazon Prime.

Get Amazon Prime to make family movie night easy.

If you’ve got Amazon Prime, it can be so easy to have a fun movie night. They’ve got so many family friendly movies, including all the ones listed above available via streaming (in addition to other great benefits). You can sign up for Amazon Prime via this link.

Subtraction with Manipulatives Math Activity

January 18, 2022 By Terri Thompson

I’ve spent a lot of time tutoring kids in the lower elementary grades. We’ve worked on math a lot.

Time after time, I’ve seen understanding click as soon as I introduced math manipulatives. And, you’ll see it click as soon as you introduce subtraction with manipulatives. Being able to physically touch and see your math problems makes math much more real.

Subtraction using buttons as manipulatives

Why You Should Use Math Manipulatives

Using math manipulatives is a great way to work on counting, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Your child’s fingers will work to move the items. Their eyes will see and make connections. Suddenly a math concept becomes much more clear.

Math manipulatives is a great hands-on way to learn math and understand the concepts.

And you don’t have to spend a lot of money to find these manipulatives. It can be as simple as pulling out the stockpile of buttons or emptying the change jar. You just need something small that you have a lot of.

How To Get Started With Subtraction Using Manipulatives

First, you’ll need some subtraction problems. Write them down on some index cards. You can write random problems or choose any group of subtraction facts that your child needs to work on.

Then, you’ll also need some math manipulatives. Choose something small like rocks, mini erasers, buttons, or even LEGO blocks. You just want to make sure you have enough loose parts to work each of your subtraction problems.

Subtraction With Loose Parts

Using loose parts helps a child easily see and better understand how subtraction works.

Start with the first number in your subtraction problem and count out that many items. Next, remove the amount of your second number in your math problem. Count up the remaining items and you have the answer to your subtraction problem.

Work through all your subtraction problems using your math manipulatives.

Other Way to Do Subtraction with Manipulatives:

*Use larger numbers. You don’t have to keep your subtraction problems under ten.

*When your child is more comfortable doing subtraction, have them find the answer in their head and then count out the correct number of loose parts for their answer.

*Use this method for doing subtraction on the go. Use rocks, sticks, acorns, or other natural items as your loose parts.

*Take this math activity outside and write your subtraction problems on the sidewalk with chalk. Have your child find the loose parts they need to solve each problem.

Subtraction with Manipulatives math activity

You’ll Love These Math Manipulatives

There is such a wealth of fine motor math manipulatives. Check out some of these options you can use for practicing math, subtraction, and more.

Jack Be Nimble Science Activity

January 10, 2022 By Terri Thompson

I’ve always had a soft spot for nursery rhymes.

My girls grew up with them. We read tons of nursery rhyme books, did a lot of crafts, and now we’re going to do some nursery rhyme science experiments.

We experimented with candles for this Jack Be Nimble science activity. This candle science project was so much fun!

Explore how fire needs oxygen to burn with this simple Jack Be Nimble science activity for kids. How long will Jack's candle burn?

Before You Begin

This science experiment uses fire. Please use caution and make sure there is an adult helper every step of the way.

Supplies Needed

2 tealights

2 candle-safe saucers or candle holders (we used the saucers from our dishes set)

Lighter

Drinking glass (choose a clear glass one so you can see the candle underneath)

Timer

How to Set Up Your Jack Be Nimble Science Activity

Set a tea light on each saucer and place them side by side. Make sure there is enough room to put the glass over one of your candles.

Prepare your timer. We used the timer app on my phone.

Finally, light both of your candles.

Everything needs to be set up before you start this experiment.

Two tealight candles that have been lit sitting up saucers with a clear drinking glass nearby

Make your predictions

What will happen if you put the drinking glass over one of the candles? Which candle is going to stay lit the longest? How much longer do you think it will be?

Take the time to discuss with your kids about what they think will happen during this experiment.

Two tealight candles that have been lit with a hand holding a clear drinking glass ready to set over top of one of the candles.

Do the Experiment

This experiment moves fast, so be ready!

Place your drinking glass over one of your lit candles. Start your timer as soon as you set your glass over the candle.

Hint: It works best if to have one person in charge of the glass and one person in charge of the timer. If you’re working with a child too young to work with the candle, put them in charge of starting the timer!

Keep a watch on the candles. As soon as one candle goes out, stop the timer.

Which candle stopped burning first? How long did it take to go out?

The tealight candle with the clear drinking glass has burnt out and the uncovered candle is still lit. The time has been stopped at 5 seconds.

The science behind this experiment

Fire needs two things to burn: oxygen and fuel. If you take one of these away, your fire will burn out. When we placed the drinking glass over our candle, we reduced the amount of oxygen. It didn’t take long for our fire to use up that bit of oxygen. Our candle burned out in under six seconds! Our second candle had a constant supply of oxygen, so it stayed lit until we blew it out.

What was the result of your experiment? How long did your candle underneath the glass stay lit?

Experiment More

If you want to experiment further, find a second drinking glass that is a different size than the first one. Set up your experiment again and this time put a glass over each of the candles. Which of these candles burnt out first? Why do you think that happened?

My Must-Have Resources for Science Fun

I don’t know about you, but I don’t always have time to prep a fun science project. That’s why I love Green Kid Crafts Discovery boxes. The boxes are packed full of projects that are fun and inviting. You can choose to get a subscription or a one-off box based off of a specific theme. Any one you choose would be a lot of fun!

Here are some of our favorites (you can purchase and find out more at each link):

Get a monthly subscription.

Kitchen Science Box

Physics Box

Find all their fun STEM and science boxes here.

STEAM Family Activities

Wouldn’t it be so much fun to get STEAM family activities delivered to your inbox? I think so! That’s why I’ve created this fun series, STEAM Family Fun, to be delivered to your inbox. After going through all the letters in STEAM each week with a fun activity devoted to each, you’ll start receiving a fun STEAM activity once a month. (And I’ll also pop up in your inbox occasionally if I’ve got other fun things to share.)

Fill out the form below to start receiving STEAM Family Fun in your inbox.

Terri Thompson

Fun Rain Crafts for Kids

Combine Your Craft With a Book About Rain

You May Also Like One of These Spring Crafts for Kids

What is Nonstandard Measurement?

Fun Nonstandard Measurement Games

You may also like one of these fun math activities:

My Favorite Math Resources

Best Family Movies on Amazon Prime

Fun Animated Family Movies

Live Action Family Movies

You may also like one of these family movie ideas:

Get Amazon Prime to make family movie night easy.

Why You Should Use Math Manipulatives

How To Get Started With Subtraction Using Manipulatives

Subtraction With Loose Parts

Other Way to Do Subtraction with Manipulatives:

You May Also Like One of These Math Activities:

You’ll Love These Math Manipulatives

Before You Begin

Supplies Needed

How to Set Up Your Jack Be Nimble Science Activity

Make your predictions

Do the Experiment

The science behind this experiment

Experiment More

You may also like one of these science experiments:

My Must-Have Resources for Science Fun

STEAM Family Activities

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